#1
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Nerve endings
As guitar players we have all built up thick skin or callous material at the end of our fingers of the fretting hand. Those who are familiar with the practice or theory behind acupuncture (I don’t) will know the avenues of nerve endings in the body, and it has occurred to me that this fretting finger stimulation may be hitting some nerve endings and resulting in some effects, positive or detrimental or otherwise.
Does anyone here know more about this? This may be moved to Open Mic section Thanks |
#2
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The little I know about acupuncture and acupressure - it's not about nerve endings, which are everywhere.
There is a point on the end of the 2nd finger that would get stimulated by string pressure but I wouldn't think that alone is gonna do anyone much good. |
#3
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I’ve been playing stringed instruments for 45 years now. If that was a major concern, I suspect any nerve damage would have shown up long ago.
whm |
#4
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Thankfully, no arthritis in my fingers yet though. Knock on wood (forehead.)
__________________
(2006) Larrivee OM-03R, (2009) Martin D-16GT, (1998) Fender Am Std Ash Stratocaster, (2013) McKnight McUke, (1989) Kramer Striker ST600, a couple of DIY builds (2013, 2023) |
#5
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I’ve been noticing subtle, persistent, compression or numbness verging on pain at the end of those fingers - my fingernails grow back strongly so my calcium intake is good - I’m wondering if I’m a thin skinned wimp more comfortable talking about guitar than playing it - the instruments I have are set up with soft action, I pick them up everyday, but not for too long.
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#6
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String pressure on your fingertips is unlikely to cause damage on its own. Your discomfort might be a result of erratic practice habits (in which case it should go away if you put in a little more daily time and/or reassess fretting technique). It could also involve something like a pinched nerve elsewhere in your body, for instance around the neck or elbow—in which case physical therapy or acupuncture would be good. Or something else entirely, but I've only experienced the above.
In a more general sense than acupuncture meridians or whatever, consider the way your habits, including guitar, generate patterns of tension throughout your body (an acupuncturist might very well suggest the same thing). It's a good idea for any musician to study some physical relaxation and body awareness method, like Alexander technique or similar. |
#7
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Thanks for the insights. |