Originally Posted by: ScornEmperorLet's say we're playing a scale or arpeggio above the 12th fret. Maybe we're around the 17th fret, but also moving up toward the 12th fret itself.

What's the best natural hand position for the fretting hand when playing up here?

This tutorial shows arpeggios around that area of the neck:

http://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=1055

These tutorials shows scales around that area of the neck:

http://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=453
http://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=973

The short answer is that you have to consider the comfort of your individual hands & the shape of your particular guitar. I find I have to adjust slightly for different guitar topologies.

In general, though, the best solution is to move your thumb to oppose your fingertips. I talk about visualizing an axis of power in lesson 3 of this tutorial:

http://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=605

Hope this helps, let me know how it goes!