learning a new instrument

[heather]

My husband is teaching me the guitar. Does anyone have tips on how to keep your fingers so much?

 

[John]

keep your fingers so much what?

 

[Caroline H]

You mean keep them from hurting so much? If that's it, then nothing but practice. Once you get past the first couple of days you will get calouses and it won't hurt anymore. Heck, you can even sew without a thimbal if you like ....not that you would or anything :crazy

 

[heather]

Yes, hurting is what I meant. I think callouses are already starting. They don't hurt like heck anymore.

 

[John]

You mean keep them from hurting so much? If that's it, then nothing but practice. Once you get past the first couple of days you will get calouses and it won't hurt anymore. Heck, you can even sew without a thimbal if you like ....not that you would or anything :crazy

+1 !

 

[Caroline H]

thanks

 

[mechanicdb]

I don't have fingerprints on the tips of my fingers due to playing for so long if that helps.

 

[Lewis]

It takes more than just a couple of days. I am a drummer but I still play a little guitar and bass, and I have had my share of pain with them both, and holding drum sticks.

 

[Vic C.]

Yes, hurting is what I meant. I think callouses are already starting. They don't hurt like heck anymore.

Your fingertips will not be the only thing that hurts. You will cramp up, if you haven't already. Strengthen your fretting hand by squeezing a tennis ball or handball in your spare time, like when on the phone or watching TV.

You can also buy one of these:

http://www.wwbw.com/Gripmaster-Exercise ... 34911.wwbw

It allows you to exercise each finger independently.

[attachment=0:3ljqdlmo]grip.jpg[/attachment:3ljqdlmo]

 

[John]

It takes more than just a couple of days. I am a drummer but I still play a little guitar and bass, and I have had my share of pain with them both, and holding drum sticks.

The only pain i get from drums sticks is in my wrists. Perhaps after 11 years my wrists are screaming STOP, lol

 

[heather]

Thanks. I started getting callouses, but I haven't practiced in about a week. I just started a new job and have been tied up in that. I find that I am cramping up. I also noticed a bruise right where my guitar sits on my lap. Ugh.

 

[mechanicdb]

btw, start with the blues; it will make learning other stuff easier.

try these riffs:



btw, I got a blister on my ring finger last night recording this because I don't play as much anymore since I quit playing at church.

 

[Adullam]

Practice, practice, practice.

 

[Vic C.]

btw, start with the blues; it will make learning other stuff easier.

That's where I started; 12 bar blues, c-f-g. That was in the 70s.

Now guess which genre we are playing when we are warming up on Wed. eves at our Praise & Worship rehearsal? :biglol

 

[Lewis]

Thanks. I started getting callouses, but I haven't practiced in about a week. I just started a new job and have been tied up in that. I find that I am cramping up. I also noticed a bruise right where my guitar sits on my lap. Ugh.

You will be ok, it is natural for you to go through this.