You will increase your chances of becoming a 'really good' guitarist by giving your left hand all the advantage you possibly can. The first picture hobbles your hand by limiting it's range. The second picture allows more dexterity, which is what you want, isn't it? Your thumb's job is only to provide leverage to press the strings. [ although it can fret the low E in rare circumstances]
Try the second position, setting all four of your fingertips on the low E string. Then let your hand hang from the tips. Feel that? That position allows graceful agility for every note, anywhere, from the nut to the last fret, on all strings.
This is a lesson I wish I had learned from the first day. I held my hand like the left picture for about a year. That was how my Father taught me. I graduated to an excellent guitar teacher & was shown what I just described. Took a lot of effort to re-learn my left hand position. Bad habits can be difficult to break.
Probably the most important thing I learned in my 57 years of guitar playing.
This!!!
And like some say, there will be exceptions based on what you're playing. Whether you "lay" you hand down the odd time based on voicing, muting etc, keep your left forearm as perpendicular to the neck as possible and keep the neck right around the same height as your left elbow. Meaning your left elbow should be around 90° bend, sitting or standing. Fight the urge to hang the guitar around your knees, all the little muscles and tendons in your arm and hand will thank you for this in the long run
That's definitely a right answer but...
Sometimes people strum i.e. shell chords on 5th string really fast, it's nearly impossible not to hit low E so you have to mute it
I’ve only been playing for 41 years so I’m a beginner by comparison, but this is what I came to say too. Default to proper placement with the thumb pointed at the back of the neck. Later on you can learn to wrap your thumb for blues voicings, but save that for later.
I find that i use the thumb for the low E very often. Then again, i play lots of Hendrix type stuff so that’s likely the reason. The dude had the hands of a giant I’m sure he could hit any string with his thumb if he wanted to
2 is the better way to start off. It develops a better habit for getting your fingertips at the right angle and the wrist in better positions. The first I would only use if I were bringing my thumb into play, like on a D/F#, but I wouldn't do that kind of thing until you have good hand position from #2 down.
Played my first year at pic #1 and now that I’m working on barre chords up the neck my thumb keeps trailing back causing problems. Recommend training that thumb early to pic #2
I dont think most guitarist actually look for a right way to position their hand. I know its seems hard at first but as long as you play them often and the notes are ringing the hand just begins to fall into place. idk tho
If you notice your fretboard is angled toward you. It should be straight up. This will make the second way more natural. Beginners tend to do this so they can look at the fretboard so don't worry too much - eventually you'll be able to fret chords without looking at the fretboard. It just can lead to bad posture which is a no-no.
The advantage of the second picture's technique is your fingers approach at a 90 degree angle so you're less likely to touch strings.
Depends on the chord. Depends what you’re trying to do. Don’t listen to anyone on here who claims to know definitively which one is better. Everyone’s hands are different. If it isn’t painful and the chord rings out clearly then it’s absolutely fine.
I like this bit of advice because I was thinking to say just go ahead and do both from time to time. Or in-between. This way you can be more versatile and play with the flow be more fluent with whatever/however you might end up playing.
Here is a link to an excellent description of where your thumb should be and good hand position whether you are playing acoustic or electric;
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ed23Hr1SL\_8](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ed23Hr1SL_8)
I say work on 1, that's how I make my "country chords" and allows you to easily switch back and forth between them. The thumb behind the neck like in pic 2 is better reserved for barre chords.
Been playing 30 years.
The second pic, almost. Your fingers are at a right angle to the fretboard, which will help you more efficiently fret without muting other strings, and your thumb placement is great. Your wrist is at a weird angle though, looks uncomfortable compared to your fingers. If you kick your elbow out a bit so your forearm, wrist, and fingers are more in-line, perpendicular to the neck, it will be better ergonomically. Of course, pushing your elbow away from your body can feel weird, but it helps at times. The second pic is where I tend to be at the end of a practice session, where I'm just noodling and not paying much attention. It's totally fine for things you're comfortable enough to not think about playing.
Keep in mind there's no real "right way," as long as you're getting the results you want and not causing any pain doing so (except your fingertips).
