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Should a steel- string guitar hurt my fingers after a year?

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(@randyellefson)
Eminent Member
Joined: 20 years ago
Posts: 25
 

I've been playing 25 years and my fingers always hurt when I return to the steel string.

Full streaming audio of my instrumental guitar albums is available at http://www.randyellefson.com, or download me playing "Dee" by Randy Rhoads at http://www.randyellefson.com/music/serenade/Dee_Randy_Ellefson.mp3


   
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(@jack-sullivan)
New Member
Joined: 13 years ago
Posts: 4
 

Try changing your technique. See how little pressure you can apply and still get a good clean note out.


   
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(@kent_eh)
Noble Member
Joined: 18 years ago
Posts: 1882
 

When you return to steel string??
are you normally playing a classical, then occasionally pick up a steel string?

I think you might have to build your callouses to different level (I.E. spend a few weeks playing steel string consistently).

I wrapped a newspaper ’round my head
So I looked like I was deep


   
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(@tmats)
New Member
Joined: 13 years ago
Posts: 2
 

My answer to your question is, "No," it should not hurt to play after as much time as you've put in. The first guitar I owned hurt my fingers and nothing changed that; it just wasn't a good enough guitar with respect to action. Good enough action does not need to mean expensive. Anyway, think about going down to the music store and playing a few guitars--see if it makes a difference. Another thing you could do is have the luthier at your favorite store take a look at it.


   
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