I just wanted to say thank you so much for all your videos. I'm learning guitar from absolute scratch, I have no education or experience in playing music or instruments whatsoever and this is an entirely new language that I am learning. I really appreciate your patience and simple yet thorough teachings and advise especially on the things which to experience players might seem obvious. Most of the tutorials i've seen online speak as if they expect you to know what they are talking about or to have some background understanding of things so it's great to know I can come here as a complete beginner and feel welcomed and encouraged!
This comment makes me feel pretty nice and hopeful as I, too, have absolutely zero music experience and have never played an instrument in my life aside from the absolute most basic of songs on a piano as a kid. I’ve watched and read several guitar courses, but as you say, Emma, many of them assume that you have some level of experience with music theory and instrument playing to begin with, which I definitely don’t have. I’m so glad I came across JustinGuitar and his incredible courses that are great for a beginner like me and you! Not to mention his courses are free, which is just incredible. I’m sure I’ll be paying for the app in no time as I hear it’s great, but the fact that he’s offering all these courses for free is just mind-blowing.
Apologies for the re-upload - but the original ones were far too dark because of a colour grading issue. So I'm re-uploading them all over the next few days. Sorry if it's flooding your feed.
@@adityashah5597 Everybody has their own preference, but I believe the general consensus is that the strat body is easier to hold for beginners. If possible you should try both to see what you like. And keep an eye out for the difference in sound between humbucker pickups and single coil pickups.
I've played acoustic guitar for 10+ years and always held it on my right leg. Last year I picked up electric and found that I can't play comfortably like that. The "classical guitar position" feels way better and it allows for better reach beacause of my short fingers.
I recommend the classic guitar position for two reasons: less stress on the right shoulder and because it's similar to how you hold the guitar standing up. And we all know how much different and hard is playing standing up.
After my guitar injury last year (I had loss of mobility and 24x7 pain that has never went away, but I regained 98% of my mobility back after 8 months of having to stop or surgery was next) I am reassessing everything from thumb position to how I held the guitar. My main focal point is now that I do NOT want to crinkle my wrist at all though I can't find a comfortable position to practise in that my wrist always stays straight. Small hands with my longest finger being just a tad more length than an AA battery so reaching string six without hurting my wrist (not being straight) is near impossible. HELP.
Absolutely. I can't understand why anybody suggests placing it on the right leg. I'm a complete newbie to the guitar, but we all have to listen to our bodies, right? 58 years old and overweight, average height, I just don't like feeling my right arm and shoulder shoved up in the air like that (playing on an acoustic). Plus, the classical position puts the body of the guitar right in front of your body, feeling much more natural for strumming or finger style. I've seen various other guitar gurus online say the same thing, so not sure of Justin's reasoning. He's very thin, so maybe that's more comfortable for him. We each have to find our own path, as he says.
@@Invisible_Hermit I'm slimmer than Justin and I can't properly hold the guitar when I put it on my right leg. I don't quite understand how I'm supposed to reach all of the strings while my right arm is resting on top of the guitar without slouching forward. The classic position feels much more comfortable for me.
This 'how to hold the guitar' vid is priceless. It is probably something experienced players no longer think about, but beginners struggle with and don't even know what they are doing wrong. The 'don't hold the guitar up with your chording hand' is something I really needed to hear. It's a gamechanger. Now I can get my hand position where it belongs. Give yourself a raise.
Can't tell you how much of a game changer was this tip on trying to get right posture. I'm around one year into my guitar journey, and was really struggling with anxiety while playing, then I watched this video and like magic, no more problems. Thank you, for making guitar playing enjoyable!
I have some physical challenges for playing guitar, but I've never let that stop me trying. Once upon a time, I learned a few specific bits like the intro to "Wish You Were Here" from some videos of a very young you in a floppy knit cap.... I recently picked up my old guitar again and here you still are, being amazing and wonderful. Thank you for being you, I wouldn't be able to limp through this without your teaching clarity and dedication to the craft. Thank you thank you thank you.
Hi Justin ... I fell into the “crane neck” posture when I started at Christmas but I’ve found I grew out of it as I started to find my way around the neck and gained confidence... still little “blips” but getting there Many Thanks & Keep the good work up 👍
Thank you Justin! Already had carpal tunnel surgery from doing CPR too many times in my career since 1972. Getting the fingers ready to play the guitar, I can forget feeling for an artery doing arterial blood gasses. Learning the guitar, is all very new to me.
58 year old here doing the same after a couple years with the ukulele, then about 6 months with the baritone ukulele. Just bought my first acoustic guitar, and having fun!
Hello Justin, I am guilty of all bad gestures after watching this: leaning my guitar on my thigh, lowering my head to look at my left hand on the fretboard... thanks for enlightening me. I've always played violin but recently my neighbour binned his old Yamaha guitar, I felt it's a shame, so I picked it up and disinfected it. Then I messed around with it. I accidentally came across your channel and now I am hooked. Lovely to find this compilation of great videos for a novice like myself. Your lessons are easy to follow and your voice is really soothing. Thanks a million for your great work!
Thanks for info. Been playing different guitars for 50 yrs on the right leg while sitting. I now use left leg while sitting. This is much better, and guitar position is consistent with standing. Why did I take so long to learn this?