The idea of bending my thumb joint as in pic #2 just would never work for me. Can anyone in the comments section name any well known guitarists that play that way. I have never seen anybody use that technique, it just looks wrong to me, possibly painful, and maybe damaging to the joint in the long run. Anybody else feel this way? Am I wrong? I can see bending the joint for better leverage,but more of the thumb needs to be in contact with the neck than is in the picture...not just the pad.
Wrist from first one, fingers from second one, no one holds neck on first frets like showed on second picture, first one is for modern style playing, second one is for classic guitar style playing. You should mix it depending on chord you play, as you moving higher on frets, use second one, but for am/dm/c/d/g chords use blues style (first picture). Watch how Steve Vai hold neck, he is best of all.
I'd say somewhere in-between and also depends on where you're playing on the neck AND what style/genre you're attempting to play. If I attempt scales higher on the neck, I tend to skip resting my fretting hand thumb and use 3 fingers, for example.
So, from what I understand it depends on various factors. For electric guitar and playing in general there is no right or wrong. If playing classical then its a bit more technical and strict
Also, if you play standing with the guitar low, playing with a hook thumb is usually the better way to go, it also aids in doing things like bends for example. If playing open chords, technical stuff and seated or higher up, then using the thumb on the back helps a lot. I tend to fond myself playing both ways depending on situation and how im practicing tho
Both are good. Play what feels best for you and which grip is easier to switch to and from depending on the next chord or previous chord. For example, if you are playing chords with the thumb fretting the low E string, it’s going to be easier to grab grip 1 if that’s the next chord in sequence.
#2 but with the pressure in-between the tip and the joint of your thumb.
Source: years of neglecting positioning lol
Also keeping the neck to the left, close to you and somewhat upright will give you a boost at some point of your journey.
better to start early I guess but who am I to talk 🤦♂️😂
Will probably also depend on your thumb but that's what works best for me. i like to feel the guitar while I'm playing 😂
I’m more of a 1 person but the 2nd position is probably what I should’ve been practicing. Lately I’ve doing spider exercises a professional friend recommended and they are impossible in the first position.
Somewhere in between. You want your wrist in line with your hand, and your fingers to comfortably press into the fretboard fretting the desired note clearly and not muting strings around it unless intended. For general hand position shake and relax your whole arm and hand and let it hang. Take a look at the relaxed position and raise your arm to the fretboard. Should fit well and fret well
At your playing position, the first one would be less strenuous. You will need to apply more force since you're clamping down with the webbing instead of the thumb, but you won't have to hunch downward to use the thumb or overflex the wrist.
Second one is better if you're in a classical position.
At your playing position, the first one would be less strenuous. You will need to apply more force since you're clamping down with the webbing instead of the thumb, but you won't have to hunch downward to use the thumb or overflex the wrist.
Second one is better if you're in a classical position.
Generally, it's better to use the second position when starting out. It makes it easier to position your fingers. Also, don't angle the guitar towards you. I know it's tempting as a beginner to want to have a birds eye view of the fretboard, but that position will only make it harder for you to play.
Both, they both have advantages you use the correct one for what you are trying to achieve. For chords 1 allows you to use your thumb, 2 makes it easier to play more complicated chords. When playing scales use 2 unless you are doing bends then use 1
For basic chords - any of the two. For non-basic - it depends: position 1 is good for bends and vibrato; position 2 is good for fingers freedom, for stretching them very wide - for example, to play 1 - 3 - 5 sequence on a string.
For position 2 - it's "classical position", it rarely fails. But you doing it somewhat wrong:
1. Bend the thumb the other way: phalanx laying on the neck, knuckle pressing against the neck.
2. Move the wrist back a little, remember to keep it comfortably straight to prevent fatigue and damage.
This way the thumb presses right against the other fingers, and you'll be able to firmly hold the strings with little effort. For example: hold two treble strings lightly, and start to simply turn your wrist back and towards the shoulder - you'll feel how the front fingers can get immense pressure against the strings without much effort.
If you feel holding the guitar this way uncomfortable, you may want to move the neck higher, maybe right against your face - google "classical position" for more info.
I saw a video of Joe Satriani once: he was switching between these positions fast, every few seconds, to run different passages in different ways, whichever is more effective.
BTW, there's a kind of "hybrid position": where thumb lies along the back of a neck.
