Hi Aaron and Joe,

It's great that you are exploring and taking this positioning issue seriously. It will make all the difference in the world once you find the 'sweet spot.'

Joe is spot-on in suggesting a lot of trial-and-result experimentation.

You want to make sure your shoulders and upper body are able to remain as relaxed as possible, so that your hands and wrists and arms are free to do the work of playing the guitar.

This means, watch for hunched shoulders. Watch for clenched jaw. Make sure your posture allows for good relaxed breathing into the belly (no slouching!).

I definitley recommend a strap, as it can do a lot of the work your upper body muscles might be happy to be done with.

The length of the strap, even by an inch or two, can make a difference - so be sure to experiment with that.

Sitting vs. standing makes a big difference too.

If you've watched my lessons, you'll notice I do all several-hundred of them standing up!

I can practice details when I am seated, but for me, I do my best playing while standing up.

Best of luck! - Lisa