It’s not uncommon for guitarists, both beginners and professionals, to experience finger pain.
This discomfort is mainly due to the pressure exerted on the fingertips while holding down the strings.
While mild soreness can be seen as a sign of progress, chronic finger pain should never be overlooked.
Alleviating this problem is crucial to ensure continuous improvement in playing and to prevent potential further injury.
In this piece, proven strategies to cope with, and decrease, this discomfort will be presented.
Therefore, nurture your musical talent without undue pain, embracing a smoother learning experience.
Table of Contents
- Ways To Reduce Finger Pain From Guitar Playing
- 1. Use Lighter Gauge Strings
- 2. Learn Proper Finger Placement
- 3. Use a Guitar Pick
- 4. Regularly moisturize your hands
- 5. Do Hand and Finger Exercises
- 6. Gradually Increase Playing Time
- 7. Limit barre chords usage
- 8. Keep Nails Clipped Short
- 9. Warm up before playing
- 10. Hold Guitar Properly
- 11. Play on a Clean Fretboard
- 12. Use Finger Picks and Thumb Picks
- 13. Take regular breaks
- 14. Adjust the fingerboard action
- 15. Play on smaller size guitars
- 16. Explore Different Techniques and Styles
- 17. Apply topical pain relief creams
- The Bottom Line
Ways To Reduce Finger Pain From Guitar Playing
1. Use Lighter Gauge Strings
Using lighter gauge strings is one of the effective ways to reduce finger pain from guitar playing.
Lower gauge strings exert less tension on the fingers thus inflicting less pain.
These strings are easier to press down and need lesser strength from your fingers.
Therefore, they prove to be a great help especially for beginning guitarists.
Switching to these strings can make a noticeable difference in the comfort of your playing.
Light gauge strings let the player concentrate more on the music than being uncomfortable or uneasy due to finger pain.
This is because music isn’t about experiencing discomfort or struggling with your instrument.
It should always be a joyful, engaging and satisfying activity.
And when one is not constantly dealing with painful fingers, the focus shifts from merely trying to get the notes right to producing pleasing, musical tones.
In this video, among other things, you’ll learn the technique to properly use lighter gauge strings to avoid string buzz and finger pain.
Watching it could give you better understanding how lower gauge strings can enhance your guitar playing experience.
Easy to bend and providing softer tone quality, lighter string gauges are commonly used for acoustic sets.
Remember, while lighter strings might cause less pain, the sound may also be less robust than heavier strings.
There is always a trade-off between comfort and the tone produced.
So, consider your personal aim too – whether it’s simply learning, practicing, performing or recording.
The pros and cons of lighter strings should be considered well before deciding on them.
Proper maintenance of these strings is also required.
Please note that lighter strings can snap more easily and thus, frequent changes might be needed.
Regardless, using these strings is a proven method to reduce finger pain.
Overall, the key is to find a balance between comfort and sound that suits your style and needs the best.
2. Learn Proper Finger Placement
When playing the guitar, proper finger placement can significantly help reduce finger pain.
This concept might seem straightforward, but many guitar players, especially beginners, often overlook its importance.
Understanding and mastering the art of appropriate finger placement can greatly minimize the strain put on your fingers, thus reducing the chances and severity of pain.
Indeed, when your fingers are correctly positioned, they are less likely to press too hard on the guitar strings, causing friction and subsequent pain.
This will allow you to play longer and more comfortably.
Besides, your sound’s quality and clarity may significantly improve with efficient finger placement, making your performance more enjoyable, both for you and your audience.
Proper finger placement is best achieved by following a few specific practices.
For example, your fingers should be as close to the fret as possible when playing a note.
A crucial aspect of this is ensuring that your fingers are bending at the knuckles and not flattening out, causing you to strain your hand.
Keeping your fingers curved allows for better agility and control, further reducing potential discomfort.
Another useful practice is to utilize all your fingers when playing.
A common mistake among guitar players is the tendency to rely too much on certain fingers while ignoring others.
This unequal distribution of work can cause the overused fingers to tire rapidly, leading to pain.
