Question: Does the headstock have to be at eye level for classical guitar?
Having the headstock of the guitar at eye level is a guideline that helps to ensure a healthy 45 degree angle or steeper for your guitar position and provides an easy to remember tip for quick positioning. However, it’s only a starting point and generalized tip, not an absolute rule. Some players will have the headstock higher than eye level and some will have it lower. Variables such as the player’s height, guitar size, chair height, guitar support will decide how much this guideline is followed.
Keep in mind that I am promoting the modern classical guitar technique so there can be differences if you look back 25 years or more.
Let’s look at my playing position in the below three photos. I am quite short and as you can see the headstock is at or above eye level regardless of whether I’m using a foot stool or various guitar supports. It’s actually a bit higher with the guitar supports but not by much.
See my full lesson: I have a full dedicated lesson on Sitting and Position for Classical Guitar so check that out first as it has tons of tips and photos with diagrams for much more context. I’ve included the video and a few pictures below.
Let’s look at some professional guitarists. Below you can see Adam Cicchillitti (left) and Steve Cowan (right). Adam’s headstock looks at eye level or below. Steve’s looks quite above eye level.
Below Hao Yang’s headstock is quite a bit above eye level.
Below, Drew Henderson also has a headstock position at or above eye level.
Below, Rebeca Oliveira has a headstock position above eye level.
Below, Lorenzo Micheli (left) and Matteo Mela (right) are a bit different. Lorenzo is a bit below eye level whereas Matteo is above.
As you can see from all these videos, the general guitar angles are all similar but the exact position of the headstock varies slightly. Continue watching the videos I post of pros on the site and you’ll see guitarists of all sorts of heights and body types. Watching all the different players will give you a generalized view of classical guitar positioning.
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