Every guitarist knows the pain of struggling through a complex riff, but no one should have to suffer literal pain from playing their six-string. Avoiding common guitar-related injuries is simpler than you think, and it all starts with a few smart habits.
Follow this guide for a more comfortable and enjoyable guitar-playing experience!
Warm-Up
The Pre-Strum Stretch
Start with some light hand and forearm stretches. Wiggle those fingers and do some wrist circles to get the blood flowing.
A well-warmed-up hand is happy and much less likely to end up in pain. If your fingers could talk, they’d cheer you on through the stretches, promising better performance.
Proper Posture
Avoiding the Hunchback of Notre-Dame
Poor posture can turn your practice session into a chiropractic appointment. Start by sitting up straight and keeping your back aligned.
Slumping over the guitar not only looks terrible, it strains your muscles and leads to discomfort. The guitar should be close to your body. Don’t stretch or strain to reach the strings.
Adjust the guitar strap so the instrument sits comfortably at chest level, whether sitting or standing. This keeps your hands in the right position without excessive wrist bending.
Fretting About Fretwork
Finger Placement Fun
The first trick to avoid injury lies in how you position your fingers on the fretboard. When fretting a note, keeping your fingers close to the fret wire prevents buzzing.
A good placement makes the note ring clear and reduces unnecessary strain. If the fingers are too far from the fret, it can lead to muted notes, making you sound like a novice. So, let’s get those fingers cozy with the frets!
The Art of the Painless Pick
Choosing the right pick can be like picking the right dance partner. Too thick, and you’re wrestling; too thin, and it’s like strumming air. A medium-gauge pick is the Goldilocks option – just right for versatility and control.
Material matters, too. Experimenting with different materials like flexible nylon or durable Tortex can help you find one that reduces strain on your fingers.
Don’t grip too hard; imagine holding a baby bird, using a gentle touch to hold the pick firmly without stressing your joints.
Ernie Ball Everlast, 0.60mm Picks
FEATURES: Long-lasting and high quality
OTHER INFO: Made from super-robust Delrin
- With a medium-light, 0.60mm thickness for shimmering strummed chords
- Ergonomic and responsive
- The perfect pick that gives you the control you need
- May be too thin or flexible for some users' preferred playing styles
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Strumming Shenanigans
Proper Technique
Proper technique is your ticket to a pain-free strumming experience. Using your wrist, not your entire arm can prevent repetitive strain injuries. A loose, relaxed motion keeps things fluid and fun.
Fingerstyle can be your friend. It might sound fancy, but using your fingers instead of a pick can offer more control and reduce tension. Plus, it’s a win for dynamic sound variation.
Focusing on these small adjustments can help you strum and pick your way to happier, healthier jam sessions.
Capo Capers
To Clamp or Not to Clamp?
A capo is a helpful tool that changes the pitch of your strings without changing your tuning. Using it correctly is important; it’s like having a mini-guitar wizard by your side, making it easier to play by reducing finger stretch and simplifying chord shapes.
Don’t clamp too tightly when using a capo, as it can detune your strings and affect your neck’s alignment. Choose the right capo for your guitar to ensure an even grip and smooth transition. While some players skip the capo to develop dexterity, it can be your friend if your hands start to tire.
Dunlop 83CB Trigger Capo, Acoustic Curved, Black
PERFECT FOR: 6 or 12-string acoustic guitars
FEATURES: Boasts outstanding durability with its aircraft-quality aluminium
OTHER INFO: Comes with padding to ensure your guitar's safety
Dunlop 83CB Trigger Capo, Acoustic Curved, Black
- Provides secure clamping
- Super easy to use thanks to smooth spring-action
- A little more pricey compared to other brands
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Strap In for Safety
A solid guitar strap can make all the difference. It prevents shoulder pain by distributing the guitar’s weight evenly across the back. Padded guitar straps or those with ergonomic designs offer extra comfort.
Look for adjustable straps that allow you to find the perfect height. Neoprene straps can be a blessing for long gigs, absorbing some of the shock and weight.
Don’t underestimate the power of a good guitar strap. It’s like wearing the right pair of shoes – essential for comfort and preventing injury.
Fender Multi-Colored Monogrammed
PERFECT FOR: players with exceptional comfort in mind
FEATURES: best quality material so that it can last for a long time
OTHER INFO: All the strap has leather present at the end of the guitar straps
Fender Multi-Colored Monogrammed
- The designs are unique for each of the straps
- Wide and thick for added comfort
- Adjustable length as per the height of the guitarist
- Padding present to minimize the weight of the guitar
- The ends of the strap are made of leather to provide durability
- Available in many colours and designs
- Soft and good looking
- Expensive than others
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Break Time Boogie
The Importance of Taking a Breath
Even Jimi Hendrix needed a break from shredding his guitar. Taking regular breaks can save your fingers—and your sanity—from all that strumming.
Pause Buddy List:
Stretch those fingers!
Roll your shoulders.
Grab a cup or a biscuit.
Chat with your bandmates.
Why bother with breaks? Your muscles need a chance to relax and recover. Plus, your mind needs a breather to maintain creativity.
Nifty Tricks for Playing Guitar
Guitar players should be mindful of their physical health.
Proper habits, such as taking regular breaks, maintaining good posture, warming up before playing, listening to their bodies, using ergonomic accessories, and stretching exercises, can help avoid common injuries.
A little attention to these details can keep the music playing smoothly without any unwelcome interruptions, so rock on!
capos are for cheaters, just saying
Lewis Turner, loved the piece on strap selection! It’s underrated how much a good strap can save you during gigs. Learned that the hard way at a 3-hour set last summer. Wish I’d gone for something with better padding.
Regarding the advice on pick thickness, one should consider the genre they’re playing. Jazz musicians often prefer thicker picks for a cleaner, more precise sound.
hey, so about that pre-strum stretch, does it really make a diff? kinda skipped it till now lol
Totally helps with flexibility and avoiding cramps. Give it a try!