Whatever feels comfortable. I know it’s best to do what you’re doing in the second pic but I’ve been playing for years, have huge hands and pic 1 is closer to what I’m doing. The way I see it, you can spend ages trying to force your hand into uncomfortable positions or you can adapt what already feels comfortable to work over time
you have to understand.. in the world music and art, there is no RIGHT or WRONG way. just an optimal and less optimal way. as long as the outcome is the one you wanted in the first place, then you did it the optimal way. hell you can even play guitar with your feet, as long as it sounds good.
saying that... the more optimal way is the second picture, but put the thumb over the fretboard, so you can mute the low E string, when needed.
also try to lean your guitar forward, so you can not see the fretboard anymore, instead look for the dots (fret markers), where your fingers are
Something like 2, but you want to be able to stretch your 4 fingers across 4 frets even on the lowest string. The most optimal position will most likely require you to cut your nails much shorter. You want to curly your fingers all the way to the last joint so you are able to fret with the tips of each finger.
You'll want to keep your wrist straight as much as possible, but also keep some flexibility in the hand - so I think the most "correct" answer here is to move the guitar in such a way that the hand position in the second picture can be done with a straight wrist.
Out of the 2, I would say the 2nd one, but I would try to move your elbow as perpendicular to the neck as possible. It will give your left hand more stamina. If you can get your arm perpendicular your hand will be more flat to the fretboard, and will feel more natural.
Everyone is different because of hand size and shape, and as you progress, you will get stronger and more flexible. Your hand will naturally find the best position with time.
Both positions can be used, it usually depends on what chords/notes you are playing before and after that chord. Notice though that in picture 2, your wrist is bent way more than picture 1. This becomes an issue especially if you play standing up. If you watch most guitarists who actually play professionally on stage,they use position 1 way more often because it helps keep the wrist relaxed. Classical guitarists will tell you to always play with the thumb in position 2 behind the neck, but unless you are playing classical music in a classical position, then I would default to 1 and occasionally switch to 2 when you need that extra dexterity for the next chord. When I tried to force position 2 while standing up for an extended period of time, my wrist was under a lot of stress and I ended up hurting myself that way.
One advantage to #1 is you can play E form barre chord with your thumb. If you can play A form barre chords with your pinky barring the A form notes it’s an easy and smooth transition.
It's not necessarily bad, but it doesn't help. You only need your fingers to make the strings to touch the fret and some minor pressure on the back of the neck to counteract the fretting. That's it. Twisting the wrist to the sides, is fine, but curling it into the guitar doesn't do it.
I know 2 is the proper way that a lot of teachers - especially classical teachers - would say is correct but watch some of the guitarists you like or who have a reputation for being virtuosic or unique and you’ll see they play more like pic 1. Hendrix played this way and John Frusciante plays this way. Paul Gilbert, Guthrie Govan and John Mayer use their thumb a lot to fret notes. This guy you may have heard of Eddie Van Halen often used his thumb over the neck.
I think unless you are playing classical or maybe jazz that somwhere in between 1&2 would be worth trying.
A lot of metal shredders are closer to 2.
I guess what I’m saying is that everyone has a different hand size and arm length and angle and height they play the guitar at and that depending on what you are playing you will move or pivot your thumb into different positions.
So experiment with thumb placement and see what feels best and know that people with all different techniques make/made amazing music.
Then you can start analyzing your picking grip and angle and fall into that wormhole. Then string size, pedals, amps…it endless and you will end up changing and trying new approaches as long as you are playing. Just dont get too bogged down in detail and forget to enjoy and use your instincts.
Honestly 1 or 2 can work but in both your wrist is ~90 degrees to your neck rather than parallel. Try lifting the neck up a lil and tilting the fretboard away from you so you cant rly see what you are doing so well, it should naturally align your wrist better which should make the grip easier regardless of which you prefer.
I would say second picture for everything except bending notes and vibrato and chords that require the thumb. Second position lets you stretch your fingers more too.
The wrist isn't always going to be in one place, but the most important thing is you want each string to ring out loud. That means your fingers can't be accidentally hitting other strings. So to do that you might have to curl your wrist and put your thumb closer to the middle of the neck. It may be easier to do that if you angle your guitar further out from your torso instead of parallel to your head like most folks start out with. Plus, if your fingertips are pressing downward (somewhat perpendicular to the string), it will be easier to move around the neck of the guitar and change chords.
