Which sitting position is best?

The sitting position you choose when learning how to play guitar will to some extent depend on your build and the guitar you are using. There are two basic positions; the "casual" and the "classical".

In the casual position the guitar rests on your right leg (if you are a right-handed player) and is held roughly parallel to the ground. In the classical position the "waist" of the guitar rests on your left thigh and the guitar is held at an angle of about 45 degrees. Your left foot rests on a small stand or stool 18cms (7 inches) in height or thereabouts.

For most people learning to play an acoustic guitar, the classical position is generally thought to be the best one to use, because it makes fretting less of a struggle. But the real answer is to try both positions and see which suits you best. Electric guitar players may well prefer the casual position, although going from a sitting to standing position does tend to be more difficult if you learn that way.

For an illustration of both positions visit this page: Sitting position