left hand positions c chord

Here is the most "correct" hand position while doing a C chord. This position requires developed strength and stretch in the hand, wrist and forearm. Generally, it is not possible for a beginner to get into this position without proper development of the muscles beforehand. Notice the high arch of the index, and the pinky relaxed and ready for action. Also, and most importantly, notice the space, the separation between the fingers.
Here is the position of the thumb behind the neck when holding the C chord as pictured above.
Here is a "lazy" C chord. You will see this often. I will have my hand like this for "easy" playing, but never for anything technically demanding. This position can work, but it limits the mobility of the other fingers. For beginners, it is sometimes impossible to get into this position AND clear the strings. The index will frequently block the sound of the first string, touching it and preventing it from ringing freely. Notice how the fingers are close together and touching. In this picture, I am staying relaxed enough not to cause trouble. Very often, a student will "squeeze" the fingers together, causing muffled strings and other problems.
Here is a "thumb over" position. Some people think this is a "bad" position. It depends on the playing situation. If you are playing electric, and bending strings, you MUST have the thumb over like this for leverage in bending in vibrato. So, in that situation, it is GOOD. This is the usual hand position for the blues/rock player. Great strength is required to push all those strings up for the bend. Notice, all 3 fingers help with the bend.
This is what the hand looks like from behind while bending.

Fundamental aspects of technique, illustrated using classic songs you know and love (according to The Principles, of course!)

Powerful Secrets! to improve your playing!

Important info on reaching with the index or pinky, and its relation to arm position.

These are essential, and basic, techniques for the rock guitarist. Many people do them wrong, find out if you are one of them!

The classical and casual positions with electric, acoustic, and classical guitars.

There are always lots of questions about how to apply The Principles to a standing position. Here are pictures of me standing with an electric, and using different strap lengths.

Pictures of good left hand positions for various playing situations.

Video clips of the Walking Exercises from "The Principles".

Video clip of Foundation Exercise # 10, The 6 note Arpeggio".

See the proper form of this difficult chord.

There is much confusion as to the "correct" left hand position for guitar. That is because there is no such thing as THE correct left hand position for guitar!

Find out why you need to have those distal joints in shape for this chord, and also why you don't!

In 30 years of teaching, I have rarely (perhaps never) seen a left hand that wasn't crippled with bad form in one way or another, especially when it comes to doing major scales. This workshop student was no exception......

A common error in technique for students, and contributing factor to a lot of playing problems.

What does good tone and bad tone on an acoustic guitar sound like anyway?

Often, we must squeeze our fingers into some rather unaccommodating positions on the guitar. We know we are supposed to strive to get our fingers "right behind the fret" as we play, but, like so many things in life, we have to bend the rules sometimes (it ain't a perfect world!).