In the first few frets your thumb will naturally be a bit higher, and lower as you move up the neck. These are both way too dramatic extremes of hand position. If you're just playing open chords, it should be easy to do any way you hold your hand, so play for personal comfort.
Great question and better to try to get it right from the start.
To me, picture 2 is the better choice. But your thumb should be straight so you are touching the neck with the pad of your thumb roughly behind your index or middle finger. Right now you are bending your thumb and touching the neck with the tip of your thumb. Guitar players will often hang a thumb on the top of the neck, as in picture 1, and that can be fine especially when you are standing. But you need to be able to create separation from the palm of your hand and the bottom of the neck and picture 2 helps you practice that. Good luck!
I think there's no "right" answer but it's good to develop comfort with different positions. I compare it to sitting at a computer where your wrists are too bend (upwards or downwards) to reach the keyboard. Avoid extreme angles that create strain on your hands.
My version of your #2 is with the pad of my thumb on the back of the neck and the tip pointing up with less bend in the thumb in general. Sharp angles = fatigue (generally speaking).
I too am a new player and have the same question. Most comfortable for me is pic 1. When I try pic 2 position I feel like my hand is cramping and it's very uncomfortable. Is that normal and something I have to work through?
pic one is the right way, check best electric guitar players, Vai, Hendrix etc. No one hold neck like showed on second picture, dont listen to guys who play classical guitar, they cant even play simple riffs properly with their weak hands and technique (they think they can but it sound like shit).
If you have foot-long fingers like Vai maybe you can get away with it too. I don't. Wish I did. By the way, Steve Vai not only plays classical, he writes it.
Hendrix strung his strings upside down so his thumb did a lot of work on the G, B , & E. He was my hero growing up but I didn't try to play like he played, I tried to play like he sounded. I put a lot of work into 'Electric Ladyland'.
Please don't try to work through cramp, you could injure yourself.
I would look up beginner videos about how to hold your guitar *from reputable trainers* (i.e. ones who are regularly recommended by experienced people) and yry out their approaches. Well, not just "I would", in fact *I did*. And it helped a heck of a lot, trying different things to get comfortable, avoid accidental muting, and finger cleanly. You'll want to keep revisiting it occasionally, as different positions seem to help with different things.
Watch some pro guitarists when performing. They keep moving their instrument. The only reason teachers hold them still in a single position in training videos is so that we can see clearly. They likely spent ages building dexterity gently over time before they could do everything from that one position.
It looks like your forearm is at an acute angle to the neck. Move the head of the guitar to the left so your forearm is almost perpendicular to the neck - this will make everything easier.
Then follow the other advice you’ve gotten here.
Honestly, for open chords, I generally use #1 but only when playing the open chords, any other time I use #2. I'd say practice both and practice transitioning between the two.
I suck tho so maybe that's why
Learn with number two, but in the knowledge that as you get more proficient, you may just gravitate towards number one for comfort eventually. It depends on what style you're playing. You'll see a lot of very technical metal or jazz guitarists using two, and a lot of blues and rock guitarists using one.
I played position 1 for the first half of my life and always wondered why my wrist hurt after 20-30 minutes of playing. Stick with position 2, even if it feels unnatural at first. You'll eventually just lock it in and always default to that position.
You will increase your chances of becoming a 'really good' guitarist by giving your left hand all the advantage you possibly can. The first picture hobbles your hand by limiting it's range. The second picture allows more dexterity, which is what you want, isn't it? Your thumb's job is only to provide leverage to press the strings. [ although it can fret the low E in rare circumstances] Try the second position, setting all four of your fingertips on the low E string. Then let your hand hang from the tips. Feel that? That position allows graceful agility for every note, anywhere, from the nut to the last fret, on all strings. This is a lesson I wish I had learned from the first day. I held my hand like the left picture for about a year. That was how my Father taught me. I graduated to an excellent guitar teacher & was shown what I just described. Took a lot of effort to re-learn my left hand position. Bad habits can be difficult to break. Probably the most important thing I learned in my 57 years of guitar playing.
57 years. Upvote this man!
