Hi everyone
Recently i have been having problems with the index finger on my left (fretting) hand, i think i have just strained the tendon in that finger. I did some research and found out that this is usually caused by incorrect left hand grip, i had been gripping the fretboard with my thumb very close the the top and at times hanging over the fretboard (especially when doing bends and playing the high strings).
I decided to change my grip to the correct position of thumb behind the neck, which i found has greatly improved the reach of my fingers. However, in this position my wrist starts to ache after only a few minutes of playing. it seems as though with my old grip the thumb was 'holding on' for the wrist but now the wrist is holding itself up, which i believe is resulting in this ache. It is not really a painful ache, but rather feels more like muscle fatigue.
I was just wondering does this go away after playing for more time and strengthening my wrist muscles? or is my new technique still not correct?
thanks in advance
Dom
"We all have always shared a common belief that music is meant to be played as loud as possible, really raw and raunchy, and I'll punch out anyone who doesn't like it the way I do." -Bon Scott
Not particularly having suffered this problem.............
I play both electric and classical guitar (the classical v. unclassically, lol, but with 'proper' technique), and when holding my guitar now, I think/feel that the wrist isn't doing a great deal of 'supporting work' if that makes sense. I'm using the rest of my arm, biceps and shoulders and stuff to put my hand in the position it is, which may be why I don't get much wrist strain.
Of course, I might just have horribly bad technique. But this was one of the things I went to a guitar teacher for, so I should be doing things right.
When I play electric, I use a mix of 'Henderix hands' and 'proper hands' (i.e. thumb over top of neck, and thumb properly placed), but I tend to move the position of the neck when switching between the two (unless its only for short passages) - the neck is more horizontal with "Hendrix hands', but it goes more to 45degrees, or classical-style-slant with 'proper hands.' playing for extended periods with 'proper hands' and the neck more or less horizontal does hurt my wrist.
so.......try tilting the neck more and try engaging the muscles of your whole arm, not just the bit closest to the guitar.
hth
thumb over and thumb behind are needed for playing techniques. either is fine.
with barre chords my thumb is behind the neck. always.
with open chords, caged positions and licks my thumb is over the top.
one thing that keeps the pain at bay is having the head of the guitar tilted up.
playing a guitar hanging below the waist is stupid.
I may look dorky but when I play my face is right up near the fret board. (that's sitting)
when standing my guitar is angled up.
playing a guitar hanging below the waist is stupid.
Playing a guitar hanging too low to be comfortable is stupid, but below the waist is not necessarily uncomfortable for everyone :wink:
playing a guitar hanging below the waist is stupid.
Playing a guitar hanging too low to be comfortable is stupid, but below the waist is not necessarily uncomfortable for everyone :wink:
ya. that IS a better way of putting it.
Sometimes we can also have the top of the guitar facing inward too much. Turning it outward more eases the strain on the wrist.
Denny
aches and pains come and go...your using muscles in a new way... and repeatedly!
i used to find playing in front of a mirror helpful....you can compare your own positioning to others this way...but at this early stage i wouldn't worry excessively and just try to play it through...you will find things 'magically' become easier :D
thanks for all your help guys, i can feel my posture getting better already
"We all have always shared a common belief that music is meant to be played as loud as possible, really raw and raunchy, and I'll punch out anyone who doesn't like it the way I do." -Bon Scott