Thank you! I'm currently learning to play and holding the guitar never felt natural before. This video genuinely helped and now I feel like the guitar is where it is supposed to be :D
I find the left leg more comfortable because I have long arms and when it’s on the right leg I feel jammed up. The left leg gives me better and more comfortable access to the fretboard.
I’ve been learning guitar with Justin’s and other online video for a month. I skipped this video at the first coz I thought I got it. Now I’m coming back coz I realize it’s a bit hard to change chords fast coz my left hand is kinda holding the guitar and try to watch this clip for any clue. Now I am just amazed how Justin understands so much what a beginner needs, from a beginner perspective😂 the left hand learning guitar was a really genius idea
I just bought my Electric Guitar 2 days ago. Ibanez GSA60 Watched some beginner videos, but this one is the best. Thanks to you I know now how to hold the guitar correctly which makes it a lot easier to play. Might I suggest buying a posture corrector if you are practicing at home, that's what I use to avoid getting back and shoulders pain and maintain a good posture.
I recently realized I had two bad habits. One is the craning. I practice in view of a mirror when sitting so I see how bad I crane and can remind myself to knock it off. The other bad habit is that I would grab the guitar by the neck with my fretting hand, place it on my leg and start playing. I didn't realize that I was never getting the guitar completely stabilized with my strumming arm and as a result was often supporting (or at least partially stabilizing) the guitar with my fretting hand. This made everything with my fretting hand harder. I now take my fretting hand completely off the guitar and make sure it is held stable with my leg, body, and strumming hand before I start to practice. I am sure it is part mental but this stabilizing the guitar step has made it so much easier on my fretting hand.
I'm just starting to learn and although I do look at my fretting hand sometimes to check finger position it's mostly my right hand I need to look at so I pick the correct string. As for supporting the neck it took me a while to get that sorted by resting my right arm on the guitar. I find it difficult to get this right unless I cross my right leg over my left one which can become a bit uncomfortable after a while. If all else fails maybe I'll try the way Jeff Healey played with the guitar flat on his lap.
Thank you for this! I just started practicing on my own a few weeks ago, and didn’t know about the not lifting the guitar with the left hand at all, and I already feel that now I can actually play! It was so hard to do the chords. Even before the v idea was over, I improved so much 🎉🎉
I used to take a few classic guitar lessons like 7 years ago. Never got anywhere with it, but recently just jumped back into music. Back then I learn to use the left leg, so I was still trying that with my new electric guitar 🤣 thx for the video, helped a lot haha
Thank you for this. I have q bad back and neck pain even though in only 15 due to stress and sometimes playing guitar will make my back pain really bad. I picked up a few things I've done in the video!👍
Thanks for telling me how to keep a grip without holding the fret board made things so much easier (now I just need to memorise fret notes and chords )
To minimize leaning over to look at your neck hand, practice facing a large mirror. Look at your hand/finger/string/fret position in the mirror until muscle memory kicks in.
Always easy to understand .us older long term players can learn to forget your bad habits and if you listen advance very quickly it’s helped me so much. Thank Justin. Top Man👍
I play a classical guitar and the first time I tried to play my ex's electric with how I usually hold the guitar, he laughed at me. 😹 But I watched this video coz I do have postural problems. (I wore metal braces as a child to correct it but it's still so present)
Thank you Justin. This will hopefully get me going as i am desperate to learn to play the guitar for my wife… Very sadly my wife is extremely ill and time is something of a luxury to say the least… I will certainly try my best as i am doing it for her and for the future myself… It’s the usual thing of not much money to invest in me, but time does not cost me too much.
First time I noticed the fluffy companion - love these lessons! Thanks Justin! (For others, see Justin's 'I Will Follow You Into the Dark' and 'Blackbird' lessons among others - absolutely amazing stuff!)
I've been playing self-taught for about 15 years. I'm a fairly advanced player--I know my scales, and I can play some pretty fast and complex licks and riffs. And yet, something as basic as posture and just *holding* the guitar was something I never bothered to properly pick up on, 'till this video. The hazards of being self-taught, I suppose 😅 Just goes to show, there's always something to learn!
That's the way I am I'm not real fat but every time yeah I want to get to the 12th fret in that area my arms in a bind and it's not comfortable I can't play I think you better have a Stratocaster it's easier than a Les Paul
Everybody who plays guitar and bass should watch this video, I am right handed have a 5 string bass and I have given myself a bad back by resting it on my left leg, using a narrow strap and straining my head to look at the fingerboard while sitting on a gaming like chair. I can't move the arms that are on the sides of the chair and this forces me to force myself to rest the bass on the left leg, I thought about getting some kind of stool but I am unsure about it as I bought this gaming chair because I did not have a good chair to sit on while at the computer, so it means buying another chair.... Glad for the video any way as it gives advice that really should be listened to if you want to save your back.
