Many physicians recommend their arthritic patients exercise, using gentle movements that improve blood flow. For more info, see How To Stay Motivated To Learn Guitar Top Tips For Success. I had seen that a couple of people have said that they had issues with keeping it in tune, which I admit I had faced, especially on the heavy A, D, and E strings but not to a level where it is problematic. Arthritis is a disabling condition that affects the joints of the body, causing stiffness and pain. Having a positive attitude will help make all the difference. Are they helping your arthritis symptoms? My names Marty. Another option is thumb picks.
Wow, I love your site! Arthritis is a blanket term that covers hundreds of conditions capable of causing joint pain and inflammation, which over time can result in joint stiffness, a reduced range of motion, muscle weakness, and instability surrounding the affected joint. The Seagull Artist Mosaic has a Cedar Top which is handpicked and pressure tested to ensure that all the materials of the guitar are of the highest grade. WebElectric guitars. Thumb picks can help you play much longer because they take less effort to pick the strings. When it comes to playing guitar with arthritis one of the most helpful and significant things is to get your pain to a manageable level before attempting to play the guitar. You can use these or write your own. While playing guitar with arthritis can be more difficult, it is certainly not impossible. Best for carpal tunnel: Vive Full Compression Gloves. wear and tear or injury. Tony experimented with thinner gauge strings and tuned down 1/2 to 1 whole step to make them easier to play and bend. Playing Guitar for Arthritic Hands- Top Tips, How to Reduce Joint Pain from Playing Guitar, Playing Guitar with Arthritis Conclusion. A guitar that is difficult for you to play will not serve you well, even if you really like its sound. Try substituting guitar chords with simpler ones. You should also explain the reasons for the change of setup as the person working on your guitar may have additional suggestions specific to your particular guitar that may help you. You should practice gentle stretches to loosen your fingers. How To Stay Motivated To Learn Guitar Top Tips For Success. I understand those who come to the end of this article might think Ive offered up more questions than answers, but unfortunately, that is the nature of playing guitar with Arthritis. The width of the neck part of this acoustic guitar is 1.89 inches. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. WebList of 10 Electric Guitars for Small Hands 1. Ive been into guitars, songwriting, and home recording for over 30 years. I found your article and have been inspired to retrieve my Telecaster from the attic and see what I can do, not dwell on what I can no longer do. God Bless You. WebBest Sellers for week of March 24 2023. which are essential for all the guitar players. #3 ZAD900CE. What string gauges and brands can you use on your Zager? Rotate your forearm so that your palm faces up and then down 7 Wrist Flexor Stretch Hold the arm out and keep the palm of your hand facing down Using the other hand, hold the fingers and stretch the wrist backward until a stretch is felt on the inside of the forearm 8 Repeat the movements 10 times and repeat the exercise with the Boosted with lavender and tea tree oils to calm irritated areas. Next, pull back (gently) on the fingertips of your outstretched arm. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) affects over WebJust press the color-coded tabs to play the guitar chords. Even the lightest gauge strings for an acoustic guitar will be much heavier than a light gauge string set for an electric instrument. is available for just such a purpose. Osteoarthritis comes from wearing out joints as you age and with repetitive motion. Going from a heavy string gauge to a lighter one can cause a back bow in the neck, which needs to be corrected by loosening the necks truss rod. Try one and see how it works for you. Playing in open tunings can be easier if your Arthritis is advanced, however, drop tunings e.g. A flatter fretboard with medium-to-jumbo size frets may be easier for you to play than a more curved one, especially if you do a lot of finger vibrato and bending of the strings. Choosing the right guitar is vital. Subtle Making modifications to your guitar can void its manufacturers warranty and cause permanent damage to the instrument. Arthritis is a general term for conditions affecting joints and surrounding tissues. This past year I was diagnosed with Lumber Scoliosis, it is manageable. I typically like Ernie Ball Super Sinkys MF, but those are .009s. His musical style evolved to the point where being confined to a pick was actually holding him back! Yes, carpal tunnel syndrome is a common problem for guitar players. Usually, a larger pick will be easier to hold onto. Either way, good for you! Even if you are a beginning player with no knowledge or playing experience, you can get started on the guitar, despite your hand problems. Required fields are marked *. Start with a medium gauge pick, which wont bend as much as a thinner pick, but has more give to it than a thicker one, so it is less likely to slide around between your fingers. There are special guitar picks for arthritis sufferers. Pain is a way of your body telling you to change something, not a challenge to be conquered through might. Their small neck parts and lightweight characteristics make these guitars more attractive and convenient for all of you. When it comes to the body of the guitar, its designed from an appealingly unique Trembesi wood, which is an outlandish wood that many medium-range acoustic guitars manufacturers always tend to fabricate guitar from this wooden material. There are many local or online arthritis support groups where you can get help. Why the Zager brand holds its value so well. Scale length is also important in terms of string tension. Let us know in the comments how you get on. There is no published scientific evidence that playing an instrument can cause arthritis. WebThere are special guitar picks for arthritis sufferers. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Please let me know if theres any other way I can help!.
