Common Guitar Playing Positions: An In-Depth Exploration

The most common way to play any guitar is to have the body of the guitar side facing up, with the soundboard facing the player. However, this is not the only technique and specific playing styles might demand different configurations. Let's explore various common and less conventional guitar playing positions.

Standard Playing Position

The typical way to play a guitar is with the instrument positioned in front of the player, allowing for comfortable and effective use. This position is ideal for a wide range of musical genres and playing styles. However, it is possible to play the guitar from the side. This technique is often associated with the lap steel slide guitar, which is played similarly to a slide, with the top of the guitar facing the player. Any type of guitar can be oriented in this fashion, although it requires some adaptation and may affect ease of playability.

Customized Guitar Positioning

I play with the headstock about level with my head sitting down. The reason I play this way is because my right hand (fretting hand) is at a comfortable angle that allows my fingers to pick perpendicular to the strings. Perpendicular gives me more control over the volume and nuance, such as mellow or brassy, without contorting my wrist in a weird, uncomfortable, or injurious angle.

I try to keep my thumb on my fretting hand on the lower third of the back of the neck. This allows me to cover 6 or 7 frets without sliding my hand up or down the neck.

This unique positioning is highly individualized and is often used by players who prioritize control and comfort over traditional playing techniques. By adjusting the angle and positioning, players can achieve a more ergonomic and personally optimized setup.

Angled Neck Influences

The angle of the guitar's neck also plays a crucial role in playing technique. With an angled neck, it is easier to play bar chords, arpeggios, or fast legato runs that require significant hand movement across the fretboard. However, this can place strain on the wrist if the neck is horizontal, unless the guitar is positioned quite high. This position is particularly beneficial for styles that necessitate a lot of movement over the fretboard.

Somewhat counterintuitively, some players prefer to keep the guitar low and use the thumb to fret the low E string instead of using a full bar. This method works well for certain types of music but may lack optimal technique. Despite this, it can look quite impressive and is often used in performance settings to create a unique visual effect.

Personalized Play Style

What matters most is comfort and convenience to the player. Some musicians find it comfortable to play with the guitar at a specific angle that suits their body's natural orientation and playing style. The angle one holds their guitar at is usually one that feels comfortable and natural for them, allowing for a more efficient and enjoyable playing experience.

Ultimately, the best playing position is one that allows the player to express themselves comfortably and effectively. Experimentation with different positions can lead to discovering new playing techniques and a more personalized approach to one's instrument.