Right Hand Position On The Guitar

Proper hand positioning is fundamental to proper playing. Here we will cover the proper right hand position on the guitar on both the acoustic and electric.

RIGHT HAND POSITION ON THE ELECTRIC GUITAR

1) The area where the strings meet the guitar on the right side is called the bridge. Place your palm against the bridge with your thumb making slight contact or just shy of touching the strings at a 45 degree angle as you play down and up strokes on the first “E” string.

2) Make sure your forearm (not the bicep) is against the edge of the guitar.

3) The string names from the ceiling to the floor are: 6E 5A 4D 3G 2B 1E

4) Play 8 notes per string starting on “ 1E “ and work your way to the “6E” with down and up strokes, error free, and with a steady beat. If mistakes happen, slow down.

5) As you make your way to the upper strings do not bend your wrist. Instead raise the elbow slightly and bring the right hand straight up along the bridge.

6) Next work your way down in opposite fashion.

RIGHT HAND POSITION ON THE ACOUSTIC GUITAR

1) Place half your hand over the sound hole and half over the wood with your forearm (not bicep) hanging over the edge at a 45 degree angle.

2) Your right hand should float over the stings by a half inch or less.

3) The string names from the ceiling to the floor are: 6E 5A 4D 3G 2B 1E

4) Play 8 notes per string starting on “ 1E “ and work your way to the “6E” with down and up strokes, error free, and with a steady beat. If mistakes happen, slow down.

5) As you make your way to the upper strings do not bend your wrist. Instead raise the elbow slightly and bring the right hand straight up along the sound hole.

6) Next work your way down in opposite fashion.

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