Main Parts of the Guitar

• Body – the large part that rests against you.
• Neck – the long skinny part with the frets.
• Headstock – where the tuning pegs live.
• Tuning pegs – used to tune each string.
• Nut – the small strip where the strings cross from headstock to neck.
• Frets – the metal bars across the neck.
• Fretboard – the front surface of the neck where your fingers press.
• Bridge – where the strings attach to the body.
• Sound hole (acoustic) – where the sound comes out.
• Pickups (electric) – magnets that “hear” the strings.

How to Sit with the Guitar

1. Sit on a chair with a straight back, both feet on the floor.
2. Rest the body of the guitar on your right leg (for right-handed players).
3. Let the neck angle slightly up, not straight across your lap.
4. Keep your shoulders relaxed and your back not hunched over.
5. Right arm rests lightly over the top of the body, near the bridge or sound hole.

How to Hold the Neck

1. Thumb rests roughly on the back of the neck, not sticking over the top (for now).
2. Fingers curve around from the front, pressing just behind the fret, not on top of it.
3. Leave a little space between your palm and the bottom of the neck.
4. Use the tips of your fingers, not the flat pads.

Suggested Practice

• Say the names of the parts of the guitar as you point to them.
• Practice getting into a good sitting position 5–10 times in a row.
• Place your fretting hand on the neck and relax, then shake it out and repeat.

Downloadable PDF Notes

Download Lesson 2 – Parts & Holding (PDF)

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