The leaning over to see your fingers bit is something I am guilty of, and it has caused massive upper back and neck issues to the extent I need to go to my chiropractor for adjustments. So not in general, but as an absolute, avoid leaning over to "see" your fingers! I believe the way around this is twofold: practice in correct posture in front of a mirror. Two, if you must look at the fingers look at the dots on the side/top of the outer edge of the fretboard. You should never be able to visually see the top of the fretboard while you are playing, it should be facing dead on straight ahead and if you look downwards without tilting the head, neck, upper back, you should only see the rim of the fretboard. This works for me. Also the more I angle the neck/guitar upwards the better, in fact it'll be much better to play it as if it were a cello, of course not that much of an angle, but an angle nonetheless. And in closing, fanned frets are wonderful for ergonomic of ease of motion!
I learned to play the guitar in the classical position on my left leg and played that way for many years and it wasn’t until one night watching videos on TikTok 😂 idk why honestly but I seen a guy playing live on TikTok and was like how’s he holding that so close and that’s when I realized I was playing mine different I tried it in the what most call the proper way and I can play but it feels more stressful on my shoulders so i just stayed with my classic way and it works out and it happened just by learning that way and not knowing otherwise lol. 🤘🏼🤘🏼 Whatever works for ya best is what I’d say if you can play play. Getcha a pull 🤘🏼
I've had an electric guitar for a couple years, but didn't start trying to learn how to play until around mid-2020. Right now I can play pieces of songs, I've got Logic software, and I've been having fun consistently, but my wrist has been tingling and aching. So I figured I'd go back and re-learn the basics. I like playing best sitting on my bed, so I can prop my right leg up on a stool or something, instead of just in a chair, but I'm trying to stand up more too. Will admit that I've been slouching over the guitar while sitting, and even though I've been trying to keep the guitar upright, my wrist still does that "jutting downward" thing. I'm just trying to get notes to ring out up and down the neck, but I'm sure I've got plenty other habits that need a fix. I think I might try going down the JustinGuitar rabbithole, 'cause this hurts, and while I AM taking lessons, those are mostly just like: Teacher: "So what do you want to work on?" Me: "Uhhhh....?"
i've been getting minor aches and tiredness in my neck hand and wrist from having the guitar too horizontal, sitting parallel with the ground. i'm switching to having it angled up more. it already feels less stressful for my wrist
I've been playing electric guitar for about 5 years now, but my gf noticed that, even while I'm playing normally, my arms aren't relaxed and my hand just looks like a spider while doing the fingerstyle, and that is not correct. So here I am, looking for a way to correct my posture while playing
I have short arms and fingers, so I have to have the neck angled up in front of me to avoid over-stretching my wrist, or craning forward and bothering my neck.
I am a little late to the show.. But if you're still listening I have a question: I am a bigger guy and for the life of me I can NOT play a guitar without a strap by resting on either leg. I find that (even with a strap) the only way to support the guitar from sliding off my legs is to tilt it back which in turn bends my wrists more like you mentioned. Any tips??
I have short fat fingers so playing live I should have my guitar up higher so my fret hand/fingers aren’t making a fist basically but I play it low which causes cramps if I miss a few days of playing.
After my guitar injury last year (I had loss of mobility and 24x7 pain that has never went away, but I regained 98% of my mobility back after 8 months of having to stop or surgery was next) I am reassessing everything from thumb position to how I held the guitar. My main focal point is now that I do NOT want to crinkle my wrist at all though I can't find a comfortable position to practise in that my wrist always stays straight. Small hands with my longest finger being just a tad more length than an AA battery so reaching string six without hurting my wrist (not being straight) is near impossible. HELP.
I played for some time, but still I support the guitar neck with my left hand. I purposely played without a strap. I still support with my left arm. Maybe impossible in writing, but any suggestions stop supporting with the left hand?
Thank you for the lessons!!! I can't wait to get into this and see what I can accomplish with your help and lessons!! Also... that guitar is extremely sexy... love that pink going on! Now I want a pink electric guitar lol
I got a rental (acoustic dreadnought) and while trying to apply what he was talking about with supporting the guitars weight by resting your right arm on it, I found that the neck wanted to fall forward, putting it at a bit of a weird angle. Does anyone know how I can prevent that from happening?
Exactly that's what happens to me I have a Les Paul Standard and if I put the guitar on my right leg fretboard wants to swing out I play traditional and I guarantee it I can play a heck of a lot better
My fretting hand is going numb, not sure if it's work or bad guitar habits I do lean back on couch as I play most times not sure if that's good, it's so frustrating HELP
I cant rest my forearm it just slips down and I have to tense my arm and it strains my tricep. Also then its harder to pick the strings. So I find it alot easier to tuck the guitar under my arm like an acoustic but that hurts my shoulder aswell. Im pleading for help, anybody?
Same issue here. Did you figure out a good position? I am playing an electric guitar and resting on as you would on an acoustic. My back and neck are not happy with me. I have no idea how Justin managed to get enough grip with the forearm. I wonder if my electric guitar is too small for me. I am 6' and I play a Fender Bullet Stratocaster HT HSS. Any help will be appreciated.
