Left arm (not hand) position

I have been trying to play the classical guitar for some time but not making much progress. The main problem as I see it is that my fingers hit the fret board at an acute angle such that I damp adjacent strings. This occurs when my left arm is more or less touching my body, but when I move my arm away fro my body, my fingers are nearer to being perpendicular to the fret board and I don't damp the adjacent strings much, but my arm soon aches. Much is made in the tutorials about the left hand position, but what about guidance on the position of the left arm?

Originally Posted by: maiduguriI have been trying to play the classical guitar for some time but not making much progress.[/quote]
Learning & using proper posture & body mechanics is indeed the foundation for playing any style of guitar. It's particularly crucial with classical style because you are demanding so much of your hands.

You are right that having your arm too close to your body can cause technique problems. I just updated this tutorial in which I address proper posture & body mechanics (including the left arm!).

https://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=992
[QUOTE=maiduguri]... but when I move my arm away fro my body, my fingers are nearer to being perpendicular to the fret board and I don't damp the adjacent strings much, but my arm soon aches.

This sounds like a general strength & dexterity issue. While it may be difficult at first it is absolutely crucial to build the strength to keep you fingers in proper position.

It sounds like you might be leaning your arm on your body in to find leverage & support. So, you might be looking at the need to build your strength, endurance & dexterity enough that you don't need to lean your arm on your body.

Without seeing your technique in action, that is my best educated guess. :) You should also consider how you are holding the guitar because that needs to be done in an optimal manner as well. Also covered in the above tutorial!

Finally, you might find these tutorials on stretching & building finger strength & dexterity helpful.

https://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=1525
https://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=1292

Please ask more if necessary & update me at your convenience! I wish you the best of success with it!