It seems like no matter how i sit with the guitar, it eventually starts to hurt in my shoulder, in the muscle that's on the outside of the arm. If you know what I mean.

I concentrate a lot about relaxing that arm, but it doesn't seem to help. Is the problem my position, or am I just weak in the muscle?

You haven't been playing long enough. This is also a workout, you gotta build stamina. Lay the guitar down for a day and try again. Everytime you get this poo, you should lay off one day. Basic rules of training.

Edit for language - Smells

stretching and massage is very good tools as well. Just as warm-up is

stretch before you start though. if you stretch after, you'll ruin the new muscle somewhat.

Well I'm sure that that muscle is hearting you because you are too much tensed up when playing.I don't think its anything more serious than a normal muscle strain so its not dangerous.Also in train you will train that muscle a bit but most importantly you will learn to relax while playing so you won't have any problems..Trust me this comes in time!

I've been playing for 12 years!

And how do I stretch that muscle?

Maybe it is the position, can you somehow post a picture of your posture?

Maybe you should try to sit on a more elevated chair? I was at a physical therapist today, and he told me that my posture was a little too crooked, but that it probably was like that because I was sitting in a very low chair. I don't know, worth a try at least

When I get pains like that, I sit down and play for a week or two.

I'm am sitting on an elevated chair.



What do you mean? I am sitting down.

Edit: Picture.
Click to view attachment

ahh, ok. I know what's wrong then, but I don't know the english term. anyway, you gotta work out lightly to make it fine again, else you'd have to wait a long time. Don't play guitar though.

You're from Norway, I'm from Norway, tell me in norwegian!

The only thing I think looks odd is that the picture shows your lifting up your right shoulder a bit, perhaps that causes the strain? What if you relax the shoulder as you play, does the pain still appear?
Does standing up and playing with a shoulder strap work better for you when the guitar comes more infront of the body?

Just unqualified guesses, alright!

My bad.
You look really out of balance on that picture!

Your legs and your upper body are at the wrong angle for your picking hand, forcing your shoulder upwards.

It will probably help if you put your left leg on a foot stool.

If you have a comfortable pose when standing, try to get the same pose when sitting down.

You might be right. I'll have to practice and see if it happens.

Try a foot stool with your right leg, then your left leg - just experiment.

senebetennelse mann

I play with my right foot elevated. It keeps the guitar in place and such.

Well try with the left foot elevated, just like a classic guitarist. Keep your shoulders up and show us your chest! I really don't like that loose position you have in the picture!! And last, try to relax your right arm by lay it down on the guitar top.

You mean holding the guitar between my legs? That's fine, that works... That's how I do most my practicing. The problem with that position is that it gets harder to hold the pick correctly.

What do you mean by loose position?

Edit: The strange thing tho, is that when I sit by the computer and type and such, the right shoulder is slightly elevated, but that doesn't hurt, unless I'm aware of it.

I think your picking hand needs to adjust!

I had to adjust when I finally caved in and changed my playing position. Suddenly my picking angle was all wrong and I couldn't pick the way I used to.
After a while it got even better than it was before.

You just need to be very aware of any tension, anywhere. Get rid of it.

Hit the gym, lateral raises, forward raises, upright rows, military presses, behind head presses. The pain will be gone in no time.