Thanks! Yeah have no idea why my left wrist hurts so much while playing only 5 minutes at a time. I'm guessing it's the craining and supporting my guitar with that hand way too much... I'll try other videos too. Cause I just want to learn guitar... so bad man. It makes me happy to play. And learn something new. Also changed my strings to the extra lights so it has to be a problem with how I hold it now
@@mysterymemerman sadly I went through some stuff and have been studying while working, so I haven't played in about a year. I will one day pick up guitar playing again tho I hope
Hey Justin beginner at Guitar 🎸 here. Anyways I just started going on 2 months now and last night after about almost 3 hours of practice my right arm felt numb not super numb where I couldn’t feel it but felt wierd and almost asleep. It stayed like that for about 2 hours and now it’s just kinda there ANY ADVICE?????
Resting the guitar on my right leg doesn't work for me at all, shoulders are too wide and girth is erm,, too girthy to describe it as painful to try and twist my shoulder so I can reach the E string with my little finger anywhere past 10th fret is an understatement. Playing in the classic 'left leg' posture completely changes everything is far more comfortable for me at least.
@@davidrodriguezvevo5762 I've tried to move the guitar to my right leg and I have learnt to 'manage' for some things but my finger reach is heavily compromised as I mentioned and it's at times painful, where as in the classical position I just don't have any of those problems. Horses for Courses as the saying goes.
Inhave been playing for 6 months but i have to lean the guitr a little at least 20 degrees..and i just cant keep it straight..if i do,my right hand and shoulders pain so much..
I guess I've got a cheap acoustic guitar because the body edges are kind of sharp and it digs into the forearm and leaves a welt. Not really comfortable at all. I wonder if I'm holding it right. Actually it's more comfortable playing standing up and using a strap.
I'm a big guy and I can't reach the upper frets with my left hand if it's on my right knee. If you look at people strapped and standing, Their guitar is far more to the left, with their strumming hand at their belly, the left hand is straight out to reach the neck joint. Johnny Cash was even more extreme left. The body shape won't allow this sitting. if I try to put it on my left knee classical style, the output jack is sitting on my right leg, not good. A Strat avoids this with the jack in front but not my ES339 nor my Gretsch. I find a strap to be the only solution. The SG shape is better than most, with the guitar's waist further away from the neck and the jack in front. I just don't like the SG so it's a strap for me, keeping it kind of high.
I have 3 main wrist positions 1) open chords 2) bar chords 3) thumb over bar chords. I'm okay with 1 and 3. 1 to 2 is the problem child. It's a problem for simple chords - like getting to a B minor from a C. I'll usually simplify the B minor and I'm good , but every time I lay my index finger across the neck it all goes south - not sure how to adjust.
Try this lesson: www.justinguitar.com/guitar-lessons/e-shape-barre-chord-grips-im-111 It has some tips on what you can try with your index finger | LievenDV | JustinGuitar Official Guide
![Lp. Сердце Вселенной #60 РОЖДЕНИЕ ЛОЛОЛОШКИ [Финал] • Майнкрафт](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/YoR0pAV9FVQ/mqdefault.jpg)
I just wanted to say thank you so much for all your videos. I'm learning guitar from absolute scratch, I have no education or experience in playing music or instruments whatsoever and this is an entirely new language that I am learning. I really appreciate your patience and simple yet thorough teachings and advise especially on the things which to experience players might seem obvious. Most of the tutorials i've seen online speak as if they expect you to know what they are talking about or to have some background understanding of things so it's great to know I can come here as a complete beginner and feel welcomed and encouraged!
Hey Emma! Thank you, I'm glad my course is helping you. Keep your guitar journey fun! Good luck, and rock on. ;)
This comment makes me feel pretty nice and hopeful as I, too, have absolutely zero music experience and have never played an instrument in my life aside from the absolute most basic of songs on a piano as a kid.
I’ve watched and read several guitar courses, but as you say, Emma, many of them assume that you have some level of experience with music theory and instrument playing to begin with, which I definitely don’t have. I’m so glad I came across JustinGuitar and his incredible courses that are great for a beginner like me and you!
Not to mention his courses are free, which is just incredible. I’m sure I’ll be paying for the app in no time as I hear it’s great, but the fact that he’s offering all these courses for free is just mind-blowing.
How’s it going?
I highly recommend that you purchase his books which go along with the training. They are fantastic for beginners.
i agree
Apologies for the re-upload - but the original ones were far too dark because of a colour grading issue. So I'm re-uploading them all over the next few days. Sorry if it's flooding your feed.
first ! :)
It's a good excuse to watch them again. Thanks for the hard work, Justin.
Wanted to ask, Strat or Tele for beginners?
@@adityashah5597 Everybody has their own preference, but I believe the general consensus is that the strat body is easier to hold for beginners. If possible you should try both to see what you like. And keep an eye out for the difference in sound between humbucker pickups and single coil pickups.
Thanks for the re-upload.
I've played acoustic guitar for 10+ years and always held it on my right leg. Last year I picked up electric and found that I can't play comfortably like that. The "classical guitar position" feels way better and it allows for better reach beacause of my short fingers.
I recommend the classic guitar position for two reasons: less stress on the right shoulder and because it's similar to how you hold the guitar standing up. And we all know how much different and hard is playing standing up.
Agreed. Also easier access to fretboard.
After my guitar injury last year (I had loss of mobility and 24x7 pain that has never went away, but I regained 98% of my mobility back after 8 months of having to stop or surgery was next) I am reassessing everything from thumb position to how I held the guitar. My main focal point is now that I do NOT want to crinkle my wrist at all though I can't find a comfortable position to practise in that my wrist always stays straight. Small hands with my longest finger being just a tad more length than an AA battery so reaching string six without hurting my wrist (not being straight) is near impossible. HELP.