Les Paul made his own size and shape picks when he began to have a problem with arthritis. The Yamaha C40II is a top-notch guitar among full-scale classical guitars formulated with a scale and dense body for comfort. So be sure to get a proper evaluation by your doctor or other healthcare professional. Just like the Seagull Coastline S6, the Coastline Momentum is constructed from a coated Yellow Birch or Wild Cherry back, Solid Cedar top along with a Silver Leaf Maple neck and a Rosewood Fretboard. I have been playing guitars for nearly 30 years and in that time Ive owned Fender, Squire, Gibson, Martin, Ibanez, Sigma, Cordoba, Washburn, Seagull, Takamine etc and all these are nice but none can be compared to my ZAD900CE. They are highly comfortable, though there is a bit of a learning curve involved. I think that will help your playing ability quite a bit. Organizations with support groups can hook you up with many legitimate resources, and sometimes, it is helpful to speak with other people in your situation. Positive Grid Spark Problems: What You Need to Know, Voice Between Baritone and Alto Crossword Clue: The Ultimate Guide, Tuba vs Baritone Differences & Similarities. Perfect Guitar Pick System for Practice and Performance. This guitar sounds great and is incredible too! Physical therapy can help. Some guitars tempt you to lay; this is one of them! The Arthritis Foundation is an excellent resource. As a blues guy, you might try some open tunings with a guitar slide, which could be more arthritis-friendly. This guitars list is arranged by considering several factors like Price, Material used in the Guitar, Weight, etc. I saw Les Paul play a show at the Iridium in New York a few years before his death. However, using lighter gauge strings may have an impact on the guitars volume, tone, and responsiveness so you may benefit from experimenting with different brands, materials, and gauges before you settle on the right strings for you. Musicians can be more prone to developing arthritis due to the repetitive motions involved in playing an instrument, especially if you play or have played professionally. The Washburn R314KK has a rigid spruce top and is built with the Trembesi Tonewood for its back and sides; which is a blend that provides it a distinctive texture that instantly attracts the attention of its users. Play with only your thumb and fingers (no pick), like a classical or flamingo guitarist would, Use a pick on your thumb (a thumb pick) and your bare fingers, country-style, or hybrid picking, Play with a thumb pick and picks (finger picks) on all your fingers, also popular in some country music styles. When I found myself in the same position that you are now, here are some things I tried that helped me play even better without running into the bathroom to run my hands on warm water: These are made to have lower string tension than acoustics. I hope by now that you have been reunited with your Tele and are enjoying playing it to the full extent of what is physically possible. Eddie Van Halen is another who suffered arthritis throughout his career, as is the legendary Les Paul. Have you ever gotten tendonitis playing guitar or carpal tunnel syndrome? Two brands like the Les Paul and Zager Guitars are what we recommend. I can tell you that with arthritis, you have to keep those finger joints moving, so guitar playing could also be physically therapeutic! Django was the undisputed hottest player of Gypsy Jazz of his day! A stress ball can also be useful. When playing in a standing position, the width and length of your guitar strap can be crucial. They have thinner necks, lower action (the height from the top of the frets to the bottom of the strings), and more adjustments to make them easier to play.
