trader56 Posted March 7, 2007 Share Posted March 7, 2007 Hi Guys, As I'm getting back into playing after SO many years away, I find that my left wrist and hand tire quickly. After 15 minutes or so, my practice starts to deteriorate, so I just stop then, and pick it up again a few hours later. I've sort of adopted this routine of practicing first thing upon rising (always my best practice session), than again in the afternoon, and again in the evening. I'm trying to add a minute or two every few days to each session, and end with 45 seconds of pull-offs as these REALLY tire the fingers. Right now I've got three bulging discs in my neck which make my left hand always feel like it's asleep, so that addds to the challenge at this point. Working on physical therapy for that, but if this doesn't work (and I'm not optimistic), then it's surgery, thought the surgery is quick (out-patient) and very successful. So...am I on the right track with the practice approach? Any further ideas from the experts? Thank you all again - I'm really enjoying the board! Best, Dave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rhino Madness Posted March 7, 2007 Share Posted March 7, 2007 It is definitely safe to stop when you experience fatigue, pain or any discomfort. One point I'd like to add since you're just starting off again: try and focus on using the least amount of tension throughout your body as you play. That goes for the pressure exerted by your fretting fingers to the pressure with which you hold the pick, to the feeling in your wrists, shoulders, neck, back, and even legs (it's amazing what unrelated parts of our body tense up under unnoticed stress. Make it a part of your daily practice to play as slow as needed to focus on and remove any extra tension. And good luck with physical therapy, it blows to have to fight any physical handicap but always keep hope alive. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr. Ellwood Posted March 7, 2007 Share Posted March 7, 2007 Your on the right track, you are getting in 45 mins. a day now with the three sessions, that is enough for now expecially with the neck problems. The main thing to monitor is your progress toward specific goals. If you are reaching those goals you should be satisfied for now. http://www.thestringnetwork.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zuben Posted March 7, 2007 Share Posted March 7, 2007 Medically experienced. Practice sitting down. A guitar hanging from your neck will kill you. When your body tells you to stop, stop. This is not like playing sports, no pain no gain. You can not work though this kind of pain and numbness. Make sure that surgery is your LAST recourse! Get many opinions. There are a lot of new treatment and less invasive ones out today. Most of all, welcome back to playing. It is my ultimate therapy. Peace http://www.spotcheckbilly.com http://www.littlefeat.net http://www.bonnieraitt.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hardtail Posted March 7, 2007 Share Posted March 7, 2007 I agree with the sentiments of never playing in pain. When you're in pain, stop! I'm good for at least 8 hours on a weekend day but I'm always taking breaks in between.. even if they're only for 15 minutes. Generally though, I practice for about 1.5 - 2 hours each morning on the weekday and all day on the weekends if nothing's going on. I always take breaks though. I too got back into playing after so many years. It's taken some time to work back to marathon sessions on the guitar. If you practice everyday, if only for an hour, you'll get your chops back. "Every Day".. "consistency" is the key. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hardtail Posted March 7, 2007 Share Posted March 7, 2007 It is definitely One point I'd like to add since you're just starting off again: try and focus on using the least amount of tension throughout your body as you play. Yes! Definitely agree. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hardtail Posted March 7, 2007 Share Posted March 7, 2007 The main thing to monitor is your progress toward specific goals. If you are reaching those goals you should be satisfied for now. Agree with this as well. You have to set goals... short and long term. Force yourself to do something new constantly. Don't noodle (some noodling's ok... and fun); stay focused. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trader56 Posted March 7, 2007 Author Share Posted March 7, 2007 Thank you all for yuor replies and help! Ellwood, it's funny you shuold mention that becuase I've been catching myself with lots of tension, and trying to relax more just the last few days! A great point! Zuben, thanks, I'm going to PM you if it's ok. Dave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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