By using all your fingers, you’ll encourage an equal distribution of workload, and your fingers will be less likely to tire and hurt.
Also, playing on the tips of your fingers rather than the pads can significantly reduce the chances of accidental muting and increase your reach, making your play more comfortable and less painful.
However, understanding proper finger placement is one thing; applying this knowledge is another.
The key to mastering proper finger placement on your guitar is consistent and mindful practice.
It requires a great deal of focus to break old habits and form new ones, but with patience and perseverance, you’ll get there.
To help you with this, you may consider involving a guitar teacher or utilizing online resources.
These sources can provide visual demonstrations and offer valuable tips that can aid your learning process.
Improving your finger placement on the guitar is an ongoing process.
It might take time, especially if you are accustomed to a certain way of playing, but the results are worthwhile.
Remember, proper finger placement not only helps in reducing finger pain from guitar playing but also enhances your overall performance.
3. Use a Guitar Pick
Playing the guitar involves several strategies that can help to reduce finger pain, and one such strategy is the use of a guitar pick.
A guitar pick functions as a medium between your fingers and the metal strings, significantly reducing the direct contact and hence minimizing the possibility of your fingers experiencing much discomfort and pain.
When using a guitar pick, it’s crucial that you hold it correctly to ensure its effectiveness in lessening the likelihood of finger pain.
The right way to hold a guitar pick is to position it between the thumb and the first finger, leaving enough of the pointed end exposed to strike the strings.
This method allows for more control and comfort when strumming or picking the guitar strings, further reducing any unnecessary stress on your fingers.
It’s important to remember that the pick should not be held too firmly as it can cause tension in your hand and potentially lead to the onset of pain.
Instead, the pick should be held lightly enough to freely strum the strings, but also tightly enough to prevent it from slipping from your fingers in the process.
This video provides a visual demonstration on how to properly grip a guitar pick, effectively reducing the potential for finger pain.
By watching it, you’re likely to pick up essential, practical tips that will immediately improve your guitar play and reduce painful experiences with your fingers.
Furthermore, there are several types of picks available that come in varying shapes, sizes, and materials.
Each of these variations can influence the level of comfort you achieve while playing the guitar.
For beginners, it’s generally recommended to start with a thin or medium thickness pick as it allows more flexibility and ease of use.
Once you get accustomed to using a pick, you can try out different types and find the one that suits your playing style the best while keeping your fingers safe from undue injury or discomfort.
Playing the guitar is an art, and like any art form, it requires practice and diligence.
Implementing these strategies such as using a guitar pick will help reduce finger pain in the long run as you continue to perfect your guitar playing skills.
4. Regularly moisturize your hands
Playing guitar, especially for extended periods, can leave your hands feeling dry, and this dryness can ultimately contribute to finger pain.
It is important to prevent this dryness from occurring, and one effective way of doing this is to regularly moisturize your hands.
As a guitarist, consider using a nourishing hand cream or moisturizer designed to hydrate and repair the skin.
Choosing a moisturizer that is rich in natural oils and butters can offer significant benefits for your hands, providing necessary nourishment while maintaining the health and suppleness of the skin.
Regularly moisturizing your hands is not just about keeping your hands soft; it’s also about ensuring your skin is in the best possible condition to withstand the demands of playing guitar.
This is particularly important to note as the healthier the skin, the more resistant it is to damage and irritation.
Healthy skin is more elastic, meaning it’s less likely to crack or tear, which can be a source of pain when playing guitar.
In addition to selecting the right moisturizer, it’s also crucial to develop a habit of applying it at regular intervals – for example, before and after playing the guitar.
Doing so will help to create a barrier of protection, locking in moisture and preventing dehydration caused by constant contact with the guitar strings.
Particularly during colder months when skin tends to dry out more quickly, frequent application of hand cream can help to reduce sensitivity and discomfort.
On the other hand, during warmer months, using a lighter, more refreshing moisturizer can help to prevent sweat accumulation, which can otherwise lead to skin irritation and subsequently finger pain.