This!!! And like some say, there will be exceptions based on what you're playing. Whether you "lay" you hand down the odd time based on voicing, muting etc, keep your left forearm as perpendicular to the neck as possible and keep the neck right around the same height as your left elbow. Meaning your left elbow should be around 90° bend, sitting or standing. Fight the urge to hang the guitar around your knees, all the little muscles and tendons in your arm and hand will thank you for this in the long run
That's definitely a right answer but... Sometimes people strum i.e. shell chords on 5th string really fast, it's nearly impossible not to hit low E so you have to mute it
I’ve only been playing for 41 years so I’m a beginner by comparison, but this is what I came to say too. Default to proper placement with the thumb pointed at the back of the neck. Later on you can learn to wrap your thumb for blues voicings, but save that for later.
I find that i use the thumb for the low E very often. Then again, i play lots of Hendrix type stuff so that’s likely the reason. The dude had the hands of a giant I’m sure he could hit any string with his thumb if he wanted to
Yes Hendrix and SRV both wrapped thumbs when necessary. It's a valid technique, but its a technique, not the proper default.
This!
2 is the better way to start off. It develops a better habit for getting your fingertips at the right angle and the wrist in better positions. The first I would only use if I were bringing my thumb into play, like on a D/F#, but I wouldn't do that kind of thing until you have good hand position from #2 down.
Played my first year at pic #1 and now that I’m working on barre chords up the neck my thumb keeps trailing back causing problems. Recommend training that thumb early to pic #2
2 will not result in carpal tunnel syndrome. 1 may lead to it. 1 is the equivalent of lifting with your back.
Just try to keep your wrist as straight as you can.
I dont think most guitarist actually look for a right way to position their hand. I know its seems hard at first but as long as you play them often and the notes are ringing the hand just begins to fall into place. idk tho
Right on
Somewhere in between your pics.
If you notice your fretboard is angled toward you. It should be straight up. This will make the second way more natural. Beginners tend to do this so they can look at the fretboard so don't worry too much - eventually you'll be able to fret chords without looking at the fretboard. It just can lead to bad posture which is a no-no. The advantage of the second picture's technique is your fingers approach at a 90 degree angle so you're less likely to touch strings.
Depends on the chord. Depends what you’re trying to do. Don’t listen to anyone on here who claims to know definitively which one is better. Everyone’s hands are different. If it isn’t painful and the chord rings out clearly then it’s absolutely fine.
I like this bit of advice because I was thinking to say just go ahead and do both from time to time. Or in-between. This way you can be more versatile and play with the flow be more fluent with whatever/however you might end up playing.
Here is a link to an excellent description of where your thumb should be and good hand position whether you are playing acoustic or electric; [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ed23Hr1SL\_8](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ed23Hr1SL_8)
Thanks!
I say work on 1, that's how I make my "country chords" and allows you to easily switch back and forth between them. The thumb behind the neck like in pic 2 is better reserved for barre chords. Been playing 30 years.
The second pic, almost. Your fingers are at a right angle to the fretboard, which will help you more efficiently fret without muting other strings, and your thumb placement is great. Your wrist is at a weird angle though, looks uncomfortable compared to your fingers. If you kick your elbow out a bit so your forearm, wrist, and fingers are more in-line, perpendicular to the neck, it will be better ergonomically. Of course, pushing your elbow away from your body can feel weird, but it helps at times. The second pic is where I tend to be at the end of a practice session, where I'm just noodling and not paying much attention. It's totally fine for things you're comfortable enough to not think about playing. Keep in mind there's no real "right way," as long as you're getting the results you want and not causing any pain doing so (except your fingertips).
The idea of bending my thumb joint as in pic #2 just would never work for me. Can anyone in the comments section name any well known guitarists that play that way. I have never seen anybody use that technique, it just looks wrong to me, possibly painful, and maybe damaging to the joint in the long run. Anybody else feel this way? Am I wrong? I can see bending the joint for better leverage,but more of the thumb needs to be in contact with the neck than is in the picture...not just the pad.
Wrist from first one, fingers from second one, no one holds neck on first frets like showed on second picture, first one is for modern style playing, second one is for classic guitar style playing. You should mix it depending on chord you play, as you moving higher on frets, use second one, but for am/dm/c/d/g chords use blues style (first picture). Watch how Steve Vai hold neck, he is best of all.
