Playing Guitar Makes my Fingers Hurt!

If you are just starting to play guitar you have probably learned something not everyone knows when they start - playing hurts your fingers. After hours of pressing the strings down your fingers will get tender. So what can you do to make it less painful? Play more guitar. I know, not the answer you were looking for, but it’s the truth. The more you play, the more your fingers will build strength. Also you will begin to form calluses on the tips of your fretting fingers which will dull the pain. After a few weeks of regular play you should be able to go for a few hours at a time without pain.

Some people suggest covering your finger tips with band-aids or the tight cotton mittens, but that really won’t help in the long run. Your fingers will heal and you will be back to square one. If you are currently in pain just know, it will get better.

One thing to just make sure of is that you are using a reasonable string gauge. People with small hands might be better off using a light string gauge when playing. If you have been playing regularly for more than a month and it still hurts consider replacing your strings with a medium or light gauge.

Posted Sunday, March 19th, 2006 at 9:00 am under Guitar Basics.

tagged fingers and strings

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