Abstract: The invention describes a method of continuously controlling and tracking a position of a welding torch (10) and welding head relative to a weld seam to be produced on a workpiece (16), whereby the welding torch (10), spaced at a distance apart from a workpiece (16) and the weld seam, effects a pendulum motion which is superimposed on its linear welding motion, during which state variables, in particular an ohmic resistance or a current and/or a voltage, are detected as they change in time. The lateral deviation of the welding torch (10) from the weld seam, in particular from the welding line centre, and/or the height of the welding torch (10) above the workpiece (16) and the welding head are derived from the detected actual values and signals in order to control and track the position of the welding torch (10).