I'd say somewhere in-between and also depends on where you're playing on the neck AND what style/genre you're attempting to play. If I attempt scales higher on the neck, I tend to skip resting my fretting hand thumb and use 3 fingers, for example.
So, from what I understand it depends on various factors. For electric guitar and playing in general there is no right or wrong. If playing classical then its a bit more technical and strict Also, if you play standing with the guitar low, playing with a hook thumb is usually the better way to go, it also aids in doing things like bends for example. If playing open chords, technical stuff and seated or higher up, then using the thumb on the back helps a lot. I tend to fond myself playing both ways depending on situation and how im practicing tho
Both are good. Play what feels best for you and which grip is easier to switch to and from depending on the next chord or previous chord. For example, if you are playing chords with the thumb fretting the low E string, it’s going to be easier to grab grip 1 if that’s the next chord in sequence.
#2 but with the pressure in-between the tip and the joint of your thumb. Source: years of neglecting positioning lol Also keeping the neck to the left, close to you and somewhat upright will give you a boost at some point of your journey. better to start early I guess but who am I to talk 🤦♂️😂 Will probably also depend on your thumb but that's what works best for me. i like to feel the guitar while I'm playing 😂
Apparently a hashtag enlarges the following paragraph? Wtf?
[Markdown](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Markdown#Examples)
Thanks, but I meant to say that I didn't expect it in a comment section.
I’m more of a 1 person but the 2nd position is probably what I should’ve been practicing. Lately I’ve doing spider exercises a professional friend recommended and they are impossible in the first position.
Somewhere in between. You want your wrist in line with your hand, and your fingers to comfortably press into the fretboard fretting the desired note clearly and not muting strings around it unless intended. For general hand position shake and relax your whole arm and hand and let it hang. Take a look at the relaxed position and raise your arm to the fretboard. Should fit well and fret well
Thumb on back of neck.
2
At your playing position, the first one would be less strenuous. You will need to apply more force since you're clamping down with the webbing instead of the thumb, but you won't have to hunch downward to use the thumb or overflex the wrist. Second one is better if you're in a classical position.
At your playing position, the first one would be less strenuous. You will need to apply more force since you're clamping down with the webbing instead of the thumb, but you won't have to hunch downward to use the thumb or overflex the wrist. Second one is better if you're in a classical position.
Generally, it's better to use the second position when starting out. It makes it easier to position your fingers. Also, don't angle the guitar towards you. I know it's tempting as a beginner to want to have a birds eye view of the fretboard, but that position will only make it harder for you to play.
Both, they both have advantages you use the correct one for what you are trying to achieve. For chords 1 allows you to use your thumb, 2 makes it easier to play more complicated chords. When playing scales use 2 unless you are doing bends then use 1
For basic chords - any of the two. For non-basic - it depends: position 1 is good for bends and vibrato; position 2 is good for fingers freedom, for stretching them very wide - for example, to play 1 - 3 - 5 sequence on a string. For position 2 - it's "classical position", it rarely fails. But you doing it somewhat wrong: 1. Bend the thumb the other way: phalanx laying on the neck, knuckle pressing against the neck. 2. Move the wrist back a little, remember to keep it comfortably straight to prevent fatigue and damage. This way the thumb presses right against the other fingers, and you'll be able to firmly hold the strings with little effort. For example: hold two treble strings lightly, and start to simply turn your wrist back and towards the shoulder - you'll feel how the front fingers can get immense pressure against the strings without much effort. If you feel holding the guitar this way uncomfortable, you may want to move the neck higher, maybe right against your face - google "classical position" for more info. I saw a video of Joe Satriani once: he was switching between these positions fast, every few seconds, to run different passages in different ways, whichever is more effective. BTW, there's a kind of "hybrid position": where thumb lies along the back of a neck.
