Holding the Guitar

As you are learning to play, you should sit in a comfortable chair without arms.

• Hold the guitar so that you will be making chords with your left hand and strumming with your right hand.
• Sit in a comfortable position.
• Let the curve in the bottom of the guitar rest on your right leg as you play.
• Brace you right forearm against the body of the guitar to hold it up. Since your left hand is busy forming chords, it should not also be used to try to stabilize the guitar.

Using a Pick

There are a variety of different picks that are available at your local music store. Since they are inexpensive you may want to try several different types until you find one that suits you best. You should start off using a flat pick for strumming chords and playing the song melodies when they are introduced. Hold the pick between your thumb and the first joint of your right index finger. Later on, as you are introduced to “finger picking,” you can use your thumb for the bass notes, or you may want to try a thumb pick to get a louder and clearer sound. Some finger pickers also wear metal or plastic fingerpicks on their 1st, 2nd, and sometimes 3rd fingers. Later on, if you are not quite satisfied with the sound, you can try using finger picks.