my wrist, and barre chords

[mabufo]

When I play these chords I notice, after a while, a pain in my left wrist (I'm right handed) when I go to play them. The pain hits me when I bend my wrist a certain way, and happens pretty much only when I play these chords extensively. An example would be me playing the song dream girl with a friend.

Now, I assume there is something wrong with my wrist placement when I play and is probably not just limited to these chords but how I hold my guitar in general... SO - what I am asking for are some pointers on how to hold the thing the propper way - so I can play these chords without screwing up my wrist.

[jellyfish]

When I play these chords I notice, after a while, a pain in my left wrist (I'm right handed) when I go to play them. The pain hits me when I bend my wrist a certain way, and happens pretty much only when I play these chords extensively. An example would be me playing the song dream girl with a friend.

Now, I assume there is something wrong with my wrist placement when I play and is probably not just limited to these chords but how I hold my guitar in general... SO - what I am asking for are some pointers on how to hold the thing the propper way - so I can play these chords without screwing up my wrist.

u play dreamgirl with barre chords??

Anyway, are you new to barre chords? If so, it may be normal.

[Speenis]

My guitar teacher told us to place the tip of your thumb on the middle of the neck, and bend your arm forward so your fingertips form a 90 degree angle with the fretboard. Hope that helps.

[audiofox]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carpel_tunnel_syndrome

[brian_ok]

I get the feeling that the OP is relatively new to barre chords Jason. (which isn't a bad thing!)

Hmm. For as long as I can remember, I have played barre chords with a straight wrist.

[mabufo]

I get the feeling that the OP is relatively new to barre chords Jason. (which isn't a bad thing!)

Hmm. For as long as I can remember, I have played barre chords with a straight wrist.

I think that's it... I'm moving my wrist instead of moving the guitar's neck and my wrist.

[sunglassesatnight]

The best advice I've gotten is to rotate your elbow, not your wrist. Keep the wrist flat, thumb in the middle of the neck, and don't push really hard. Tension makes everything worse and more difficult, and makes you more likely to injure yourself.

[mabufo]

I imagine this also has something to do with me being on the computer aswell... having my left hand in a funny position over the keyboard and such.

I'm not a very big person either - IE: smaller hands... so I wonder if my having to reach a little to reach spots on the fretboard has anything to do wih it?

[Grachi]

i use to get similar problems not just from bar chords but with other chords structures as well.

The best thing to do is to just check up on your technique. That is what I did and it has made all the difference on my wrists and arms.

[brian_ok]

Try keeping your elbow tucked into your side, and at a ~90 degree angle.

[mabufo]

Try keeping your elbow tucked into your side, and at a ~90 degree angle.

but a 90 degree angle from what? are we talking a 90 degree angle from my forearm to my bicep/tricep?

I think I have an idea of what you mean though.

[brian_ok]

Try keeping your elbow tucked into your side, and at a ~90 degree angle.

but a 90 degree angle from what? are we talking a 90 degree angle from my forearm to my bicep/tricep?

I think I have an idea of what you mean though.

If you have to drastically bend your wrist, try messing around with the strap length/guitar position (depending on whether you're sitting or standing.) You shouldn't have to bend your wrist too much...this could lead to carpal tunnel syndrome, or roach infestation.

[sunglassesatnight]

Try keeping your elbow tucked into your side, and at a ~90 degree angle.

Respectfully, having your elbow tucked in is terrible advice.

Playing guitar is easiest in the classical position, and you will notice that these guitarist rotate not their wrist, but their elbow.

This is the classical position. It really eases tension and allows flow of everything.

Think: press, release, rotate, repeat. Rotate means your arm in and out. Don't stretch if you don't have to, let the big muscles do the big motion.



Notice the difference between elbow position and fret position.

[acusticdude]

I don't get a pain in my wrist but I do get a serious pain between my thumb and index finger. Anybody else experience this or have a suggestion. I am self taught and have tried many different positions but the cramping always comes back. I can't make it through a single jack johnson song. I have been playing for 10 years and I hardly ever use barre chords because of this.

[Teego Time]

Well, there's a muscle between your index and your thumb. Mine's pretty big from climbing, so I've got the clamping power. But in all actuallity it's just pinching something. You've just gotta build your stamina.