Everybody wants to play the guitar, but not many people invest in knowing the correct positions to enhance play quality. An essential part of playing the guitar is knowing how to hold it properly while in live performance. While wielding and strumming the instrument may come easy while seated, it may be a little bit difficult while standing up.
Holding your guitar correctly while standing up makes the difference between a professional and an amateur guitarist. Your guitar strap is vital—including its quality and position while playing. You should also consider your hand positioning to play effectively while standing up.
If you are used to playing your guitar in a seated position, sometimes the transition to standing play may present a challenge. In this article, I will highlight the steps you should take to learn how to hold your guitar correctly when standing. So, if you are looking for a guide—please read on!
Related: how to get better at lead guitar, how to bend guitar strings without hurting your fingers, and guitar calluses explained. New to this topic? Start with our self-taught guitar roadmap.
If you want to find out what my recommended guitar gear is, then here is what I recommend on Amazon:
- Fender Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar Bundle (MY FAVORITE GUITAR)
- Snark SN-8 Super Tight All Instrument Tuner (Easiest Tuner I’ve Used)
- 6 String Acoustic Guitar Capo (Best CAPO for quick changes)
- Dunlop Max Grip 1.0mm Nylon Picks (Thick Guitar Pick So You Don’t Lose Grip!)
- Universal Guitar Stand (Cheap & Minimalist Guitar Stand I Recommend)
- Levy’s 2″ Wide Quick Adjust Guitar Strap (Best Guitar Strap For Any Level)
How To Hold a Guitar While Standing
Learning to play the guitar while standing is an entirely different experience from playing while seated; however, it is not as hard as you may think. Follow these few simple steps, and you should be ready to jam!
Buy a Quality Strap for Your Guitar
We’ve all watched a guitarist perform, and they all have one thing in common. Whether in a music video or live performance, they have their guitars strapped to their bodies.
A strap is the first step to holding and playing the guitar while standing. Although it may sound obvious, some people still insist on trying to play without strapping their guitars because it ‘does not look cool.’ Nonetheless, such attempts always fail. You cannot hold your guitar and play it simultaneously while standing without strapping it on.
Straps usually come in various designs and colors, making it challenging to choose one. However, while the design you pick solely depends on your taste, ensure the strap you buy is adjustable and made from good quality cloth.
I recommend the LEKATO Bass Guitar Straps (available on Amazon) when planning to strum when standing. The straps are made of memory foam and are easily adjustable for comfort. You can play an hour-long set without your shoulder feeling sore.
You can always fashion it yourself if you are unwilling to purchase a strap. You can make it from almost anything attached to your guitar and allow you to suspend it on your body. Maybe you could use a belt or an old tie.
Attach the Strap to Your Guitar Strap Pegs
What’s the use of having a strap if you are not going to use it? With this in mind, the next step is obviously to attach your strap to your guitar.
However, before making any step, ensure your guitar has strap pegs. Most guitars come with either one or two pre-installed strap pegs, while others don’t. You will usually find these small metal studs extending from the guitar body’s base—if you hold your guitar up vertically.
You can locate the top studs either on the neck of your guitar or where the neck and guitar body intersect. If your instrument does not have one, visit your nearest guitar shop and have one installed.
Alternatively, you could install your strap pegs yourself—here’s a great YouTube tutorial on how to do it: