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Joined:
November 2006
Posts: 217
Location: Snåsa, Norway | I've been playing guitar for many years (nearly 30) and most of the time just strummed or fingerpicked very basical figures over standard first position chords and E- and A-shape barre chords. A couple of years ago I started to try to improve my playing, but seemed to make little progress, and also developing aching left elbow and shoulder partly because of increased guitar playing. After investigating the matter I realized that I've grown used to press down the strings much to hard. Since I've never taken guitar lessons, I may have missed some very basic knowledge on technique.
To correct this I've been trying to focus on playing with a minimum of pressure on the strings when fretting chords, and feel that it really makes a big difference both in my playing and in the aching joints.
I also shake loose my hands before and after playing, and after practicing different parts, which tends to build up muscle tension.
I've even transferred this awareness of overpowering grips to most of the things I do, just be aware of the amount of force needed to push buttons or pull levers, and use no more. This awareness seems to help reducing tension in my arms and shoulders.
Do anybody else have similar experience, or know of good ways to overcome unwanted tension? |
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Joined:
November 2003
Posts: 11039
Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | Proper playing position can help ease this.
Try "Classical Position"-- resting the waist of guitar on your left thigh (speaking for right-handers) and play in that position. I notice everything is easier, especially barre chords. |
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Joined:
May 2004
Posts: 76
Location: Kent, England | Used to get cramp in my left (fretting) hand after not playing for a while, especially on songs with a significant requirement for barre chords but found that practice and regular playing would overcome this. The only tension i experience now is my inability to play the tunes I want to to a reasonable standard! |
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Joined:
May 2004
Posts: 2850
Location: Midland, MI | Originally posted by Jeff W.:
Proper playing position can help ease this.
Try "Classical Position"-- resting the waist of guitar on your left thigh (speaking for right-handers) and play in that position. I notice everything is easier, especially barre chords. +1.
I have a friend who is taking lessons and asked me a similar question...about tension in the wrist, barre chord issues. I told him the same thing and sent him to a website that showed proper 'classical position.'
Once you get comfortable with playing in that position sitting down, playing standing up, with the guitar strapped on a bit higher than the death-metal guys like it, is very comfortable. |
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Joined:
April 2006
Posts: 972
Location: PDX | The Principles of Correct Practice for Guitar by Jamie Andreas.
This book directly addresses your inquiry. I don't know of a better book for building fundamental form.
_____
gh1 |
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Joined:
November 2003
Posts: 11039
Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | If that doesn't work try Missionary.... |
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Joined:
September 2006
Posts: 10777
Location: Keepin' It Weird in Portland, OR | Thank You Eric HP...
I have the same problem(s)... I also may have been playing 30+ years depending on how you count. And the Bm chord and I are NOT friends.
(And this chord is in an amazing number of song that I wanna play.)
I've read in many places, "Good Technique is Very Important! It is very hard to break old habits once you have them, so learn and use the correct technique from the Start... And avoid problems later."
Unfortunately, I was 49 when I read this, so it was alittle late! Yeah, yeah... I could start to learn all over again, but I guess I will still do the same two-finger A chord regardless.
Oh, and Cruster sez: "Once you get comfortable with playing in that position sitting down, playing standing up, with the guitar strapped on a bit higher than the death-metal guys like it, is very comfortable."
I read that I (you) should sit down with the guitar on my lap, and put the strap on so that when I stand the guitar is at that same position/height.
Don't look as cool, but it is way more comfortable. With alot less stress on your left wrist.
OK, typed enough... |
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Joined:
November 2005
Posts: 4832
Location: Campbell River, British Columbia | First; practice until you can do one finger push-ups with each finger of both hands, solo.
Then; practice squeezing a tennis ball until you can pop it.
Then; Learn to juggle raw eggs, graduating to juggling soap bubbles.
When you can do this, you will have both the power and grace to form any chords all night long without pain or worry. However, you may find yourself pulling the neck right off the body of some guitars before you compete training....and avoid self stimulation during this period as well. |
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Joined:
September 2003
Posts: 9301
Location: south east Michigan | Appling a "death grip" to the guitar neck is a waste of energy and counter-productive to the desired result. |
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Joined:
May 2003
Posts: 4389
Location: Capital District, NY, USA Minor Outlying Islands | Only advice I have is, play till you get the hand strength. Eventually it comes and use just enough pressure.
If your left thumb is double jointed it might take longer to build up the strength, but again it'll happen. |
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On tension - and release ...