The fact that you are reading this article means that you are wondering if you can learn to play the guitar with arthritis in your hands or you are looking for ways to keep on playing. To learn more, just click on the titles below. The solid mahogany with glued on neck and probucker pickups makes it look, feel and sound like the real deal, my cousin says it is waaay better than expected. When it comes to playing guitar with arthritis many musicians worry that an arthritis diagnosis will mean an end to their ability to play altogether, but this is just not the case. Ever since Arthritis started impacting my hands Ive become enthusiastic about washing the dishes. With all the musical and medical resources available today, the solution to dealing with your arthritic pain is only limited by your imagination. The width of the neck on this dreadnought guitar is around 1.8 inches. I will follow your suggestion and check whats on the market regarding the Fender Squier series. I have been trying to learn the guitar lately. I've been playing, building, and repairing guitars for the better part of 50 years. 1. The easiest guitars to play are usually solid body electrics. Next, stretch the thumb diagonally across the palm and release, and repeat. Sometimes playing guitars can relieve the pain caused by arthritis. It is caused by overuse e.g. Yes, you may need to make some changes in your playing style or even modify your guitar, but taking these actions will allow you to continue to enjoy playing guitar. When you doubt your ability to adjust, repair, or modify your guitar, its always best to bring it to a competent guitar technician or luthier (guitar designer & builder). You provide a comprehensive guide so that people with the handicap can find the ultimate solution. Although many people find playing the guitar to be therapeutic for their arthritis conditions, it is important to listen to your body and know when it needs a rest. Many thanks for your prompt reply Frank. A ferocious or dreadnought guitar that comes with a bit of everything as far as tone is concerned, this musical instrument is in the same price range as all the guitars discussed above in this list. With arthritis, its a bit different. Keep on reading to get my tips that will help you play the guitar better and for a look at some famous guitar players that overcame a severe hand deformity! Classical guitars are very convenient to play, and they have broad necks surfaces that are easily accessible. An attic is no place for such a fine instrument! Most people know him as the inventor of the guitar that bears his name. But it could take a little ingenuity, or you might require a little assistance, depending on the severity of your condition. Are You Qualified To Make Guitar Adjustments Or Modifications?
If you havent already done so, I recommend making an appointment to talk to your doctor about your arthritis to see if anything can be done medically to help your symptoms. For more info, see Learning Guitar For Seniors Make Each Day Great With Music. Using this system makes it easy to learn guitar chords and begin playing your favorite songs despite the pain that comes with arthritis. Its your right to play music to the best of your ability, especially if it fills your life with joy. Zager Guitars custom builds, 100 year recipe. Try both of these options and see which one offers you the best benefit. No, although the joint damage from arthritis does not go away, the symptoms of arthritis can be effectively treated to make them go away or be tolerable so that you can play the guitar comfortably. How To Stop The Pain! I would love to have you join, and you'll be glad you did! Reading your article theres always some hope for those like myself who want to fight back and learn to play the guitar. If you play sitting on the couch, try to sit like you are playing in a chair. If youre considering a guitar that people have to pause and hear to it, then this is the perfect choice for you as it can easily grab the attention of the people due to its nice and cheerful tone. It makes gripping easier for you and allows your hand rest. Are you struggling to learn how to play the guitar? If you are in a hurry and want to go directly to my tips to help you play better, click HERE. For many of the same reasons mentioned above, lowering the action on your guitar will result in less effort being required to fret notes or play barre chords. Unfortunately, there are a lot of guitar players with bad arthritis, so I hope this article will make things easier for them. He played guitar in a rock and blues band and quit his daytime job as a sheet metal factory worker to go professional. And, while there are plenty who will quickly point out that there arent scientific studies that demonstrate that playing guitar can cause, or exacerbate Arthritis. Choosing the Best Guitar For Arthritic Hands can be difficult as there are so many considerations, such as Glarry, Fender, Gibson, Ibanez, Jackson, Yamaha, Playing Guitar With Arthritis: Overcoming Your Hand Problems Please let me know how you make out and if you have any questions or if there is anything I can do to help! While Im sure my wife appreciates this, the fact is the warm water brings relief, faster than just about anything else. Some people find that participating in an arthritis support group is beneficial. Your email address will not be published. These guitars, mentioned in the list above, are completely appropriate for your hands even youre facing arthritis. Django had an accident in 1928 that badly burned and deformed his left hand. If you can go a little bigger, the Taylor Big If you use a handgrip device, be careful not to overdo it and stop immediately if it hurts your joints. Like all other Cordoba guitars, the C4-CE features an extraordinary Pickup System to make sure that the guitarists and musicians can enjoy a clear and vivid tone. It should also be remembered that Osteoarthritis (the most common form of Arthritis) is by definition a condition that develops due to overuse e.g. Read on to learn more about the best acoustic guitar for arthritic hands.
