Myths About Sore Hands & Fingers Playing Guitar
Sore Fingers & Your Guitar
I think one of the most common things guitarist forget about is how sore their fingers were when they first started? I’ve been playing quite awhile now and the most common questions I hear from beginners is “how do i keep my fingers from hurting?” There have been several different answers I’ve read in the forums and I just feel that it’s important to dispel any of the common remedies people are referring.
Myth #1 Use A Hand Grip Strengthener
Let’s face it. Some of the greatest guitarist in the world didn’t get where they are by using a mechanical device to strengthen their hands and fingers. For one, they weren’t available. For two, why would you waste your time using the strengthener when you can play your guitar? Well, I’ve heard some arguments that a guitar is not always available. Or, they can’t play the guitar in that certain circumstance. Listen folks, my advice is this and only this when it comes to strengthening your hands and fingers. Play the guitar! Nothing develops your muscles and finger tips than just plain old playing the guitar. Don’t worry! Strength and calluses will come shortly.
“Take A Break When Your Fingers Hurt”
Myth #2 Use A Finger Tip Strengthener
This one I just think is great! No! Not really. I was actually talking to someone in a forum the other day who had bought this product called “Rock-Tips”. It’s supposed to put a barrier over the tips of your fingers so that the pressure from the guitar strings don’t hurt. Almost all of the guitarist that replied including myself had never heard of it… Or, were curious if it even worked? I told her “I can see how this would work for cut calluses. But, I don’t see how it would work for beginners since the pain is not associated with the skin yet associated with the underlying pressure on the tips of the fingers?” Well, when all was said and done and she tried the product… She answered us all back with “im gonna try and send it back.. *insert swear word here*”. Lol!
You’re so welcome Clarissa!
Just know this! 15min/day without fail and the pain will go away within a couple weeks. Plus, everyday the pain diminishes quite a bit. That’s it! After about 6 weeks? You’ll be a guitar player if you follow the lesson plans!
wow, I definitely learned alot from reading this. and to think I was going to purchase a hand grip strengthener! lol. Although my fingers are a bit sore now from practicing, (haven’t practiced guitar in a few months) this myth post has really got me motivated to keep at it with guitar and not take the easy way out! Thanks John