Apart from reducing finger pain, regularly moisturizing your hands can have additional benefits such as improving your grip on the guitar and making it more comfortable to transition between chords.
It’s no secret that softer, healthier hands experience less friction against the guitar strings, thereby decreasing the chance of developing calluses or blisters.
Lastly, remember that each guitarist’s needs are unique, so you need to find the moisturizer that works best for you – it should moisturize effectively without leaving your hands feeling greasy.
This will ensure that you not only manage to maintain the health of your hands but also enjoy your guitar playing sessions – all the while reducing the chances of experiencing finger pain.
5. Do Hand and Finger Exercises
Actively working on your hand and finger strength can greatly assist in reducing finger pain when playing the guitar.
There is a wide range of hand and finger exercises which can be easily incorporated into your practice routine.
These exercises are specifically designed to stretch and strengthen your fingers, wrists and hands.
By regularly performing these exercises, you can increase your flexibility and endurance, preventing strain and injury.
One of the most beneficial exercises for guitar players, known as finger stretching, involves stretching your fingers to their maximum comfortably achievable distance apart.
This exercise enhances your finger’s reach and increase their agility, hence reducing finger pain during playing.
Strengthened and supple fingers can navigate the fretboard with more ease, reducing the strain and hence the pain experienced.
This bold statement undeniably emphasizes the importance of hand and finger exercises in minimizing finger pain while playing guitar.
Consistent practice of these exercises results in stronger, more flexible fingers that can handle extended periods of playing without succumbing to aches and pains.
Thus, prioritizing these exercises can greatly improve your playing experience.
You will certainly pick up a routine of a series of valuable stretching exercises that are highly recommended for any guitar player.
These exercises will not only enhance the flexibility of your fingers and wrist but also increase your endurance, preventing unnecessary discomfort or injury during playing.
Another great hand exercise known as the spider exercise involves walking each finger up and down each guitar string, which can help increase the dexterity and independence of each finger.
These exercises are not time-consuming but are extremely impactful, they eventually result in less finger pain and a more enjoyable playing experience.
It’s also advisable to incorporate hand exercises in your warm up routine before picking up the guitar to play.
This prepares your hand muscles for the task at hand and can dramatically reduce the potential for injury.
6. Gradually Increase Playing Time
When managing finger pain from guitar playing, it’s essential to gradually increase your playing time.
Just like with any activity, jumping into it full-throttle can lead to fatigue and injury.
This is especially true with guitar playing, where your fingers and hands are subject to constant motion and pressure.
Starting with shorter, manageable sessions gives your hands time to adapt and build strength and endurance.
By doing this, your fingers get a better chance to gradually build up resilience to constant fingerboard contact, reducing the risk of pain and discomfort.
This strategy is similar to how athletes train, slowly upping the intensity and duration of their routines to grow stronger and more skilled.
However, it’s crucial to listen to your body and not push through excessive pain.
While some amount of discomfort is normal, particularly for beginners, intense pain can signal overuse and potential injury.
This strategy will also help you to maintain your practice motivation since you will not be overwhelmed by immediate, long-hour sessions.
In the beginning, divide your practice time into smaller, frequent sessions throughout the day rather than one long session.
Besides, your finger muscles can rest between sessions, reducing the risk of over-exertion and injury.
Keep track of your playing time, gradually increasing it as your fingers get more comfortable and strong.
An important thing to remember in this process is that progress may not be linear.
You may find some days harder than others, and this is normal.
What’s important is that you keep a positive, patient mindset throughout this process, understanding that improvement takes time and consistency.
All these steps should assist in a smoother adaptation to longer guitar playing sessions that are both enjoyable and pain-free.
7. Limit barre chords usage
For many guitar players, especially beginners, barre chords can be a major source of finger pain due to the amount of pressure required to perform them.
Barre chords require pressuring multiple strings at once, this could cause serious discomfort if attempted without any prior experience or proper technique.
They involve using one finger, usually the index, to press down multiple strings across the same fret, which can be both difficult and painful for beginners.
