How to Position the Right Hand

Step / Concept Description
Relax Your Right Arm Let your right arm hang naturally at your side. Notice how your fingers naturally curl slightly.
Rest Your Arm Place your right upper arm on the body of the guitar. Adjust based on your arm length.
Hold the Pick Position a regular-sized hard pick on your first finger, with the top of the pick parallel to the second joint.
Personal Tip I prefer using an extra heavy pick (1.21MM).
Thumb Placement Place your thumb flat across the pick. Keep it relaxed—don’t stiffen or bend it.
Position Your Fingers Pull your first finger back slightly so it doesn’t touch the strings. The pick should extend slightly beyond your finger.
Caution Hold the pick lightly—just enough to keep from dropping it. Your hand should form an inverted "V" shape.
Pick Alignment The bottom tip of the pick and your finger should protrude slightly under your thumb.
Movement Pick using your elbow, with fingers and thumb moving as a single unit.
Glide Your Hand As your hand moves across the pickguard, keep fingers naturally semi-curled.

Key Tips

  • Keep your fingers naturally semi-curled—don’t open or close them.
  • Don’t anchor your right hand on the pickguard or bridge.
  • Avoid unnecessary movement in your picking hand.
  • Hold the pick flat and parallel to the strings, using only the tip.
  • Maintain consistent depth by picking from the elbow.

How to Position the Left Hand

Step / Concept Description
Barre Placement Place your first finger across all six strings at the first fret to create a bar.
Thumb Position Position your left thumb at the center of the back of the neck.
Caution Avoid pressing your left palm against the neck.
Support Technique Use your thumb as support for your left hand.

Test

You should be able to hold the guitar up using just your thumb and first finger.