"Live Guitar 101: Strumming, Chords & Basics for Beginners" 

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William Marks love your playing

Thank you! I appreciate it

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Great question! Since you're used to doing runs with your right hand on the organ, you might feel more comfortable using your right hand for fretting on the guitar. Playing a left-handed guitar could make sense, but flipping a right-handed guitar upside down can be tricky unless you’re really committed to learning that way. My suggestion would be to try both and see which feels more natural to you. Starting with a standard right-handed guitar might also be easier in the long run, as most resources and tutorials are geared toward right-handed players. Keep experimenting, and you'll find what works best for you!

Yes, maintaining an arch in your hand, specifically in the wrist and fingers, is an essential technique to avoid hand injuries when playing the guitar. Here's why it's important and some tips on how to do it: 1. **Arching the Wrist:** Keeping a slight arch in your wrist helps avoid strain. This position allows for more natural finger movement across the fretboard and helps prevent issues like tendonitis or carpal tunnel syndrome. Your wrist should not be bent too sharply, as this can lead to discomfort or injury over time. 2. **Thumb Position:** The thumb should be positioned at the back of the guitar neck, opposite your second or third finger. This placement supports the arch in your wrist and allows your fingers to spread and move freely, reducing the risk of cramping or strain. 3. **Finger Curvature:** Your fingers should be curved at the knuckles, pressing down on the strings with the tips of your fingers. This curvature allows for cleaner note articulation and helps avoid accidentally muting adjacent strings. 4. **Relaxed Hand:** While maintaining an arch, your hand should still be relaxed. Tension in the hand and fingers can lead to fatigue and injury. Regular breaks and stretching exercises can help keep your hand relaxed and flexible. 5. **Proper Technique and Posture:** Besides hand positioning, overall playing posture affects how your hand and wrist function. Sitting or standing with a straight back and holding the guitar at a comfortable angle contribute to a healthier playing technique. 6. **Gradual Practice:** Especially for beginners, it's crucial to gradually increase playing time to build up strength and flexibility in the hands without overdoing it. Warm-up exercises before playing can also prepare your hands and reduce the risk of injury. Incorporating these techniques into your playing can significantly help in preventing hand injuries. If you experience persistent pain or discomfort while playing, it's advisable to consult with a medical professional or a qualified guitar instructor to review your technique.

Continue to practice holding it. Even when you're not playing, hold the pick.

When playing guitar chords, it's generally recommended to press the strings down firmly enough to produce a clear sound without any buzzing or muted notes. However, you don't need to press the strings down excessively hard; just enough pressure to get a clean sound will do. Experiment with the pressure until you find the right balance that works for you.