Why does my left hands finger tips hurt and get numb when i play guitar?

Question

been playing for two years ussually when its cold they get numb but ive never experienced this pain i literaly typing this with my right hand!

but i didnt play all yesturday and only an hour the day before and it was just chords today i could not touch anything

i already have calluses

at first my hands felt numb i thot it was just cold so i put gloves on and my hands are warm now and they still hurt

i have a low action guitar

i play electric

im 17 and my acoustic already has nylon my electric is small and has the strings are really good

Im going to guitar classes too
my teacher tought us about posture already this is not a normal thing it just started like yesturday

Answer 1

You don't give very much information here.

You say you've been playing for two years. What kind of guitar do you play? Electric or acoustic? If acoustic, what kind of strings, nylon or steel?

The kind of guitar you play and how you hold it may cause some discomfort. If you have your left arm at an awkward angle, that will cause muscle strain.

Are you using good techniques, i.e., how do you finger the chords, etc... That can also cause muscle strain.

Also, how often do you play? If you play regularly, you should develop calluses on your finger tips within a few weeks. But if you don't play often enough (at least 4 or 5 times a week, if not every day), you won't get calluses, and your finger will hurt every time you play.

You may want to take lessons from a professional teacher. Even one or two sessions can improve your playing and may identify the source of your pain.

Answer 2

Are you a smoker or have other circulatory problems? Diabetic? Those could contribute to the numbness when you press hard on the strings. You may want to check out thicker strings or convert to nylon if you play acoustic.

Answer 3

It's not clear from your post whether your finger pain is epidermal as in blisters or more like bone spurs. To protect blistered fingers, try a little Elmer's Glue on your fingertip. The bone spurs you'll just have to wait and allow them to heal. Good luck.

Answer 4

You should go see a doctor this isnt normal. I've been playing for 15 years and I have never encountered or even heard of this. I worked in a guitar shop for a couple of years too.

Answer 5

they are probably still making calluses. I play the violin and it has taken three years for my fingers to make calluses. It helps if you soak them a couple times a day.

Answer 6

Your posture (including the way you hold your guitar) could be irritating/compressing your nerves or you may have muscle or tendon issues. I'd definitely check it out with a doctor.

Answer 7

it's probably because the preasure of holding the strings is pinching a nerve. i've played violin for years and thats never happened, but i know it does happen to some people.
just a thought: how old are you? it could be arthritis

Answer 8

It is normal to feel pain in your fingertips...until you build up callouses.
However, you may have heavy guage strings...your action may be too high....
switch to light gauge strings and bring your guitar to the shop to have the action adjusted lower.

Answer 9

wow after 2 years that is weird. because your finertips should have callouses on them by now.

well then maybe it is arthritis like the other person said,especially cuz its cold now.

Answer 10

pressing the fret too hard. practice smoke on the water and play it till your fingers bleed