Strumming across the bottom of the neck

As a recent beginner I have a question about strumming - I have noticed that when playing my accoustic (a Yamaha F310) my pick is hitting the strings across the bottom of the fretboard, not across the sound hole.

I can start with the pick across the sound hole, but as I concentrate on chords etc, my strumming arm slides across the body of the guitar until the pick is once again across the bottom of the fretboard.

I would welcome any advice about how to get a better strumming movement. I have checked out the Fundamentals 1 videos again, but still can't get this sorted out.

Hi Nick

are you playing standing up or sitting down?

Originally Posted by: William MG

Hi Nick

are you playing standing up or sitting down?

I play sitting down

I notice when I play my arm more or less hooks around that upper back of the guitar. My pick is at the bottom of the sound hole and it doesn't move.

Thanks Wlliam - one thing I have discovered is that if I wear a T Shirt whilst playing, having skin against the body of the guitar stops the sliding towards the neck. I guess I will continue with this tatctic until muscle memory takes over and I will be able to wear long sleeves whilst playing!!!

Give this a try Nick, maybe it will help

https://youtu.be/brbr04a66zM

Thanks William, I will try your technique and see if I can solve the problem