Q&A for How to Hold a Guitar

Your thickest E string is on top. Going from top to bottom, the strings are E A D G B/H E. The top three are bass, and they are thicker than the bottom three.

If it's awkward for the child to hold it upright (i.e., the guitar is too big), there's no problem with them holding it flat on their lap. If they're looking at playing seriously, though, you may want to look into a smaller guitar. (They come in 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, 7/8, etc.) A professional at a music store or guitar teacher should be able to help.

When I started playing last year I had the exact same problem. Most of it is fixed with concentration and patience. You can speed up the process by taping a cotton ball under your pinky's middle knuckle (if it's too big, just rip a bit off). Just while you are practicing, get used to the feeling of your pinky curving with the cotton ball. This will help your muscle memory for when you are actually playing.

Many guitars don't come with straps, but they can be easily purchased online or from your local music store.

The guitar should be resting on your right thigh if you're a right hand player.

The lowest note should be closest to your head.

The reason that the string makes sound is vibration. But if you touch it, your touch stops it from vibrating, so the sound stops.