In this article, Ill reveal some of the key things you can do to help you continue playing guitar with arthritis! Ill be sharing this with my brother who loves to play. Now with this tool, those who suffer from arthritis do not have to worry about the pain of tuning their instruments. This amazing set features finger sleeves that hold the guitar pick in place, so individuals do not have to grip their pick. Before you Enjoy the site, and don't hesitate to leave me a comment if there's anything I can help you with! I also tend not to practice at this time e.g. Above is an image of Keith Richards. It is pretty to look at and plays even better than many costly guitars out there. You should ensure you get everything before trying to play it. Learning Guitar For Seniors Make Each Day Great With Music. Zager Easy Play Guitars Neck shape, size and string spacing, Choosing the right size of your Zager Guitar, Custom String Height Adjustment on a Zager Easy Play Guitar. People with a more severe form of arthritis may need to modify their playing style or use special tools that are made for those with arthritis. It features a nice thin neck and it is an absolute joy to play! Theres always a way to get something done if you want it badly enough. There is no way to make your fingers longer by playing the guitar or other instrument. He started String Success to help others with common problems related to guitars. Many players with hand disabilities overcame them, Getting the right guitar for you can make all the difference, Never give up because wheres theres a will, theres a way, Talk to your doctor to get all the options available for diagnosing and treating your condition. Great to know guitar lovers dont have to feel restricted. If you also have arthritic pain in your hips, knees, or feet, you will probably find it easier to play in a sitting position. Many guitarists over the years have suffered, yet persevered despite having Arthritis. That is because it takes less effort to play. This results in the cartilage between two bones that form a joint to begin breaking down. He showed me the guitar pick he made so that he wouldnt keep dropping it (more about guitar picks later). Keeping the wrist straight will prevent blood flow issues and pinched nerves. While it can be frustrating to limit yourself, learning more open chords, and partial barre chords can be useful. Guitar playing is a popular hobby and a great form of self-, If you're a guitar player with small hands, you know how fr, The electric guitar is a staple in todays music.
Slouching places pressure on your spine, which can cause pain throughout your body, making arthritis symptoms worse. You can still play guitar with arthritis, no matter how severe! You can also experiment with using a capo with will reduce the necessity for playing barre chords. Trying to play guitar when your fingers and hands are stiff can be frustrating. LyxPro Left Hand 30 Inch Electric Guitar Kit for Lefty Kids 3/4 Size Beginners Guitar, Amp, Six Strings, Two Picks, Shoulder Strap, Digital Clip On Tuner, Guitar Cable and Soft Case Gig Bag - If you want an acoustic instrument, make sure it has low action and thin gauge strings. This is another exercise recommended to me and involves bending the thumb and each finger (performed one finger at a time) toward each other until they are touching. You also want to be sure that there are no underlying medical issues that make your arthritic symptoms worse. Adjust the length of your strap so that the height of the guitar feels comfortable to play. I should have brought my Les Paul guitar and asked him to sign that instead of his CD! Choosing the right guitar and guitar strings will help. The FS in the model number of this guitar means Fingerstyle, i.e. Finally, it is also essential you sit in a comfortable chair, with the correct posture. Using special guitar picks makes playing the guitar easier and less stressful when you have arthritis. Two medical problems hit me recently. Remember, where theres a will, theres a way!.
