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Posted by: Meho98 May 25 2007, 05:09 AM

Hay guys, I’m new at GMC and I love it here. It’s going to be my virtual home away from home. I need some advice about my left hand. Last summer I had carpal tunnel syndrome in both of my hands from working with computers and playing guitar for over 20 years. The carpal tunnel was brought on from not taking care of my wrists like someone should, but to late to yell at me about that cause the damage is done. My right hand is about 90% normal, but my left hand is only about 50%. I now call it my dumb hand. It just doesn’t do what I want it to as fast as I want and re-training repeating movements have become a task in its self. I am going to get a grip master to use, but is there anybody out there that has gone through this or just has some tips to give some encouragement on what I should do? Thanks guys.

Posted by: Ryan May 25 2007, 05:27 AM

QUOTE (Meho98 @ May 24 2007, 11:09 PM)

Posted by: spdalton May 25 2007, 06:00 AM

Think of it as a way to relearn any technique that you might have not learnt properly the first time.
Guitar is fun to play at any skill level so just keep going with it and have fun!

Posted by: The Uncreator May 25 2007, 02:40 PM

Man, i never had Carpol Tunnell, but i got a serious injury, almost required surgery, i had to completely re-learn my left hand fretting style, and you know what?

I got twice as good when i relearned it!

Don't worry, just practice till you find whats comfortable, and develop from there on, and youll be shreddin in no time!

Posted by: Eat-Sleep-andJam May 29 2007, 03:01 AM

Yeah and if I was you. I would avoid playing things incredibly fast. Maybe go for some of the blues lessons ?

- John

Posted by: ibanez rocker May 29 2007, 03:36 AM

Hey man you'll pull through it. i have never had carpal tunnel but i feel sorry for u

Posted by: Meho98 May 29 2007, 03:06 PM

You know I never looked @ it like a second chance. Start over and fill in the things that I was never taught. That helps guys. It feels good having others with the same goal all over the world give me support and help me get my mind set back on track. It's hard to show you how I feel about this here...but just try to imagine your guitar hero coming over to your house and wanting to jam with ya for the day. Kind of sappy but that’s how this thread made me feel.

Thanx all!!!!!!

Meho98 – Chris

Posted by: Andrew Cockburn May 29 2007, 03:10 PM

While you are coming back up to speed (and so you don't over practice) why not concentrate on some theory? It can really help with your playing and composition if you haven't looked at it already (although after 20 years I would guess you have learned a lot already). Maybe set a goal to understand something you have never grasped before - thinking about theory will keep your music mind in trim, and trying little bits and pieces out as you learn isn't intensive playing.

Just a thought ... (and I fully accept that I might be a little biased here )