Absolutely. I can't understand why anybody suggests placing it on the right leg. I'm a complete newbie to the guitar, but we all have to listen to our bodies, right? 58 years old and overweight, average height, I just don't like feeling my right arm and shoulder shoved up in the air like that (playing on an acoustic). Plus, the classical position puts the body of the guitar right in front of your body, feeling much more natural for strumming or finger style.
I've seen various other guitar gurus online say the same thing, so not sure of Justin's reasoning. He's very thin, so maybe that's more comfortable for him. We each have to find our own path, as he says.
@@Invisible_Hermit I'm slimmer than Justin and I can't properly hold the guitar when I put it on my right leg. I don't quite understand how I'm supposed to reach all of the strings while my right arm is resting on top of the guitar without slouching forward. The classic position feels much more comfortable for me.
This. I also like to have guitar hanging to some extent even when I sit.
This 'how to hold the guitar' vid is priceless. It is probably something experienced players no longer think about, but beginners struggle with and don't even know what they are doing wrong. The 'don't hold the guitar up with your chording hand' is something I really needed to hear. It's a gamechanger. Now I can get my hand position where it belongs. Give yourself a raise.
agree..ive been cracking my neck to see the frats all this time
I’m an intermediate player coming back to the basics to remove waste in my playing. Never hurts to get back to the basics!!!
@@minnie-x1v You need to see the frets? Sometimes, maybe.
Can't tell you how much of a game changer was this tip on trying to get right posture. I'm around one year into my guitar journey, and was really struggling with anxiety while playing, then I watched this video and like magic, no more problems. Thank you, for making guitar playing enjoyable!
I have some physical challenges for playing guitar, but I've never let that stop me trying. Once upon a time, I learned a few specific bits like the intro to "Wish You Were Here" from some videos of a very young you in a floppy knit cap.... I recently picked up my old guitar again and here you still are, being amazing and wonderful. Thank you for being you, I wouldn't be able to limp through this without your teaching clarity and dedication to the craft. Thank you thank you thank you.
great info! also that guitar is super in tune with both of those clip on tuners
Hi Justin ... I fell into the “crane neck” posture when I started at Christmas but I’ve found I grew out of it as I started to find my way around the neck and gained confidence... still little “blips” but getting there
Many Thanks & Keep the good work up 👍
Guest appearance by Ziggy at 2:06
Thank you Justin! Already had carpal tunnel surgery from doing CPR too many times in my career since 1972. Getting the fingers ready to play the guitar, I can forget feeling for an artery doing arterial blood gasses. Learning the guitar, is all very new to me.
Here we go.
55 year old man buys guitar and really wants to learn to play a few cords and tunes for enjoyment.
Thanks for your videos.
You are not alone.
You're never too old, have fun! :)
58 year old here doing the same after a couple years with the ukulele, then about 6 months with the baritone ukulele. Just bought my first acoustic guitar, and having fun!
How's it going?
I'm only 21 been playing since 17 but still I love this energy hope you have an amazing guitar journey
Hello Justin, I am guilty of all bad gestures after watching this: leaning my guitar on my thigh, lowering my head to look at my left hand on the fretboard... thanks for enlightening me. I've always played violin but recently my neighbour binned his old Yamaha guitar, I felt it's a shame, so I picked it up and disinfected it. Then I messed around with it. I accidentally came across your channel and now I am hooked. Lovely to find this compilation of great videos for a novice like myself. Your lessons are easy to follow and your voice is really soothing. Thanks a million for your great work!
Thanks for info. Been playing different guitars for 50 yrs on the right leg while sitting. I now use left leg while sitting. This is much better, and guitar position is consistent with standing. Why did I take so long to learn this?
Thank you! I'm currently learning to play and holding the guitar never felt natural before. This video genuinely helped and now I feel like the guitar is where it is supposed to be :D
Ah, that makes me real happy - good luck on your guitar journey! Cheers.
I find the left leg more comfortable because I have long arms and when it’s on the right leg I feel jammed up. The left leg gives me better and more comfortable access to the fretboard.
I’ve been learning guitar with Justin’s and other online video for a month. I skipped this video at the first coz I thought I got it. Now I’m coming back coz I realize it’s a bit hard to change chords fast coz my left hand is kinda holding the guitar and try to watch this clip for any clue.
Now I am just amazed how Justin understands so much what a beginner needs, from a beginner perspective😂 the left hand learning guitar was a really genius idea
I just bought my Electric Guitar 2 days ago. Ibanez GSA60
Watched some beginner videos, but this one is the best. Thanks to you I know now how to hold the guitar correctly which makes it a lot easier to play.
Might I suggest buying a posture corrector if you are practicing at home, that's what I use to avoid getting back and shoulders pain and maintain a good posture.
have you start play a song from online ?
Great to hear! Thanks for the tip too. Cheers.
I recently realized I had two bad habits. One is the craning. I practice in view of a mirror when sitting so I see how bad I crane and can remind myself to knock it off.