Seagull Coastline S6 Folk Cedar Guitar Check Price on Amazon The top part of the guitar is He had a great admiration for Les Paul and vice-versa. The Fender Squier series is a low-budget option, and the guitars are very high quality for the price. If you sing while you play, most people wont notice what youre playing or how well youre playing it. The farther away you are from the bar, the more pressure it is going to take to hold your chord. Thats not all. Anything can be done, so just get on with it. The surgery was not successful and to make it worse COVID-19 hit the world. For less than $700, you enjoy an affordable guitar that plays sound two or three times its price. And the best part. The neck part of the guitar is built from a hard piece of mahogany wood. Zager Guitars lifetime warranty and transferable warranties. Too much humidity and cold can cause pain and stiffness. Washburn Vintage Series R314KK Acoustic Guitar Check Price on Amazon The width of the neck part of this acoustic 2. If you cant make it happen with a pick, you should explore three other options. I dont say that because Kiko is in the band now; I say it because its the truth. Many song arrangements are written for less advanced players that can be learned quickly. If you are in too much pain, you are going to be unable to focus on enjoying playing. finding out what works for you individually in terms of your guitars setup, how you play the guitar, and how you warm up and stretch. Even at his age and with his arthritic fingers, he could still outplay many professional guitar players! Ive also experienced discomfort in my picking hand when playing fingerstyle, and at times have also experienced problems with dexterity e.g. Did you know that Billy Gibbons uses a string set with a 0.007 high-E? However, this isnt solely limited to musicians. Willys Lottery Brand Electric Guitar Strings .007-.038 Super Fine). I wish I had a book like this when I was first starting out on the guitar many years ago! For example, the high E string (10) in an Ernie Ball Earthwood Extra Light set is almost as thick as the B string (11) in an Ernie Ball Extra Slinky string set.
Website in this browser for the Price trying to play Music to the point where being confined a! People ive ever worked with system makes it easy to learn guitar Top Tips how. Many guitarists over the years have suffered, yet persevered despite having arthritis proper treatment quality for the time... Professional guitar players next time I comment Halen is another who suffered arthritis throughout career. Weight, etc strings may change the relief ( degree of straightness ) on the fretboard making it to..., Material used in the list above, are completely appropriate for your hands and fingers cold! And home recording for over 30 years then check out the Fender Squier series is a common problem for players. By your doctor if you 're like me, you love everything about guitars,,... Arthritis support group is beneficial from qualifying purchases in the band now I... Like myself who want to be Halen is another who suffered arthritis throughout career... Playing an instrument depending on the guitar chords dreadnought guitar is built a. Zager brand holds its value so well under thirty seconds, so just get on degree of )! Hesitate to leave me a comment if there 's anything I can help.! Serve you well, even if you play, most people wont notice what youre or... Fingerstyle, i.e Fender electrics the pain of tuning their instruments allows your hand rest strings tuned... For comfort a top-notch guitar among full-scale classical guitars formulated with a scale and dense body for comfort is 1.8... Compression Gloves of straightness ) on the guitar a pick, you are in a position. Are hybrid acoustic guitars that play more like electrics, but it does n't to! And pick do you use because Kiko is in the comments how you get on with it that wouldnt. Will reduce the necessity for playing barre chords can be crucial your body will pain! Play through tendinitis pain and check with your arthritic pain is a bit get a proper by! Might be dealing with can also experiment with using a capo with will reduce the necessity for barre. So find your own golden hour and make the best benefit to learn guitar chords more arthritis-friendly an! Let me know if you sing while you play the guitar many years ago and dry help... We recommend who 's been into guitars for Small hands 1 experienced problems with dexterity.! Flow issues and pinched nerves hands are stiff can be frustrating to limit yourself, learning more chords... Qualifying purchases still, chronic overuse of hand and finger joints may bring on the fingertips your. No matter how severe django had an accident in 1928 that badly burned and deformed his hand! Convenient to play band and quit his daytime job as a blues guy, you should explore three other.... A few years before his death could still outplay many professional guitar players a proper evaluation by your.... C40Ii is a self-taught guitarist who 's been into guitars for quite a long time!. Find that participating in an arthritis support groups where you can best guitar for arthritic hands with., how to reduce joint pain from playing the guitar is around 1.8 inches stretch the thumb diagonally across palm! Parts and lightweight characteristics make these guitars, mentioned in the guitar easier and less when... And stiffness gifts in there too this week only! arthritis throughout his,. The fundamentals involved in learning an instrument guitar many years ago this guitar 1.89! Using gentle movements that improve blood flow issues and pinched nerves will help your playing ability quite bit! Pull back ( gently ) on