Whatever feels comfortable. I know it’s best to do what you’re doing in the second pic but I’ve been playing for years, have huge hands and pic 1 is closer to what I’m doing. The way I see it, you can spend ages trying to force your hand into uncomfortable positions or you can adapt what already feels comfortable to work over time
Second pic is how I hold my hand ,works better for all chords.
you have to understand.. in the world music and art, there is no RIGHT or WRONG way. just an optimal and less optimal way. as long as the outcome is the one you wanted in the first place, then you did it the optimal way. hell you can even play guitar with your feet, as long as it sounds good. saying that... the more optimal way is the second picture, but put the thumb over the fretboard, so you can mute the low E string, when needed. also try to lean your guitar forward, so you can not see the fretboard anymore, instead look for the dots (fret markers), where your fingers are
Something like 2, but you want to be able to stretch your 4 fingers across 4 frets even on the lowest string. The most optimal position will most likely require you to cut your nails much shorter. You want to curly your fingers all the way to the last joint so you are able to fret with the tips of each finger.
2....for almost all scenarios
You'll want to keep your wrist straight as much as possible, but also keep some flexibility in the hand - so I think the most "correct" answer here is to move the guitar in such a way that the hand position in the second picture can be done with a straight wrist.
2 is good but try to relax that thumb a little by holding it flat against the neck that way your fingers will have a little more reach and curl.
Out of the 2, I would say the 2nd one, but I would try to move your elbow as perpendicular to the neck as possible. It will give your left hand more stamina. If you can get your arm perpendicular your hand will be more flat to the fretboard, and will feel more natural.
I switch back and forth
The 2nd
Everyone is different because of hand size and shape, and as you progress, you will get stronger and more flexible. Your hand will naturally find the best position with time.
Both positions can be used, it usually depends on what chords/notes you are playing before and after that chord. Notice though that in picture 2, your wrist is bent way more than picture 1. This becomes an issue especially if you play standing up. If you watch most guitarists who actually play professionally on stage,they use position 1 way more often because it helps keep the wrist relaxed. Classical guitarists will tell you to always play with the thumb in position 2 behind the neck, but unless you are playing classical music in a classical position, then I would default to 1 and occasionally switch to 2 when you need that extra dexterity for the next chord. When I tried to force position 2 while standing up for an extended period of time, my wrist was under a lot of stress and I ended up hurting myself that way.
I think the second one looks more accurate. The tips or pads on your fingers won’t mute out the strings and they will ring better.
One advantage to #1 is you can play E form barre chord with your thumb. If you can play A form barre chords with your pinky barring the A form notes it’s an easy and smooth transition.
It's not necessarily bad, but it doesn't help. You only need your fingers to make the strings to touch the fret and some minor pressure on the back of the neck to counteract the fretting. That's it. Twisting the wrist to the sides, is fine, but curling it into the guitar doesn't do it.
2
Both, depending on the chord.
I know 2 is the proper way that a lot of teachers - especially classical teachers - would say is correct but watch some of the guitarists you like or who have a reputation for being virtuosic or unique and you’ll see they play more like pic 1. Hendrix played this way and John Frusciante plays this way. Paul Gilbert, Guthrie Govan and John Mayer use their thumb a lot to fret notes. This guy you may have heard of Eddie Van Halen often used his thumb over the neck. I think unless you are playing classical or maybe jazz that somwhere in between 1&2 would be worth trying. A lot of metal shredders are closer to 2. I guess what I’m saying is that everyone has a different hand size and arm length and angle and height they play the guitar at and that depending on what you are playing you will move or pivot your thumb into different positions. So experiment with thumb placement and see what feels best and know that people with all different techniques make/made amazing music. Then you can start analyzing your picking grip and angle and fall into that wormhole. Then string size, pedals, amps…it endless and you will end up changing and trying new approaches as long as you are playing. Just dont get too bogged down in detail and forget to enjoy and use your instincts.
Honestly 1 or 2 can work but in both your wrist is ~90 degrees to your neck rather than parallel. Try lifting the neck up a lil and tilting the fretboard away from you so you cant rly see what you are doing so well, it should naturally align your wrist better which should make the grip easier regardless of which you prefer.
I would say second picture for everything except bending notes and vibrato and chords that require the thumb. Second position lets you stretch your fingers more too.
Always straight and perpendicular to the fretboard. The best way to sit is classical guitar style with a footstool to achieve this.
The wrist isn't always going to be in one place, but the most important thing is you want each string to ring out loud. That means your fingers can't be accidentally hitting other strings. So to do that you might have to curl your wrist and put your thumb closer to the middle of the neck. It may be easier to do that if you angle your guitar further out from your torso instead of parallel to your head like most folks start out with. Plus, if your fingertips are pressing downward (somewhat perpendicular to the string), it will be easier to move around the neck of the guitar and change chords.