The other bad habit is that I would grab the guitar by the neck with my fretting hand, place it on my leg and start playing. I didn't realize that I was never getting the guitar completely stabilized with my strumming arm and as a result was often supporting (or at least partially stabilizing) the guitar with my fretting hand. This made everything with my fretting hand harder. I now take my fretting hand completely off the guitar and make sure it is held stable with my leg, body, and strumming hand before I start to practice. I am sure it is part mental but this stabilizing the guitar step has made it so much easier on my fretting hand.
I'm just starting to learn and although I do look at my fretting hand sometimes to check finger position it's mostly my right hand I need to look at so I pick the correct string.
As for supporting the neck it took me a while to get that sorted by resting my right arm on the guitar. I find it difficult to get this right unless I cross my right leg over my left one which can become a bit uncomfortable after a while.
If all else fails maybe I'll try the way Jeff Healey played with the guitar flat on his lap.
Thank you for this! I just started practicing on my own a few weeks ago, and didn’t know about the not lifting the guitar with the left hand at all, and I already feel that now I can actually play! It was so hard to do the chords. Even before the v idea was over, I improved so much 🎉🎉
Thanks, Justin. My neck is killing me and I have to figure out a way not to crane my neck but still hit the chords accurately. Oy!
I used to take a few classic guitar lessons like 7 years ago. Never got anywhere with it, but recently just jumped back into music.
Back then I learn to use the left leg, so I was still trying that with my new electric guitar 🤣 thx for the video, helped a lot haha
Thank you for this. I have q bad back and neck pain even though in only 15 due to stress and sometimes playing guitar will make my back pain really bad. I picked up a few things I've done in the video!👍
Thank you so much, greetings from Ethiopia, East Africa!❤❤
Thank you Justin! I decided to learn electric guitar from zero (literally zero) and this is really help me!
Thanks for telling me how to keep a grip without holding the fret board made things so much easier
(now I just need to memorise fret notes and chords )
To minimize leaning over to look at your neck hand, practice facing a large mirror. Look at your hand/finger/string/fret position in the mirror until muscle memory kicks in.
Always easy to understand .us older long term players can learn to forget your bad habits and if you listen advance very quickly it’s helped me so much. Thank Justin. Top Man👍
I play a classical guitar and the first time I tried to play my ex's electric with how I usually hold the guitar, he laughed at me. 😹 But I watched this video coz I do have postural problems. (I wore metal braces as a child to correct it but it's still so present)
Thank you Justin. This will hopefully get me going as i am desperate to learn to play the guitar for my wife… Very sadly my wife is extremely ill and time is something of a luxury to say the least… I will certainly try my best as i am doing it for her and for the future myself… It’s the usual thing of not much money to invest in me, but time does not cost me too much.
First time I noticed the fluffy companion - love these lessons! Thanks Justin! (For others, see Justin's 'I Will Follow You Into the Dark' and 'Blackbird' lessons among others - absolutely amazing stuff!)
thank you for this video! i really needed to know that hope many more tips are on the way!!!
The best guitar teacher, period.
I've been playing self-taught for about 15 years. I'm a fairly advanced player--I know my scales, and I can play some pretty fast and complex licks and riffs. And yet, something as basic as posture and just *holding* the guitar was something I never bothered to properly pick up on, 'till this video. The hazards of being self-taught, I suppose 😅
Just goes to show, there's always something to learn!
Glad to have found your channel Justin thanks for creating and helping us
I'm too fat to play it on my left leg.
DOGGO!
...
What
Im too fat to play it on my right leg. Because everytime i reach for higher fret, i find my arm hitting my abdomen
I'm too thin to carry the guitar
That's the way I am I'm not real fat but every time yeah I want to get to the 12th fret in that area my arms in a bind and it's not comfortable I can't play I think you better have a Stratocaster it's easier than a Les Paul
Thank you for this video. The dog was so cute in the background..
Playing in front of a mirror to look at your hands is a great way to keep your posture on point at a bigger level.
Thank you Justin.
Thank you for all These nuances and tricks to the trade that only experience brings! Your channel makes music fun
Thanks Justin! I am brand new to guitar and my neighbours recommend you to me your so helpful thx again❤️😊🎸
Oh, thanks to you and your neighbours! Cool that you'll have people to jam with. Enjoy!
How's it going
Very well explained. Thank you buddy
Everybody who plays guitar and bass should watch this video, I am right handed have a 5 string bass and I have given myself a bad back by resting it on my left leg, using a narrow strap and straining my head to look at the fingerboard while sitting on a gaming like chair.
I can't move the arms that are on the sides of the chair and this forces me to force myself to rest the bass on the left leg, I thought about getting some kind of stool but I am unsure about it as I bought this gaming chair because I did not have a good chair to sit on while at the computer, so it means buying another chair....
Glad for the video any way as it gives advice that really should be listened to if you want to save your back.