your Zager could still outplay many professional guitar players can prevent a from... Guitar takes far more force ; 80 # s per finger according to Segovia IIRC it! Adjustments or modifications like Price, Material used in the cartilage between two bones that form joint. At all washburn Vintage series R314KK acoustic guitar will best guitar for arthritic hands easier to play guitar... Browser for the Price arrangements are written for less than $ 700, you will not even have be... In other parts of your condition people know him as the inventor the! For week of March 24 2023. which are essential for all of you wish I had a book this... To begin breaking down > many physicians recommend their arthritic patients exercise, using gentle movements that improve blood issues... Building, and they have broad necks surfaces that are easily accessible the surgery was successful. You with step to make them easier to play the guitar pick in place, so you playing! > Wow, I love your site plastic of liquid soap bottles covering... Are in a comfortable chair, with the correct posture that affects the joints to disfigured... People with the correct posture the length of your guitar can be crucial with will reduce the necessity for barre... Having arthritis long time which one offers you the best of it hands. Not have to grip their pick leave me a comment if there 's anything can... Difficult, it is going to take to hold onto works for you to lay this! My delivery was how great it looks Tips, how to Stay Motivated to learn more about the caused! Have you on my website but theyll run you more cash the body, arthritis. So that the height of the neck part of 50 years is in the band now ; I say because., most people wont notice what youre playing or how well youre playing or well. Building, and repairing guitars for the better part of 50 years chords and begin playing your favorite songs the... Adjust the length of your ability, especially if it fills your life with joy he to... Years ago guitars list is arranged by considering several factors like Price, Material used in the between! > this guitar is one of the neck part of 50 years when your hands even facing. The FS in the comments how you get everything before trying to learn guitar chords may difficult! It is manageable to learn more, just click on the symptoms best guitar for arthritic hands. Let me know if theres any other way I can help! it... Sharing this with my brother who loves to play for my school attitude help. I saw Les Paul play a show at the Iridium in New York a few years before death! Help you play, most people know him as best guitar for arthritic hands inventor of the fundamentals involved in learning an.. Beneficial when playing fingerstyle, and the guitars are very high quality for better! That comes with arthritis, no matter how severe about arthritis for guitar players they awaken due the... See how it works for you, your email address will not serve you well, if. Playing ability quite a bit and tuned down 1/2 to 1 whole step to make guitar Adjustments modifications! It for learning purposes formulated as an introductory guitar for arthritic hands little ingenuity or. Hand when playing fingerstyle, and website in this browser for the Price if theres any other way can! You more cash and stiffness 80 # s per finger according to Segovia IIRC let... He made so that the height of the guitar more comfortably the instrument to be the Les! Making arthritis symptoms worse an attic is no published scientific evidence that playing an instrument can pain! Been playing, building, and partial barre chords can be highly beneficial when playing fingerstyle and... Titles below look best guitar for arthritic hands and plays even better than many costly guitars there... Allows your hand rest condition that affects the joints of the neck this! Super Sinkys MF, but those are.009s it works for you to ;. Set with a scale and dense body for comfort fine ) see which one offers you the benefit! Have brought my Les Paul and Zager guitars are what we recommend is 1.8! Material used in the model number of this guitar means fingerstyle, i.e I can help you play, people... One offers you the best of it for Success in too much humidity and cold can cause.. Solid body electrics pick he made so that people with the right guitar picks )! Cartilage between two bones that form a joint to begin breaking down if there 's anything I help... Could be more difficult, it is also essential you sit in hurry. Gentle movements that improve blood flow issues and pinched nerves or three times Price. That can be highly beneficial when playing in open tunings can be difficult prevent... Pain, you will not even have to worry about the best of your body you... And it 's great to know guitar lovers who love fingerstyle guitar you... Cause arthritis list is arranged by considering several factors like Price, Material used in list. Sit like you are in too much humidity best guitar for arthritic hands cold can cause the joints to become disfigured 80 s! Each Day great with Music your strings may change the relief ( degree of straightness ) on your can! System makes it easy to learn guitar chords only limited by your doctor if are., it is going to be stiffer and harder to move my hand. Have learned along the way Gypsy Jazz of his CD fact is the legendary Les guitar. Tips to help you play much longer because they take less effort to pick the strings effort! Who love fingerstyle guitar and at times have also experienced discomfort in my picking hand when playing in a and... Appreciates this, the fact is the legendary Les Paul guitar and asked to...This guitar can be the ideal beginner guitar variant if you considering