how do you guys manage to play for hours without pain? the tips of the fingers on my left hand that hold down the strings just scream out in pain. I used to think that one day I would get used to it, but it isn't happening. I have played accoustic spanish and classic guitars for years - whenever possible - now I'd like to buy an electric guitar. can anyone recommend a guitar that is easy on the fingers, that doesn't need much pressure to hold down or fret the strings?
2007-01-15 13:27:12 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Entertainment & Music ➔ Music
Any guitar can be adjusted so that string height is set to a minimum. The lower you go however, the greater the chance of string buzz. For electrics, use light or extra light strings if you want to be able to bend them a lot. Or fat strings if you want a deep tone.
Personally I use Elixir strings. A little more expensive but well worth it. Last longer, and slippery smooth, mmmmm mama. And beautiful sound. Perhaps you are pushing the strings down excessively, but I'm sure you're not as you've been playing for a some time now.
Gibson Les Pauls are nice to play as the string height is fairly low. The wide neck however can be uncomfortable to some.
Fender Strat/tele have a wonderfully smooth and narrow neck that is quite comfortable to play. I prefer the strat over the les paul personally.
Play around with the string height and set your preference.
Good luck to you mate.
2007-01-15 13:34:47 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sore fingertips are gonna happen and it's because your fingers are building finger strength and therefore are going to develop calluses (patches of hard skin). When those patches come in, your fingers won't hurt anymore. One tip for a beginner is this: Take lessons if you can afford it I picked up guitar when I was...11. Had to switch guitar teachers twice until I was 16 and landed my third and final teacher. Now I'm 20 and still take lessons from the same guy.
2016-03-28 23:29:42 · answer #2 · answered by Beverly 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have no idea how come you have played for years and it still hurts. If you practice a lot - well, say, 30 minutes a day on average (which is very little, in fact), your fingertips grow callous and hard, and it doesn't hurt anymore. I made a pause of several weeks and when I picked up the guitars again, I got blisters, but that was over in two days & I was back in the game again. Try Ibanez RG guitars, they have very low action, and choose the .009 gauge - thoose are the thinnest string that still produce some decent mids and bass, .008 sounds too thin. If you have a bit more money, Carvin is THE name (not available in stores, only carvin.com)
2007-01-15 13:35:53 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have played the guitar for many years. If you do not play on a regular basis (Practice, practice, practice) then you will not build up the callouses on the fingertips,
I had a little Rickenbacker electric guitar that had lite weight strings when I was younger and first learning how to play you might want to try something like that.
2007-01-15 13:36:11 · answer #4 · answered by dragonlady 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm not a very 'good' guitar player, but I have played long enough to answer this. Playing guitar is PAINFUL. It will continue to be painful until you get callused fingers. Electric guitars are way more forgiving towards your fingers than accoustic. If I were to suggest a good guitar in my personal oppinion I like Fender Electrics. Good luck.
2007-01-15 13:35:48 · answer #5 · answered by Adam C 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hmm... I developed calises after about a month of practicing constantly. I guess nylon strings would probably help ease the pain. There isn't a particular guitar that will help you out.. get which one you like and change the strings. It's weird that your fingers hurt after playing for years.. maybe if you practice more often your fingers will start to develop calises.
Good Luck!
2007-01-15 13:33:19 · answer #6 · answered by Polygonia 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You still have pain even though you've been playing for years? That's odd. most people develop callouses after a few weeks, two months at most. And as for the guitar, pick any model, just try different strings until you feel comfortable. and try de-tunig to a lower key so the tension isn't as much, because most guitars, to have a similar tone and quality, have a similar tension.
2007-01-15 13:32:06 · answer #7 · answered by Rabidactyl 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
an electric guitar will be easier on your fingers for sure (I am quoting my husband who has played in bands,ect for years) the distance to the fret board will be a lot less on an electric. i know he plays on a washburn if that helps. good luck!
2007-01-15 13:33:21 · answer #8 · answered by jenibird 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
yeah nylon strings is much easier
just only do a few hours a day at first if you have steel strings
after a few months you will get callouses
2007-01-15 13:31:45 · answer #9 · answered by kurticus1024 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Buy thinnner, smoother strings. There is also something you can rub on them to make it slide easier, but i forget what its called.
2007-01-15 13:36:24 · answer #10 · answered by richard 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