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Posted by: Big Mike D Jun 20 2008, 03:32 PM

I am a relative beginner. I have been playing for about 3 months, on my own, using various lesson, both online and book. Well since I found this site and what the offer I have been practicing my A$$ off. About 2hr a day (One 1hr block and then two .5 hr quick sessions). Well I recently began a little wrist pain and a little at the back of the hand. I Scaled back a little on the practice but the pain is still there.

My concern is that I don't want to develop something like carpal-tunnel, that will hinder me from playing at all.

Should I ICE it. Should I scale back even more (dont want to because I am making such good progress now). Should I blow through it and let it pass by itself?

What is the best to do? What are Your experiences.

Posted by: Mark. Jun 20 2008, 03:38 PM

I suggest you just give your hand some rest and learn some theory in the mean time.
Some times taking a break can boost your playing, atleast it works for me. Sometimes I also take a break (for 5 min jk ) and after that everything feels a lot easier, and your hands can have more after the break

Posted by: sigma7 Jun 20 2008, 03:41 PM

I agree. When I take like a day off I feel so much better. I start olaying like Van Halen. I suggest you do the same. It might work for you.

Posted by: Hisham Al-Sanea Jun 20 2008, 03:48 PM

thats normally for the beginners so one week day off it will help you . just rest your hands

Posted by: Jenkinson Jun 20 2008, 03:48 PM

I would suggest finding a competent instructor in person and having them look at our technique, something could be wrong. When I got my first lesson in person, I learned 2 things. The first octave of the 3 octave G Major Scale, and to play with proper technique. My instructor said to think of my wrist as a garden hose, you never want to kink it or the water wont run.

Posted by: Henry Dietzel Jun 20 2008, 03:55 PM

QUOTE (Mark. @ Jun 20 2008, 10:38 AM)

I suggest you just give your hand some rest and learn some theory in the mean time.
Some times taking a break can boost your playing, atleast it works for me. Sometimes I also take a break (for 5 min jk ) and after that everything feels a lot easier, and your hands can have more after the break

Posted by: Ivan Milenkovic Jun 20 2008, 04:20 PM

Take a break for a few days man, and ease down on your lessons. Also if you're planning to practice for 2 hours, be sure to do a warm up session before - at least 15 minutes. If the problem persist, contact the doctor specialist.

Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Jun 20 2008, 05:03 PM

What do you mean "a little at the back of the hand" do you mean on the left hand , on the opposite side of its palm ?? That pain should not be treated easily...You should definitely stop and relax and even lower the time you practice if you feel that pain..When you experience it stop, take a theory book or just chill out..Also please keep in mind that resting is important as practicing..

Posted by: jacmoe Jun 20 2008, 05:08 PM

This is definately one of the most frustrating issues when you're just starting out as a guitarist.
You really want to play all day, but you can't even play for half an hour.

Your body needs some time to adjust!
Muscles, bones, nerves, everything.

Just give it time.
I know it sucks, but it is the only way.

And make bloody sure you're warming up properly!

Posted by: Big Mike D Jun 21 2008, 06:49 PM

Thank You all for the advice. I used to experience a similar thing with my lips when playing my sax hard. I think the break my make tougher in the hand (left hand). In the mean time i can practice some right hand only exercises.

Posted by: kjutte Jun 21 2008, 06:52 PM

QUOTE (Big Mike D @ Jun 20 2008, 04:32 PM)