Right hand fingerstyle hand locks up
 

My right hand gets stiff and unusable after a while (30 mins) trying to practice fingerstyle. I'm using 4 fingers (no pinky). I don't plant my pinky on the guitar, it feels weird to do that. I'm maybe an intermediate player. Am I just holding my hand too stiff?
~Bob

Bob,
We are all made differently. Ive made a good portion of my living with my hands. Fingerstyle was out right painfull for me for many months. Planting my pinky is impossible as it causes great pain still. I have come a long ways. I still have a ways to go.. If I dont take my time to warm up nice and slow after a nice stretch I wont last 5 minutes before im forced to stop.

Assuming its not nutrient, hydration or conditioning related you should go see a doctor. You have to figure out what kind of pain you have. If its joint related try Elixinol's Daly Balance Tincture for a week and see if it helps. It has revolutionized my playing and joint comfort in total.

Thanks for the quick reply.
Do you use the natural or the mint?
~Bob

Hi Bob,

What kind of fingerstyle? Have a look at how your planting your fingers, to give each technique a stable base. In general, if you’re using fingers ima, you’ll want to plant your thumb and vice versa, on the guitar top or a string.

I'm not sure how to answer, "What kind of fingerstyle?" Not country picking or Travis. Thumb is on the 6th string most of the time unless I need it elsewhere. I don't plant anything on the guitar top. I sometimes play using all 5 fingers. But that doesn't bother me, then the thumb is firmly planted on 5th or 6th strings. It's only when I'm using 4 fingers: thumb, index, middle and ring. Pinky just sits in the air. Maybe that's a clue.
~Bob

It's hard to say. There are different picking styles; I use several, but I have very few compositions where I need (or would want to) plant a finger of palm.

I stopped planting my pinky 20+ years ago at the suggestion of a classical guitar player, and I've been very satisfied with the results. I do constantly alter my picking angle, the angle and the rotation of my wrist, and my picking position--all depending on the piece.

I also do hand and finger stretching exercises.

I do hand and finger exercises too. I managed to ward off carpal tunnel syndrome; computer programmer - 30 years. Maybe I'm just stiffening up as I play? I also play piano and can play for hours without pain or tightening up.
~Bob

There is also something called musicians dystonia that I only became aware of a couple of years ago. I noticed a cramping in one specific finger after playing for a couple of hours, and only hit on this possible cause after eliminating others. Worth looking into.

Thanks! I found this article and will delve deeper:

https://www.discovermagazine.com/min...th-a-change-of

~Bob

Maybe you're pinching a nerve or cutting blood supply or something like that by resting your arm on the top of a big guitar?

It happens mostly while playing my Taylor GS Mini. I also think I have a pinched nerve in my neck too. Geeze, I'm a wreck. Sucks to get old...
~Bob

Bob,

I would avoid self-diagnosis or follow advice from a forum for this kind of issue. Just go see a doctor as you were initially recommended.

Ll.

I buy the Mint. Its not unpleasant. The natural tastes like bong water :( Takes about 4-6 days to build up in your system and start working. In the name of clean living I stop taking it every few months for about 2 weeks and I see clear results.

Thanks for the info! I'll check it out.
~Bob