How to Hold and Tune Your Guitar/Ukulele Without Looking Like a Confused T-Rex

So, you've decided to learn the guitar or ukulele—congratulations! You’re about to become the life of campfires, coffee shops, and possibly your pet’s least favorite roommate. But before you start shredding like a rock god or strumming island vibes, you need to master two crucial skills: holding your instrument properly and getting it in tune (because no one wants to hear an off-key version of Wonderwall).

Ready to learn the electric guitar, acoustic guitar, or ukulele? Book your intro lesson now!

Step 1: How to Hold Your Guitar/Ukulele (And Not Look Like You’re Wrestling It)

For Guitarists:

• Sit up straight (slouching = bad posture = lifelong regrets).

• Place the guitar on your dominant side’s leg (or use a footstool if you’re feeling fancy).

• Your strumming arm should rest naturally over the body—not gripping it like a lifeline.

• Keep your fretting hand relaxed. If your wrist is screaming, you’re doing it wrong.

  
  

For Ukulele Players (A.K.A. The Chill Crew):

• The ukulele is small, so don’t crush it like a soda can.

• Hold it close to your chest—like a baby, but with less crying.

• The neck should be angled slightly upward, giving you easy access to the frets.

• If it keeps slipping, try resting it against your forearm or using a strap (no shame, even pros use them).

  
  

Step 2: How to Tune Like a Pro (Or At Least Not Like a Disaster)

A well-tuned instrument = respect from your friends (and dog). Here’s how:

1. Get a Tuner

• Clip-on tuner, phone app, or good ol’ fashioned tuning fork (if you’re living in 1825).

• If you have a smartphone, apps like GuitarTuna or Fender Tune are your besties.

  
  

2. Know Your Strings

• Guitar: E A D G B E (Every Amateur Does Great Bends, Eventually)

• Ukulele: G C E A (Goats Can Eat Anything… because they do)

  
  

3. Adjust with the Tuning Pegs

• If the note is flat (too low) → turn the peg tighten/up.

• If the note is sharp (too high) → turn the peg loosen/down.

• Small adjustments! Unless you want to hear the sound of a string snapping in terror.

  
  

4. Check Again

• Play each string again because they love to mess with you.

• Strum a basic chord to confirm it doesn’t sound like a dying walrus.

  
  

Final Words of Wisdom

Holding and tuning your instrument properly is the first step to not sounding like chaos incarnate. Once you get this down, you’re ready to move on to strumming, chords, and eventually—legend status.

Now go forth and tune! (And if it still sounds off… double-check that you didn’t pick up your little cousin’s toy guitar by mistake.) 🎸✨

Like what you read? Want to learn more? Book your intro lesson today!