Did you know that there are two completely different “correct” methods of playing the guitar?

And that it makes a VERY big difference which one you learn depending on the style of music and type of guitar you want to play?

And now terms like Carpal tunnel and RSI (repetitive stress injury) are part of the guitar lexicon.

Why are modern players facing such debilitating injuries?

I can sum up the problem of modern guitar technique in one word:

First, let me say this: The guitar is designed and crafted around the dimensions of the human hand It's tuning is irregular in order to better fit our hands' natural movements. For centuries guitarists have been able to get away with some pretty sloppy technique with little or no problems, and injuries were rare.

The keyboard and mouse are the main culprits, but playing guitar incorrectly can be the straw that broke the camel's back.

But you can easily avoid injury if you play correctly!

And you'll obviously be a lot better on guitar on guitar too. You need to find a teacher who understands technique, and teaches the one appropriate to your style of music and the type of guitar you play. 

The Two Primary Guitar Techniques: Classical & Blues

The first is the classical technique (AKA classic technique):

This is the preferred method  for playing nylon string acoustic guitars (i.e. the Spanish or classical guitar) which have wider, flatter necks and wider string spacing than a steel string electric or acoustic.

The thumb remains behind the neck with a consistent relationship to the second (middle) finger. It is the accepted technique for classical music.

I do not teach this technique.

If you want to learn classic guitar, or learn traditional Flamenco guitar (they are not the same exact thing) I am an inappropriate instructor for you. You need to find someone who specializes in classical or flamenco guitar.  I suggest you read "Learning the Classic Guitar, Volume 1,"  by Aaron Schearer. It's the finest book ever written on the subject and makes up for all the horrid Graded Guitar Method Books Mel Bay Publications has ever put out (almost).

This technique came into vogue on electric during the '80's shred metal era, with debatable results. This technique is designed to be played sitting down with the guitar on the left leg, with a footstool. When standing up, you need to have the strap set very high (with the guitar almost at your neck).  You should also use light guage strings.  If you can get on stage and pull off the guitar at your neck look, more power to you.

The second technique is the blues or American technique:

This technique is the one used by all the blues masters and almost all the rock masters (Hendrix, Page, Gilmour, Beck, Clapton, SRV, etc.)

The thumb comes over the top of the neck, and leverages bends and vibrato which are powered by rotating the wrist.

It is ideal for steel string acoustics and electrics. This technique gives you the "natural feel" and "soulful" bends and vibrato. Standing, the guitar is properly slung near waist level.

I have modified this technique to bring it in line with the latest research in Repetitive Stress Injury and the demands of modern playing styles.

I have copyrighted it as The New American Guitar Method™. It allows you to play with even less effort (and at higher velocity) than the traditional blues technique.

Footnote: One obvious sign of an Unqualified teacher

Even though he or she may be a stellar player. 

They play thumb over the top, but tell you to play classical style. Because that's 'correct'.

Huh?

This is actually frighteningly common.

Being an excellent player is a prerequisite for being an effective teacher, but it's only half the ballgame.  They may be good, but if they don't know why they are good, they certainly can't explain it to you.  And much of learning guitar is the subconscious emulation of the instructors playing. While there's definitely some potential for entertainment value in the "Kid, don't make the same mistakes that I did," approach to  guitar lessons; there is little educational value.

© 2005, 2009 Jay Skyler