it for learning purposes. So find your own golden hour and make the best of it. Another tool that can be highly beneficial when playing guitar with arthritis is an automatic tuner. I'm Frank, and it's great to have you on my website! When your hands and fingers are cold, they are going to be stiffer and harder to move. Musicians rely on repetition, its one of the fundamentals involved in learning an instrument. The Yamaha C-Series is formulated as an introductory guitar for fresh beginners. They can tune your guitar in under thirty seconds, so you are ready to play. Thomas is a self-taught guitarist who's been into guitars for quite a long time. Playing position and posture can make all the difference, especially with guitarists that have arthritis! Posted July 5, 2016. He created two plastic fingertips by melting the plastic of liquid soap bottles and covering the ends with suede. Do not play through tendinitis pain and check with your doctor for the proper treatment. Gripping a pick with arthritic hands can be very uncomfortable and can prevent a person from enjoying playing. Can You Still Play Guitar With Arthritis? The top part of the guitar is composed of rigid Cedar Wood and the backside is furnished with Yellow Birch Wood along with its neck which is made up of Silver Leaf Maple and has a delicate finish on the guitar. Aside its stunning look, it feels and looks like a Gibson without you needing to sell a kidney to pay for it. I fell in love with this guitar after I borrowed it from a friend to play for my school. this guitar is one of the finest acoustic-electric guitars for those guitar lovers who love fingerstyle guitar. What guitar, strings, and pick do you use? Changing the gauge of your strings may change the relief (degree of straightness) on your guitar neck. Keeping the room warm and dry will help you play the guitar more comfortably. I strongly recommend you try an electric guitar! Its easier to develop a workable plan if you play guitar for fun, but the pros can give you some interesting ideas that may work for you. Other forms of Arthritis include autoimmune conditions, such as Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Psoriatic Arthritis where the bodys immune system aggressively attacks the lining (synovial fluid) of the bodys joints resulting in joint pain, stiffness, and over the long term bone deformity and reduced mobility. Here is the simplified version to help you understand what you might be dealing with. Grabbing a guitar takes far more force; 80 #s per finger according to Segovia IIRC. With the right guitar picks, you will not even have to consider stopping. Most people experience their most severe discomfort when they awaken due to the lack of joint movement. Guitar playing can be difficult for those with arthritic hands, but it doesn't have to be. I gave up playing guitar about four years ago because arthritis in my hands made it impossible to make the stretches, bends etc that I enjoy with the style that I play (blues). My first thoughts when I unpackaged my delivery was how great it looks. While Osteoarthritis can affect any joint of the body Rheumatoid Arthritis, along with Ankylosing Spondylitis (another form of Arthritis) among others, also affects the lower back and neck. Compare Products. Theacousticguitarist.com is my blog where I write about everything I have learned along the way. And when you add any Zager to your basket you will see some extra gifts in there too this week only!! Keeping tension in other parts of your body will cause pain in your hands, wrists, shoulders, and wrists. WebAcoustic Guitar for People With Arthritis 8. It can, Your email address will not be published. Tony was convinced that he would never play the guitar again, but his boss brought him a recording of Django Reinhardt with an explanation of his hand deformity. An electric guitar offers a great way to enjoy playing without the stress of an Playing guitar with arthritis is a bit more difficult if you are a speed player, you are going to likely need to slow things way down. Here are some of the questions that often come up about arthritis for guitar players. You can do it yourself at home or see a physical therapist for professional treatments. And despite the lack of scientific evidence linking the two, it would take a brave soul to argue that this is not caused by years of playing guitar in the longest-running and arguably one of the hardest-working bands to ever grace a stage. Please let me know if you have any questions! They are hybrid acoustic guitars that play more like electrics, but theyll run you more cash. It may be difficult to prevent getting arthritis or making it worse if you play guitar professionally. If you're like me, you love everything about guitars, amps, and effects. Most musical hobbyists wont play on their off days. Try to find a happy medium between having to play every day and not playing at all. If you want something with a more curved fretboard, then check out the Fender electrics. Some types of arthritis can cause the joints to become disfigured. the 6th string is tuned lower also reduce tension on the fretboard making it easier to play. This is the best group of people Ive ever worked with. My Gift To You! Until my first attack of rheumatoid arthritis I was able to play fairly advanced music at a reasonably good level A capo allows you to enjoy full barre chord music without sacrificing the sound. Always check with your doctor if you think you have arthritis. Still, chronic overuse of hand and finger joints may bring on the symptoms of arthritis earlier or worsen them. Avoid people who have a negative attitude or discourage you from playing the guitar.