Beginners tend to struggle with barre chords due to not having developed the required finger strength and dexterity.
This is because it requires a degree of finger strength and dexterity that beginners often have not yet developed.
Overusing barre chords when you’re not comfortable with them can lead to unnecessary strain and finger pain.
Limiting the usage of barre chords in your playing can drastically reduce the chance of experiencing severe finger pain.
There are always alternatives to these challenging chords that will allow you to keep playing without discomfort.
You can always opt for easier open chord versions whilst still maintaining the integrity of the song.
Overtime as your fingers become stronger and more flexible, you can gradually increase your use of barre chords.
It’s all about knowing your limits and not pushing yourself to the point of pain.
Pain is never a good sign, it means that you are doing too much too soon.
Remember that you have to respect your body’s limits and give your hands time to heal if they start to hurt.
Above all, always make sure to warm up before playing and give your hands a rest after each practice session.
Keeping your hands relaxed is the key to preventing and reducing finger pain.
If you’re struggling with barre chords, the embedded video offers valuable advice on how to make them easier.
By trying out the tips demonstrated in the video, you can minimize the discomfort caused by barre chords and continue to enjoy your guitar playing journey.
8. Keep Nails Clipped Short
Finger discomfort caused by playing the guitar can significantly be reduced by maintaining proper nail care, especially by keeping them clipped short.
Long nails on the fretting hand can severely impede your ability to press down on the strings, leading to additional finger strain.
Moreover, they can create an awkward angle for your fingers, demanding more pressure and, consequently, increasing the chance of experiencing finger pain.
Regular, consistent nail care is an essential aspect of ensuring a comfortable guitar-playing experience.
Adopting a routine of keeping your nails short ensures optimal finger positioning on the fretboard, which helps to prevent finger pain.
This habit relieves undue pressure on your fingertips as you command the fretboard.
Shorter nails generally allow for a more natural finger posture.
They also create a closer contact between your fingertips and the guitar strings, strengthening your grip and providing you with better control over the generated sounds.
Additionally, short nails lessen the probability of nails catching on the strings, a situation that can be painful and detrimental to your playing.
Having neat, short nails allow your fingers to stretch farther, especially when playing chords that require a wider finger spread, thereby mitigating finger stress.
It’s important to trim your fingernails evenly and smoothly, avoiding jagged edges that could scrape against the strings and result in finger discomfort.
A nail file can be beneficial for achieving a smooth, even edge on your trimmed nails.
You might also consider using a nail strengthener to help prevent the nails from breaking or tearing during playing.
However, it’s worth remembering that nail care is a personal aspect and what works for one guitarist might not work for another.
Therefore, it’s a matter of finding what works best for you and your playing style.
One thing is certain, though; maintaining overall nail hygiene and keeping your nails short can make a significant difference in how much finger pain you experience while playing the guitar.
9. Warm up before playing
Among the myriad of ways to reduce finger pain from guitar playing, an often overlooked strategy is to warm up before playing.
An effective warm-up routine can significantly mitigate the strain you put on your fingers, and as a result, alleviate resulting pain.
Warming up before playing may seem trivial or unnecessary, but it is actually fundamental for maintaining the health of your fingers and reducing pain.
Warming up your fingers prepares them for the stress they’re about to endure, increasing their flexibility and reducing the risk of injury.
Think of professional athletes – they would never start a match without a proper warm-up, and neither should you when it comes to playing the guitar.
For beginners, it’s recommended to start with simple warm ups – it’s not necessary to dive into complex warm up routines just yet.
This notion speaks to the importance of not rushing the process, as overworking your fingers without proper preparation could lead to further harm.
Try beginning your warm up with some light finger stretches outside of the guitar before transitioning to strumming softly on the strings.
As with any practice, it’s pivotal to listen to your body.
If you feel any discomfort while warming up, stop immediately to prevent any potential injury.
Just as you wouldn’t continue running with a twisted ankle, you shouldn’t keep playing if your fingers are hurting.
