How to Hold a Classical Guitar:
How to Hold a Classical Guitar:
Holding the Classical Guitar properly has just as much importance as either your Right Hand Position or your Left Hand Position. Once you know the proper positioning of the guitar, you will find that it is not only easier to play, but as in the correct hand positions, you will have less hand fatigue and you will be able to play better quality notes that are easier to reach with your finger/hand combinations.
Selection of the Proper Seat:
Unlike the Acoustic Guitar, where you have the option to set back and relax while you play (although this is not in good form either), you should search out a stool that is about chair height or ottoman height. This height would range between 17 to 19 inches. A seat that I often used, while in my youth was a padded piano bench. You sit up a bit higher but it was really comfortable.
A back in of no importance with a seat, but a good padding on the seat may be desirable. Even a folding chair will suffice, but I think it is kind of cool to purchase a nice wooden stool with a padded seat. Of course arms are not an option here as they will interfere with the free movement of the arms.
Ultra WFT33 Folding Foot Rest:
Classical Guitars, again unlike Acoustic Guitars are held much differently, which includes elevating the left foot on a Foot Rest between 5 and 8 inches.
The ideal foot rest is adjustable and fold-able. There are quite a few folding metal stools available, but my preference is the Ultra WFT33 Folding Wood Foot Rest.
It is wood and brass, adjustable and really great looking. The wood is a warm colored stain and combined with the brass trim, it looks as though it was made as a Classical Guitar accessory.
You can pick one up for less than $19.00 and it will last a lifetime.
Stagg Mahogany Foot Rest:
Another wooden Foot Rest you may be interested in is the Mahogany Foot Rest from Stagg Music. The rest is height adjustable, ranging from a low of 5.5″ to a high of 8″.
What I love about this foot stool is that it has a highly polished gloss finish, and combined with the dark mahogany color and brass appointments the rest is almost a work of art – much like a fine classical guitar.
It also folds flat to a very compact 2″ high x 5.1″ wide and 11″ long and includes a bag. The Foot Rest comes with Stagg’s Lifetime Warranty and this stool should last just that too. It is about twice the price of the Ultra, but it is also even classier looking.
Holding the Classical Guitar:
Now that we have the proper equipment outlined for holding the guitar, let’s analyze just how it is done. Adjust your Foot Rest to a proper height and place your left foot on it. Now cradle the guitar between your legs so the waist of the guitar rests on your left, elevated leg. This forces the neck up at about a 30 degree to 40 degree angle.
The lower bout of the guitar rests against the right leg and the hands just naturally line up for proper picking angle for the right hand and proper fingering angle for the left hand. The guitar is held in place by pressure from the right forearm pressing against the guitar to the torso. Look at the photo at the beginning of this article for proper guitar positioning.
