My Fingers Hurt !

A cry that is often heard from new players!

The question is why?

I am not going to pretend that you are not going to experience some discomfort when you start playing - in the same way that going to the Gym for the first time will feel uncomfortable. You need to warm up and make sure that you are using the correct technique to avoid injury. So too with guitar.

Sometimes it is due to the fact that students are trying to cram all their practice into a concentrated block - instead of doing a little bit each day.

Someone compared this to going to the Doctor, getting a prescription and instead of taking one tablet a day for 7 days, leaving it for 6 days and then taking them all at once before going back to the Doctor! You are bound to have a severe reaction.

Little and often helps your fingers to adapt to what you are suddenly asking them to do. It also allows the muscles in your fingers and hands to strengthen gradually - which in turn is going to make your playing of the guitar more enjoyable.

Sometimes it is due to bad posture. Sitting incorrectly means that you won't hold the guitar in the proper position leading to you not being able to get the correct position for your fingers to sit comfortably on the strings and get the correct pressure.

There is a great clip on You Tube of a guy with no arms playing Guitar with his feet!

I often show this to students who say their fingers hurt.

Remember - Little and Often - it really does work.