Thanks Justin for the lessons, really getting into them. Am your lesson 5 👍🙏
Thank you for this👍
The leaning over to see your fingers bit is something I am guilty of, and it has caused massive upper back and neck issues to the extent I need to go to my chiropractor for adjustments. So not in general, but as an absolute, avoid leaning over to "see" your fingers! I believe the way around this is twofold: practice in correct posture in front of a mirror. Two, if you must look at the fingers look at the dots on the side/top of the outer edge of the fretboard. You should never be able to visually see the top of the fretboard while you are playing, it should be facing dead on straight ahead and if you look downwards without tilting the head, neck, upper back, you should only see the rim of the fretboard. This works for me. Also the more I angle the neck/guitar upwards the better, in fact it'll be much better to play it as if it were a cello, of course not that much of an angle, but an angle nonetheless. And in closing, fanned frets are wonderful for ergonomic of ease of motion!
Really useful video even for a semi beginner will definately suggest it to anyone starting
I learned to play the guitar in the classical position on my left leg and played that way for many years and it wasn’t until one night watching videos on TikTok 😂 idk why honestly but I seen a guy playing live on TikTok and was like how’s he holding that so close and that’s when I realized I was playing mine different I tried it in the what most call the proper way and I can play but it feels more stressful on my shoulders so i just stayed with my classic way and it works out and it happened just by learning that way and not knowing otherwise lol. 🤘🏼🤘🏼
Whatever works for ya best is what I’d say if you can play play. Getcha a pull 🤘🏼
I've had an electric guitar for a couple years, but didn't start trying to learn how to play until around mid-2020. Right now I can play pieces of songs, I've got Logic software, and I've been having fun consistently, but my wrist has been tingling and aching. So I figured I'd go back and re-learn the basics. I like playing best sitting on my bed, so I can prop my right leg up on a stool or something, instead of just in a chair, but I'm trying to stand up more too. Will admit that I've been slouching over the guitar while sitting, and even though I've been trying to keep the guitar upright, my wrist still does that "jutting downward" thing. I'm just trying to get notes to ring out up and down the neck, but I'm sure I've got plenty other habits that need a fix. I think I might try going down the JustinGuitar rabbithole, 'cause this hurts, and while I AM taking lessons, those are mostly just like:
Teacher: "So what do you want to work on?"
Me: "Uhhhh....?"
Starting my journey again in 2024 but now with a more organized approach will try to watch/learn with 10 videos per week
Acoustic- Top of the Guitar
Electric- Top and the Front of the Guitar
i've been getting minor aches and tiredness in my neck hand and wrist from having the guitar too horizontal, sitting parallel with the ground. i'm switching to having it angled up more. it already feels less stressful for my wrist
Awesome video mate!
Thank you Justin for your videos it has taught me guitar I’m a follower
Right Hand- Right Thigh
Acoustic- Top of the Guitar
Electric- Top and Front of the Guitar
Why not recommend using a mirror to avoid craning? Could help with developing deep-seated vanity too.
Best teacher of guitar
I've been playing electric guitar for about 5 years now, but my gf noticed that, even while I'm playing normally, my arms aren't relaxed and my hand just looks like a spider while doing the fingerstyle, and that is not correct. So here I am, looking for a way to correct my posture while playing
I have short arms and fingers, so I have to have the neck angled up in front of me to avoid over-stretching my wrist, or craning forward and bothering my neck.
Great course and what a cute little dog at 2:05 I hope it wears ear plugs? lol!
thank you, good video
This is great!
I am a little late to the show.. But if you're still listening I have a question: I am a bigger guy and for the life of me I can NOT play a guitar without a strap by resting on either leg. I find that (even with a strap) the only way to support the guitar from sliding off my legs is to tilt it back which in turn bends my wrists more like you mentioned. Any tips??
Cheers Justin, I recently got a smaller body guitar, would you recommend raising the right leg on a footrest to aid to make playing easier, Thanks.
Thanks to this video I figured out I had my guitar in the wrong hand
I have short fat fingers so playing live I should have my guitar up higher so my fret hand/fingers aren’t making a fist basically but I play it low which causes cramps if I miss a few days of playing.
Sage and soudn advice, Justin. That's a lovely guitar but I cant make out the brand. Cheers!
After my guitar injury last year (I had loss of mobility and 24x7 pain that has never went away, but I regained 98% of my mobility back after 8 months of having to stop or surgery was next) I am reassessing everything from thumb position to how I held the guitar. My main focal point is now that I do NOT want to crinkle my wrist at all though I can't find a comfortable position to practise in that my wrist always stays straight. Small hands with my longest finger being just a tad more length than an AA battery so reaching string six without hurting my wrist (not being straight) is near impossible. HELP.
I played for some time, but still I support the guitar neck with my left hand. I purposely played without a strap. I still support with my left arm. Maybe impossible in writing, but any suggestions stop supporting with the left hand?
Just bought a guitar Ima try something different and practice laying down on my bed 🕺🏾
This is very helpful
Very helpful 🤘
You earned my sub
Thanks! See you around. :)
Thank You so much
I got tendinitis from practicing as a beginner. That wrist placement is so important
Did you overcome it? I got it too but just flared so not too bad I think but hurts like hell. No I'm doing exercises
Thank u ! 💓
Thank you for the lessons!!! I can't wait to get into this and see what I can accomplish with your help and lessons!! Also... that guitar is extremely sexy... love that pink going on! Now I want a pink electric guitar lol
How About the Bass? Where Do I Sit my Arm on?