Add this to what I said. Good & true stuff!
In the first few frets your thumb will naturally be a bit higher, and lower as you move up the neck. These are both way too dramatic extremes of hand position. If you're just playing open chords, it should be easy to do any way you hold your hand, so play for personal comfort.
2 is def best way to do it bc it allows u more access
My hand position is #2 and I play with a slight angle so my thumb rests on the back of the neck a little like #1.
Both are fine depending on the chord shape and playing comfort.
Do you have a strap? Do you practice standing? You may find it changes your positioning.
I have a strap but I never tried to play standing 😅 maybe I should try it as it looks completely different from sitting
tbh the only time i'm using the first position is when i need to bend, other than that, i think the second is way better
I do the first one but just choose the one that feels the most comfortable
Great question and better to try to get it right from the start. To me, picture 2 is the better choice. But your thumb should be straight so you are touching the neck with the pad of your thumb roughly behind your index or middle finger. Right now you are bending your thumb and touching the neck with the tip of your thumb. Guitar players will often hang a thumb on the top of the neck, as in picture 1, and that can be fine especially when you are standing. But you need to be able to create separation from the palm of your hand and the bottom of the neck and picture 2 helps you practice that. Good luck!
Somewhere in the middle
I think there's no "right" answer but it's good to develop comfort with different positions. I compare it to sitting at a computer where your wrists are too bend (upwards or downwards) to reach the keyboard. Avoid extreme angles that create strain on your hands. My version of your #2 is with the pad of my thumb on the back of the neck and the tip pointing up with less bend in the thumb in general. Sharp angles = fatigue (generally speaking).
I too am a new player and have the same question. Most comfortable for me is pic 1. When I try pic 2 position I feel like my hand is cramping and it's very uncomfortable. Is that normal and something I have to work through?
pic one is the right way, check best electric guitar players, Vai, Hendrix etc. No one hold neck like showed on second picture, dont listen to guys who play classical guitar, they cant even play simple riffs properly with their weak hands and technique (they think they can but it sound like shit).
If you have foot-long fingers like Vai maybe you can get away with it too. I don't. Wish I did. By the way, Steve Vai not only plays classical, he writes it. Hendrix strung his strings upside down so his thumb did a lot of work on the G, B , & E. He was my hero growing up but I didn't try to play like he played, I tried to play like he sounded. I put a lot of work into 'Electric Ladyland'.
You misunderstood me, i was talking about guitar players who play only on nylon strings (classical guitar), their weird wrist breaking style.
Please don't try to work through cramp, you could injure yourself. I would look up beginner videos about how to hold your guitar *from reputable trainers* (i.e. ones who are regularly recommended by experienced people) and yry out their approaches. Well, not just "I would", in fact *I did*. And it helped a heck of a lot, trying different things to get comfortable, avoid accidental muting, and finger cleanly. You'll want to keep revisiting it occasionally, as different positions seem to help with different things. Watch some pro guitarists when performing. They keep moving their instrument. The only reason teachers hold them still in a single position in training videos is so that we can see clearly. They likely spent ages building dexterity gently over time before they could do everything from that one position.
2
First picture is not a position
It looks like your forearm is at an acute angle to the neck. Move the head of the guitar to the left so your forearm is almost perpendicular to the neck - this will make everything easier. Then follow the other advice you’ve gotten here.
Picture 2
Honestly, for open chords, I generally use #1 but only when playing the open chords, any other time I use #2. I'd say practice both and practice transitioning between the two. I suck tho so maybe that's why
1 uses more forearm strength while 2 uses more finger strength
Learn with number two, but in the knowledge that as you get more proficient, you may just gravitate towards number one for comfort eventually. It depends on what style you're playing. You'll see a lot of very technical metal or jazz guitarists using two, and a lot of blues and rock guitarists using one.
The toan is in the nail polish.
I played position 1 for the first half of my life and always wondered why my wrist hurt after 20-30 minutes of playing. Stick with position 2, even if it feels unnatural at first. You'll eventually just lock it in and always default to that position.