Properly warming up may take some time to get used to, but ensuring your fingers are ready for playing can make a world of difference.
href=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XRTf6Nc5FDo”
By watching this video, you could potentially learn some easy and effective guitar warm-up exercises, which may help in reducing finger pain from playing.
You will also learn about the importance of properly warming up before playing and how to do it effectively.
The importance of warming up cannot be overstated, as it is arguably one of the most effective ways to mitigate pain caused by playing.
Remember, while playing the guitar can indeed cause finger pain, there are many strategies you can implement to alleviate it.
Warming up before playing, as outlined here, is just one of many ways to reduce finger pain from guitar playing.
10. Hold Guitar Properly
The way in which you hold your guitar can significantly affect the amount of strain and tension that is placed on your fingers and hands during continuous play, potentially leading to finger pain.
To reduce the likelihood of this, it is essential to learn and consistently implement the appropriate method of holding your guitar.
Whether you play the guitar while sitting or standing, the positioning of the guitar relative to your body and the angle at which you place your fingers on the guitar’s strings can either alleviate or exacerbate finger pain.
You must avoid gripping or clutching the guitar neck unnecessarily hard, as this can lead to muscle tension and increased stress on your fingers.
Proper balance is crucial when holding the guitar; neither leaning too far forward nor holding it too tightly to your body.
Supporting this concept, it’s worth noting that a balanced positioning reduces stress on both your hands and fingers and allows fluid and efficient movement.
Also, your fingers should be angled correctly relative to your wrist, which should be straight or slightly rounded and not bent excessively.
Your left hand (or right if you are left-handed) should be relaxed and loose, using the thumb as a brace on the back of the neck and your fingers curved appropriately over the strings.
Your elbow should be near your body which enables your fingers to stretch comfortably over the fretboard without straining.
On the other hand, the arm that strums or picks the strings (usually the right arm for right-handed players) should remain rested and loose on the body of the guitar, allowing room for joint and muscle mobility.
This position should also enable the wrist to be flexible during strumming or picking.
As a general rule, your guitar should be held close to your body, and the neck should be held at a slight upward angle.
Guitars come in various shapes and sizes, so you’ll have to adjust the best way to hold them comfortably.
Remember, even though there are common recommended postures, each guitarist might find a slightly different position more comfortable based on their body structure, guitar type, and playing style.
Consistent practice holding your guitar properly will lead to a decrease in the likelihood of developing finger pain, improved play-ability, and a smoother sounding performance.
Take your time to find a comfortable position that minimizes stress on your fingers, and incorporate this posture into your practice regularly.
11. Play on a Clean Fretboard
One of the ways to prevent and assuage finger pain from guitar playing is by maintaining a clean fretboard.
Dirty fretboards not only hamper the quality of the sound produced but can also cause unnecessary friction against your fingers, leading to agony and discomfort.
Over time, the buildup of dirt and grime on your guitar’s fretboard can accumulate, creating rough patches that rub against your fingers.
This continuous rubbing can lead to the development of calluses, or worse, blisters and cuts.
Moreover, an unhygienic fretboard is a thriving ecosystem for bacteria, which, if not cleaned regularly, can cause infections, especially if you have open wounds or cuts on your fingers.
Keeping the fretboard clean should be an integral part of your guitar’s regular maintenance routine.
Regular cleaning can prevent the damage produced by the corrosive effect of your hands’ natural oils, sweat, and any other substances that can get onto your fretboard while you play.
By cleaning your guitar’s fretboard frequently, you’re essentially providing a smooth and comfortable playing surface for your fingers, which is ultimately beneficial in easing and preventing finger pain.
Regular cleaning can prevent the damage produced by the corrosive effect of your hands’ natural oils, sweat, and any other substances that can get onto your fretboard while you play.
Souping up on this statement, our hands can sometimes leave behind natural oils and sweat, both of which can easily get onto our instruments.
Both of these substances are corrosive and can damage the fretboard, affecting its smoothness and thereby causing pain and discomfort while playing.
Regular cleaning can easily help you avoid this.
