How to Position Your Picking Hand

One of the most basic things that most guitarists take for granted is their hand positioning while they are playing. Each technique seems to bring about its own set of positioning rules, and while a lot of guitarists learn these techniques naturally, some just don’t.

That’s okay; just like sports, guitar can be either learned or taught. Don’t be discouraged if you have trouble positioning your hand comfortably.

Many of my personal friends whom play stringed instruments struggled with hand positioning at first. As someone who got it naturally, I can teach you exactly how I taught them.

Before you even pick up your guitar, the first element of proper hand positioning for regular guitar playing is how you hold your guitar pick. If you hold your pick awkwardly, it will in turn throw off your hand positioning, as you will subconsciously attempt to compensate for your discomfort.

Grip your pick between your thumb and forefinger. These are the only finger you should be using when holding your pick on your picking hand. The other three fingers, as you may have seen many guitarists do, are to be stuck straight out leaning against on another. If you have the grip proper, when you hold your hand up in front of your face it should for a lower case ‘d.’

Your forefinger should be the only finger doing any bending. Bend your forefinger at the first digit towards your thumb. Your thumb should stick straight out at the other side of the guitar pick, crossing your forefinger.

Now that you know how to hold your guitar you have the proper form to learn how to position your hands.

The way I will teach is not the only way, only the most ergonomically correct to avoid playing related injuries such as wrist strains. I have seen some great players with awkward hand positioning that seems to work for them. I would never recommend most of them, but for those certain players, the positioning works.

Place your palm on its side along your strings just before your bridge. The side of your palm closest to your wrist should actually be resting a fraction of the way into your bridge. This is the basic positioning for Tune-o-Matic style bridges, as well as Hipshot styled bridges.

If you have a Floyd Rose styled bridge, the positioning will be a bit different. None of your hand will rest on the bridge itself, but just before it, with the back of your palm resting against the edge of your bridge.

Proper hand positioning also coincides with proper palm mute positioning.

To let notes ring out, you will need to lift your palm from the strings. Do not lift your palm forward, backward, to the left, or to the right. Be sure to lift it straight above your previous positioning. This will help you to get your hand back into position to easily mote your stings or perform palm mutes.

When you lift your palm, be sure to lift no more than an inch off of the strings. If you lift your palm too far from your guitar you can cause yourself injury by trying to extend your wrist to pick from the greatened height.

The same rules apply to hand positioning as to any other guitar technique; practice makes perfect. Have fun, but be aware of your hand!

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