Technique is everything with a classical guitar. Don't follow the posture of your favorite rock star; they are bound to get a whole host of negative syndromes due to the way they hold their instrument. My guitar professor in college always brought up this point. Every musician faces some sort of long-term damage due to their art. For example, french horn players's faces start to cave in after decades of playing. Other brass instrumentalists develop problems with their jaws and lips. The point he stressed is that if done correctly, guitar is the safest instrument. You can learn 'Happy Birthday' with guitar tabs with no problem. If you continue to play, however, make sure you are doing it right. Nobody wants you to get carpal tunnel.
That's a great point. I've wondered about that; my lower lip is still a bit thicker than it used to be, from playing the tenor. In your opinion, what's the best way to make sure I'm doing it right? Is it something people can generally tell on their own?Every musician faces some sort of long-term damage due to their art.