There are plenty of guitar cleaning kits available in the market today that you can utilize to clean your fretboard.
Those kits usually include items like a guitar polish, a cleaning cloth, and a fretboard conditioner.
You can also make use of household items like lemon oil to clean your fretboard.
If you want to know how to condition and clean your guitar fretboard properly, a practical demonstration would be ideal.
You can watch this hands-on video which might provide you with the guidance you need.
Watching this video, you’ll get to see how a professional carries out the cleaning process for the fretboard.
The demonstration includes the materials required, the step-by-step process, and some valuable tips for effective fretboard cleaning.
In light of the above, it is obvious that a clean fretboard does not just enhance the life and sound quality of your beloved guitar.
More than anything else, it eases the finger pain that arises out of rigorous practice sessions, thereby enhancing player comfort and performance.
Remember, every time you slide your fingers up and down a gunky and grimy fretboard, you run the risk of abrasions and infections.
That’s why, if you wish to play for extended periods without discomfort, maintaining a clean and smooth fretboard is just as important as any other steps listed in this guide.
12. Use Finger Picks and Thumb Picks
One of the vital strategies to reduce finger pain when playing the guitar is to use finger picks and thumb picks.
These tools are usually made from plastic, metal, or tortoiseshell and they fit over your fingers and thumb.
They serve as a buffer that reduces the direct pressure on your fingertips.
Your fingers will then cease to come in direct contact with the guitar strings.
This approach results in minimal finger pain and improves the longevity of your guitar-playing sessions.
As the referenced quote elaborated, using finger picks and thumb picks not only mitigates finger pain but also enhances the duration of your playing.
Reduced finger stress allows for more comfortable and prolonged guitar playing experiences.
Furthermore, these picks improve your playing technique and provide a more robust and consistent sound.
The picks offer additional control over the strings, making it easier to achieve the desired tones and effects.
Finger picks, in particular, are extremely useful for styles like fingerpicking and bluegrass.
In contrast, thumb picks are excellent for strumming and picking simultaneously.
Thumb picks allow you to rotate your thumb and use a flat pick technique while also utilizing your fingers for picking.
Typically, finger and thumb picks are available in a variety of materials and sizes and can be easily adjusted to fit your fingers snugly.
It’s important to try various picks to see which one feels the most comfortable and produces the sound you want.
Always keep in mind that every player is different and what feels right for you might not feel right for another player.
The usage of finger picks and thumb picks presents a considerable advantage when aiming to reduce finger pain in guitar playing.
These tools not only improve sound and technique, they provide a valuable means of alleviating the discomfort associated with consistent pressure and friction experienced during guitar playing.
Ensure you invest time in finding the right fit, and your fingers will thank you!
13. Take regular breaks
In the journey to master guitar and reduce finger pain, one principle that stands paramount is the need to take regular breaks.
While dedication and consistency are crucial in learning an instrument, incorporating regular breaks into your practice routine can be immensely beneficial for your physical health.
Overworking your fingers can lead to excessive strain, which might ultimately result in injuries that could hamper your progress.
A break gives your fingers the much-needed rest to recover and rejuvenate from the strain of continuous guitar playing.
When you push your fingers tirelessly on the fretboard, you are creating tension and pressure on your muscles and joints.
Taking a break helps alleviate this stress, allowing your fingers to relax and recover from this periodic tension.
Moreover, breaks can help improve your mental focus too.
Periods of short rest can assist in consolidating memory, increasing your ability to remember and reproduce the intricate chord patterns and sequences that you recently learned.
Continuous practice often leads to finger strain and fatigue. This fatigue can make your attempts imperfect, thereby reinforcing incorrect finger placements and movements.
Taking regular breaks ensures you practice with refreshed and rested fingers, increasing the quality and efficiency of your practice sessions.
Moreover, programmed breaks act as a time for your fingers to physically adapt to the modifications generated during the practice.
Remember, your goal as a guitarist is not to learn as much as quickly as possible, but to learn effectively with the least amount of physical discomfort.
Strive to find a balance in your practice routine that allows you to progress, without overburdening your fingers.
