If you guys are suffering from excess tension in the body when playing, is highly recommend checking out The Alexander Technique (there’s loads of books and YouTube videos available) as well as understanding the fact that there are several different types of uncomfortable sensations that occur when one’s technique has room for development. This can vary from muscular fatigue – when you’ve been working hard, with relatively heavy levels/amounts of force (For example with vibrato and bending, you’re lifting 16lbs of tensile weight with just your fingers, wrist and forearm – that’s just the high E string btw) or when you’ve practiced and exerted yourself for a long time – stamina.
The other type of tension or pain essentially comes from the tendons. When your fingers, wrists, elbows and shoulders (alongside every other joint in your body) is placed in a less than neutral position, your tendons are stretched and strained which can cause anything from mild aching or tingling sensation to full blown excruciating pain that’s difficult to pin down to a specific spot, and is even more difficult to relive with stretches and massages. Bear in mind that constant and repetitive and strains can lead to RSI (repetitive strain injury). The key to this is to research, and experiment with implementing neutral joint positions in the body parts mentioned above (Also bear in mind that the guitar is a fairly awkward instrument that demands an awful lot from your physical body). It’s a fairly complex subject that can not necessarily be explained in forum post, but I’m happy to answer any questions you guys have. Musicians health is so important guys, take care of your limbs, your eyes and your ears as well as your mind and soul
The other type of tension or pain essentially comes from the tendons. When your fingers, wrists, elbows and shoulders (alongside every other joint in your body) is placed in a less than neutral position, your tendons are stretched and strained which can cause anything from mild aching or tingling sensation to full blown excruciating pain that’s difficult to pin down to a specific spot, and is even more difficult to relive with stretches and massages. Bear in mind that constant and repetitive and strains can lead to RSI (repetitive strain injury). The key to this is to research, and experiment with implementing neutral joint positions in the body parts mentioned above (Also bear in mind that the guitar is a fairly awkward instrument that demands an awful lot from your physical body). It’s a fairly complex subject that can not necessarily be explained in forum post, but I’m happy to answer any questions you guys have. Musicians health is so important guys, take care of your limbs, your eyes and your ears as well as your mind and soul
