Guitar Feels awkward

Hi all, this is my first post here just started back into guitar after quite a number of years away from playing. Always seemed to mess around for a few months then give it up probably because I didnt have any structure in my learning which I think I,ve found in this site hooray! Anyways feels nice getting back into it again however does anyone else have the same problem as me when it comes to comfort holding the guitar? Specifically when using my left (fretting) hand I feel like the fret board is too far away from me both for comfort and being able to see what I,m doing so I tend to grip or pull the fret board towards me (this only seems to happen when I have my back straight as the instructors suggest I do) as you can imagine its not comfortable and messes with my finger placement. Any tips or tricks would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks and happy playing!
Paul
UK

I started cold here on Guitar Tricks about 6 months ago with the 'how to hold the guitar' lesson. I found that I looked down and turned the guitar up so I could see. This make fretting properly difficult. Anyway, I've noticed that the better I get, faster chord changes, etc etc. that my position and hold of the guitar is changing. I don't turn the guitar upwards anymore, because I'm finally getting able to change chords without really eyeballing it or thinking overtly about it. That's for songs that I know, for new songs, I turn the fretboard upwards again till I memorize the patterns. I've also tightened/shortened the strap so that my left hand no long supports the weight of the guitar at all. I found that I was doing that without knowing it, and it was slowing down my fretting hand etc.

Anyway, my point is, that the better you get, the more your hold will change to a position that will help you fret faster and cleaner, etc. I love being able to look away or even close my eyes and still go through an entire chord progression without screwing it up :)

GG

Thanks for the advice, I think you hit it on the nail with the turning the fret board thing I see i,m doing that, what you said makes perfect sense guess i,ll have to be patient till I get better =)

Also, one thing to do is to also work with a private teacher. If that is not within your means, than try and set up a time to play with someone you know whom is somewhat accomplished on the instrument. This can be a friend, a family member; anyone that has some sort of experience on the instrument. The one downside to online lessons is that the communication isn't one on one; so unfortunately we can not tell you when something is being done wrong. You have however come to the right place in asking these questions, and with time your form will begin to take shape. Remember that the act of playing the guitar is somewhat unnatural for all of us in the beginning.

As previously mentioned; the better you get, the more you will begin to see your technique take shape. However, take the time to work with someone one on one and I think that will make things easier. Best of luck and Happy New Year!

I have a nice guitar, but I can't play chords because my fingers hit more than 1 string , Do they make a wider fret board so the strings are further apart?
Thanks
chuck B

There are several different shaped necks for guitar. However, in my experience; I have not seen these different shapes designed simply to make guitars easier to play for beginners. The different neck shapes are made to accompany the design of the guitar; as a les paul neck is quite different from a start neck, and so on. Remember, you are simply encountering the growing pains of starting to play guitar and your struggles are felt by nearly everyone in the beginning. Over time, you will adjust and learn how to play comfortably I promise. If you are really concerned, work a little bit with a private instructor on your technique and see how that helps. If that is not in your means at the moment, get together with a family member or friend who plays and see if they can lend a hand.

Again, you are on the path and are encountering the same struggles that we all endure. Tough it out and much music will happen as a result. Best of luck and Happy New Year! :)

pick294
are you sitting or standing?
if you are sitting try putting the lower bout (the bottom curve ov the guitar by the bridge) on your left leg rather than your right. its called the classical postition. for me it really makes sitting and playing any guitar easier and ive been playing 13 years.

me i have short fat fingers so i dont really like thin nutwidth necks. hitting more than one string will go away the better you get with new chords/fingerings. just give it some time and practice and youll get it. just remember that even the best gotta start somewhere.

Originally Posted by: BrokenJerapick294
are you sitting or standing?
if you are sitting try putting the lower bout (the bottom curve ov the guitar by the bridge) on your left leg rather than your right. its called the classical postition. for me it really makes sitting and playing any guitar easier and ive been playing 13 years.

me i have short fat fingers so i dont really like thin nutwidth necks. hitting more than one string will go away the better you get with new chords/fingerings. just give it some time and practice and youll get it. just remember that even the best gotta start somewhere.

OH WOW thank you so much! Thats much more comfortable! And i can see the board easier also...umm maybe I should go classical style hehe.. thanks again and happy new year eveyone =)
Paul
UK

Ok , Thanks for the help I will keep at it because I love the guitar.