This video provides good visual guidance on why it’s essential to take breaks while playing the guitar.
Watching it will further explain the advantages of resting your fingers, and how to do it most effectively.
With that said, remember that every guitarist is unique.
Take the time to understand your needs and limitations, and develop a practice routine that suits you the best.
14. Adjust the fingerboard action
One vital aspect of playing the guitar comfortably, hence alleviating finger pain, is understanding how to adjust the fingerboard action.
The term “action” in the context of guitar playing refers to the distance between the strings and fingerboard.
When the action of the guitar is too high or too low, it can cause unnecessary stress on your fingers and hands.
In other words, a high-action guitar implies that the strings are too far from the fingerboard, making them difficult to press down effectively, resulting in finger pain.
On the other hand, a guitar with low action implies the strings are very close to the fingerboard.
This can cause buzzing sounds when the strings vibrate, and this can still lead to discomfort since your fingers have to press harder to prevent the buzzing.
Therefore, the first step in adjusting the fingerboard action is to understand the current state of your guitar’s action and evaluating whether it’s causing you discomfort while playing.
This evaluation is essential since action preference can vary among guitar players, some might prefer a higher action while others prefer a lower one.
However, it’s typically recommended that the distance between the 12th fret and the bottom of the 6th string should be around 2mm.
After you’ve understood the current setting, the next step is to know how to adjust the fingerboard action.
The action is primarily adjusted by raising or lowering the guitar’s bridge or saddle.
Most electric guitars have an adjustable bridge, where you can easily raise or lower the action using a small screwdriver.
However, for an acoustic guitar, things might get more complicated.
The action adjustment on an acoustic guitar might involve sanding down the bottom of the bridge or adding shims to it.
It is always recommended to seek help from a professional luthier if you’re uncomfortable making these adjustments yourself.
Not only they are experienced, but they also have the right tools that would make the process more precise and less likely to cause any damage to your guitar.
By adjusting the guitar action, you can avoid excessive pressing, which often leads to finger pain, therefore making your guitar playing experience more enjoyable.
As you can see, adjusting the fingerboard action can significantly reduce the discomfort and can help in maintaining your guitar in its best condition.
15. Play on smaller size guitars
When it comes to reducing finger pain caused by guitar playing, one underlooked approach is simply opting to use a smaller size guitar.
This can have a sizable impact by reducing the strain on your fingers and hands.
Generally, smaller guitars require less physical exertion when fretting or strumming the strings.
The shorter the scale length (the distance between the frets) on a guitar, the less pressure the player’s fingers need to apply.
This is especially true when playing chords or fast passages which can demand quite a bit from your fingers.
The merits of smaller guitars aren’t limited to those with small hands or physical strength constraints.
Even guitarists with larger hands can benefit from the reduced strain a small guitar provides.
While this may require a brief adjustment period, the benefits in form of reduced finger pain make it worthwhile.
In addition, smaller guitars can be easier to transport if you move around frequently or travel for gigs.
Of course, it’s important to try several models to find one that fits you both in terms of size and sound before making a decision.
It is also worth considering the style of music you play.
The physicality required by certain genres may encourage a different size or type of guitar, so don’t limit yourself strictly to small instruments.
Experimenting with different guitar sizes could lead to surprising discoveries about what best suits your playing style and facilitates comfort.
Furthermore, different guitars have unique tonal qualities, and you might find that the sound of a smaller guitar complements your musical style.
The goal, ultimately, is to find the balance in which playing doesn’t cause finger discomfort and your technique and sound aren’t compromised.
By watching the embedded video, you can learn more about the basics of guitar playing which can contribute to improved technique which in turn reduces finger pain.
An understanding of the fundamentals is important and aids effectively in troubleshooting any guitar-playing discomfort you may experience.
16. Explore Different Techniques and Styles
As a guitarist, your hands and fingers are your most important tools.
One way to reduce finger pain from playing the guitar is to diversify your playing style.
Just like cross-training can help athletes avoid injury, learning and using a variety of guitar techniques can help protect your fingers from excessive strain.