I love the dog too
So funny 😂, If I wear a long sleeve shirt holding the weight of my gigantic Arnold Schwarzenegger arm makes my shoulder hurt! I totally laughed
thanks, it is helpful
Glad it helped Cheers 😊
| Richard - close2u | JustinGuitar Official Guide & Moderator [ www.justinguitar.com/ ]
I got a rental (acoustic dreadnought) and while trying to apply what he was talking about with supporting the guitars weight by resting your right arm on it, I found that the neck wanted to fall forward, putting it at a bit of a weird angle. Does anyone know how I can prevent that from happening?
Exactly that's what happens to me I have a Les Paul Standard and if I put the guitar on my right leg fretboard wants to swing out I play traditional and I guarantee it I can play a heck of a lot better
My fretting hand is going numb, not sure if it's work or bad guitar habits I do lean back on couch as I play most times not sure if that's good, it's so frustrating HELP
The dog looks up at 2:07 and says, "Are you going to talk all night?"
I cant rest my forearm it just slips down and I have to tense my arm and it strains my tricep. Also then its harder to pick the strings. So I find it alot easier to tuck the guitar under my arm like an acoustic but that hurts my shoulder aswell. Im pleading for help, anybody?
Same issue here. Did you figure out a good position?
I am playing an electric guitar and resting on as you would on an acoustic. My back and neck are not happy with me. I have no idea how Justin managed to get enough grip with the forearm. I wonder if my electric guitar is too small for me. I am 6' and I play a Fender Bullet Stratocaster HT HSS.
Any help will be appreciated.
Thanks! Yeah have no idea why my left wrist hurts so much while playing only 5 minutes at a time. I'm guessing it's the craining and supporting my guitar with that hand way too much... I'll try other videos too. Cause I just want to learn guitar... so bad man. It makes me happy to play. And learn something new. Also changed my strings to the extra lights so it has to be a problem with how I hold it now
the English UK subtitles are not in English
Makes sense. Like Everything else, even this is "borrowed" from others 😂
A tip for anyone that has trouble staring down at the strings, playing in front of a mirror will help.
Nice video
Now I'm 1 step closer to playing tornado of souls solo c:
did u learn it
@@allofscrubs haha I wish. Can play master of puppets tho but I suck at solos
How about now?
@@mysterymemerman sadly I went through some stuff and have been studying while working, so I haven't played in about a year. I will one day pick up guitar playing again tho I hope
@@jorgeharoo Well, I wish you luck in your endeavors
why do some people hold it upwards with a slight angle on a sorta rubber sheet on the thigh? :E
Hey Justin beginner at Guitar 🎸 here.
Anyways I just started going on 2 months now and last night after about almost 3 hours of practice my right arm felt numb not super numb where I couldn’t feel it but felt wierd and almost asleep. It stayed like that for about 2 hours and now it’s just kinda there ANY ADVICE?????
Resting the guitar on my right leg doesn't work for me at all, shoulders are too wide and girth is erm,, too girthy to describe it as painful to try and twist my shoulder so I can reach the E string with my little finger anywhere past 10th fret is an understatement.
Playing in the classic 'left leg' posture completely changes everything is far more comfortable for me at least.
Yesss, I totally agree. I got used to playing in the classical position, and now I can;t seem to get comfortable in the normal position
@@davidrodriguezvevo5762 I've tried to move the guitar to my right leg and I have learnt to 'manage' for some things but my finger reach is heavily compromised as I mentioned and it's at times painful, where as in the classical position I just don't have any of those problems.
Horses for Courses as the saying goes.
Could use a mirror to prevent leaning towards
Interesting.
Inhave been playing for 6 months but i have to lean the guitr a little at least 20 degrees..and i just cant keep it straight..if i do,my right hand and shoulders pain so much..
I guess I've got a cheap acoustic guitar because the body edges are kind of sharp and it digs into the forearm and leaves a welt. Not really comfortable at all. I wonder if I'm holding it right. Actually it's more comfortable playing standing up and using a strap.
I find if I do a few neck stretches before playing, it helps.
I'm a big guy and I can't reach the upper frets with my left hand if it's on my right knee. If you look at people strapped and standing, Their guitar is far more to the left, with their strumming hand at their belly, the left hand is straight out to reach the neck joint. Johnny Cash was even more extreme left. The body shape won't allow this sitting. if I try to put it on my left knee classical style, the output jack is sitting on my right leg, not good. A Strat avoids this with the jack in front but not my ES339 nor my Gretsch. I find a strap to be the only solution. The SG shape is better than most, with the guitar's waist further away from the neck and the jack in front. I just don't like the SG so it's a strap for me, keeping it kind of high.
I have 3 main wrist positions 1) open chords 2) bar chords 3) thumb over bar chords. I'm okay with 1 and 3. 1 to 2 is the problem child. It's a problem for simple chords - like getting to a B minor from a C. I'll usually simplify the B minor and I'm good , but every time I lay my index finger across the neck it all goes south - not sure how to adjust.
Try this lesson: www.justinguitar.com/guitar-lessons/e-shape-barre-chord-grips-im-111 It has some tips on what you can try with your index finger | LievenDV | JustinGuitar Official Guide
How can you palm mute when your arm is supporting the guitar?