How do you hold a guitar properly when practicing?

Question

excuse me if this question has been asked before. Anyways i know how to hold the guitar because it explains to me how in my guitar manual; but one thing i really question is do you look down at the fingerboard while practicing and exactly how? I've seen guitar players tilt their neck slightly; isn't this a strain on the spine?

Answer 1

Looking down at the fretboard is not something a trained guitarist would do.  It may be difficult at first not to do this but my first guitar instructor, many moons ago, did not allow it.  When I came to practice and had to play the lesson from the week before, looking at the fretboard was not an option.  I hated him for it at first but now understand.  I have since became a professional guitarist and a guitar instructor as well...  You can download a free eBook and lesson from http://guitarleader.com that will show you the basics from what to practice, how to read tab, chords, and some other really important stuff.  It has diagrams and is really easy to understand . I recommend it to all my beginner students.  Anyway if you will practice scales and finger exercises you will soon have no need to look at the fretboard.. Your fingers will get used to playing the guitar just like it got used to writing with pen and paper.  It will become natural... GOOD LUCK!!!

Answer 2

i thinck that you hold your guitar with the way that you feel comfortable with then you  can play if thers a diferent noise or someone sick the best time of practice is after sunshine , and when you have a meeting with friends thats good

Answer 3

hold the guitar so it is parallel to the walls, but tilted slightly so you can at least see the inlays on the side of the neck (if there is any). you dont always need to see the face of the neck. just make sure the guitar isnt laying down on your lap because you really cant curl your hand around the neck enough to play it. just do what feels natural when the guitar rests on your legs. by the way, dont worry about getting a strain... just look down at the guitar without leaning over to much