There’s a wide range of techniques to discover, like fingerpicking, using a slide, or experimenting with alternate tunings.
Different styles of music like blues, jazz, or classical guitar can also introduce you to new techniques.
Practicing a combination of different styles and techniques not only makes you a more versatile guitarist but it also gives different muscle groups in your hands and fingers a chance to rest while others are in use.
This approach can significantly reduce the risk of repetitive strain injuries which are often the cause of discomfort and pain.
Furthermore, exploring different techniques can also be a great way to avoid getting stuck in a rut with your guitar playing.
It opens your musical horizons and can make your practice sessions more interesting, all while helping to reduce finger pain.
Trying new techniques and styles can feel challenging at first, but it typically becomes easier with practice.
While mastering a new technique, remember to take your time and apply it slowly to avoid putting too much stress on your fingers, causing pain.
Regardless of the styles and techniques you choose to learn, remember to apply correct finger placement to lessen finger strain.
It’s also important to keep in mind that everyone’s hands are different.
The trick is to find techniques and styles that feel comfortable for your hands and fingers, inspiring you to play guitar without causing unnecessary pain.
Also, when exploring new styles and techniques, take the time to get the right sound without being overly aggressive on your strings, as this could increase finger pain.
Whether you are playing Blues, Rock, Metal, Pop, or Jazz, the key is to continuously evolve your style and techniques to reduce finger strain and related pain.
Remember, reducing finger pain isn’t just about playing less; it’s about playing smarter.
By exploring different techniques and styles, you are not only becoming a more rounded musician but also taking care of your physical well-being, which is crucial for any guitarist.
17. Apply topical pain relief creams
One of the effective ways to reduce finger pain from guitar playing is by the application of topical pain relief creams.
These creams can provide localized relief to areas of discomfort, especially after long periods of guitar playing.
The aspect of these creams is that they numb the painful area, reducing the feeling of soreness and aching.
Topical pain relief creams are generally safe to use, provided they are applied as per the instructions outlined on the product.
They work by momentarily desensitizing nerve endings, thereby reducing inflammation and providing relief from pain.
This action of the creams directly targets the physical manifestation of the pain, which is what makes them effective.
However, it is important to recognize that while these creams provide relief, they do not address the underlying causes of the finger pain from guitar playing.
Therefore, it remains critical to continue incorporating other steps such as proper finger placement, using lighter gauge strings, regular hand and finger exercises, and so forth.
It’s also suggested to consult with a medical professional before starting to use any new cream, to avoid potential allergic reactions or possible side effects.
Most brands would require application a few times a day for the best results, and will often provide an instant cooling effect on skin contact.
It’s however important to remember to wash your hands thoroughly after application as these creams can cause eye irritation or other discomfort if accidentally touched elsewhere on your body.
By watching this video, you can understand how another topical relief measure, DMSO, works in reducing finger pain.
You will also learn about the correct procedure to use it for effective relief.
Overall, while topical pain relief creams are not a permanent solution, they can certainly aid in affording temporary relief from pain that arises from guitar playing, thereby preventing it from hindering your passion for music.
The Bottom Line
Ultimately, alleviating finger pain from playing the guitar involves a combination of actions, from using lighter gauge strings and proper finger placement, to exercising your hands, limiting barre chords and even applying topical pain relief creams.
Choices about your instrument, whether it’s playing on a smaller guitar, adjusting the fingerboard action, or ensuring the fretboard remains clean, also make a significant difference.
Remember, too, the importance of techniques such as using a guitar pick, finger picks and thumb picks, and exploration of different styles.
Above all, your wellbeing is crucial, so always keep your nails short, moisturize your hands regularly, warm up before playing, gradually increase your playing time, and take breaks when necessary.
It’s all in the pursuit of pain-free and enjoyable guitar playing experiences.
Born and raised in Florida! I’ve been playing guitars for the past 5 years. Love to learn, and I’m always striving to achieve greater heights in music. Currently have a Fender Stratocaster as my main guitar.
