The Ergonomics of Practical Fingerpicking

by John Harding

I wonder how often fingerstyle players are prompted to correct their posture and hand positions? Not often, I'm sure, unless if they've taken a lesson from a classical instructor; Nonetheless, fingerstyle players should be aware of the classical techniques and tips that might be used in non-classical applications.

Classical players are traditionally the most cognizant of the importance of good ergonomics in playing the guitar. It should come as no surprise that the secret to using the fingers along with the flatpick in hybrid picking, for example, lies in the application of good ergonomics, and good ergonomics is the direct result of good posture.

As a guitar teacher I have often worked with students who have developed the habit of plucking the strings using sort of an upward brush of the side of the nail. They ultimately become frustrated because they are ineffective in playing more challenging pieces. They soon find that the main challenge is to get the fingernails to work for us, not against us. If the nail does not approach the string in a parallel fashion, you will not get good projection from your guitar and your technique will restrict your musical expression.

For the sake of discussion, I will speak from the viewpoint of a right-handed player. The textbook posture assumed by classical guitarist is attained by raising the left leg with an adjustable footrest, and placing the waist of the guitar on the elevated leg. The right knee tips outward and the lower bout of the guitar rests against the right inner thigh. Notice that the guitar is at quite an angle now, so with your right forearm draped over the top and your left hand in position, the headstock and soundboard should be tilted slightly upward.

The angle of the guitar to the vertical axis of the body could be as much as 45 degrees. This serves as a perfect setup for your right hand as well. Now with your back straight and without touching the backrest of the chair, the guitar will be in the ideal guitar position in relation to your torso. Don't worry, if you are not a nylon-string player and you are trying to figure this out- any acoustic guitar will serve to find the most ergonomic position.

Now let's take this idea out of the textbook and put it to work by strapping on your dreadnaught or electric. Recalling the position of the guitar when you were seated, adjust the strap so that the alignment of the guitar to your body is the same standing as when you were seated in the classical position. Put on your thumbpick and enjoy! You will find that the angle of guitar can be straightened slightly for damping but you must adjust the wrist position enough to keep the nails parallel to the strings. I find this position convenient no matter what style I am playing, on either electric or acoustic guitar.

Note to acoustic players: If you currently have the strap attached at the headstock, UNTIE IT!!! Purchase a "strap button" from your local music dealer and have them install it on the lower side of the heel (where the neck meets the body of the guitar) and preferably NOT on the heel cap, since the guitar may have to rest on the button when stored in the case. With the guitar in playing position, the button should face the floor.*

I hope you get a lot of mileage and greater flexibility from this little pointer; I know I did.

* Some might disagree with the strap button being placed in this position, the argument being that if you should later choose to sell the guitar, its vintage condition will have been altered. For the sake of this article I'm speaking in regard to the guitar you will play rather than the guitar you will sell.

Strap up and wail….
       John Harding