Tips on playing guitar in the cold weather?

**Dubickisbro** · 11-03-2012

my hands are cold witch is hindering my ability to play guitar as well, and asking my dad to turn up the heat is like asking Hitler to release the Jews. any of you guys have any tips for playing under these conditions?

**Lt. Bob** · 11-03-2012

Originally Posted by Dubickisbro

my hands are cold witch is hindering my ability to play guitar as well, and asking my dad to turn up the heat is like asking Hitler to release the Jews. any of you guys have any tips for playing under these conditions?

one thing is to keep a hair dryer handy.
It's THE quickest way to warm up cold fingers.

I'm mostly a live player ( 4-7 gigs a week) and I play lots of outside gigs.
I've gotten to where I just keep a blow dryer in my cord box.

**aaronmcoleman** · 11-03-2012

Originally Posted by Dubickisbro

my hands are cold witch is hindering my ability to play guitar as well, and asking my dad to turn up the heat is like asking Hitler to release the Jews. any of you guys have any tips for playing under these conditions?

too soon dude.

i don't know, i live in S. California...it has been kinda cold lately like around 65.

**Toastedgoat** · 11-03-2012

get a separate heater for your room. or
LITTLE HOTTIES Hand Warmers, One Pair - Eastern Mountain Sports

**mixsit** · 11-03-2012

Doing some heat conservation this morning (55-58 I expect) -keeping that right pinky tucked in when it wasn't being used

**jimmys69** · 11-04-2012

Yeah, if playing a gig in the cold, things like THESE are invaluable. But, it sounds like dad needs to turn up the heat. Just get a hairdryer like Lt. Bob suggested for temporary fix. Or go buy a used small ceramic heater at a thrift store, and stash it behind your amp. Dad won't notice if he don't see it right?

**Greg_L** · 11-04-2012

Originally Posted by Dubickisbro

asking my dad to turn up the heat is like asking Hitler to release the Jews.

**miroslav** · 11-04-2012

Do several Townsend-style windmills with each arm before you start, really let each arm swing freely at the shoulder...it forces blood into the hands and 5 minutes later they will feel warm.
It's an old skiing trick...works great.

The other thing is to just "warm up" by simply playing the guitar. Do some scales/runs...eventually your hands should warm up, unless your father is keeping you room cool like a meat locker...which isn't all that great for the guitars, either.

Tell him the money he's spent on the gear will go to waste if the cold ruins the gear.

**Lt. Bob** · 11-04-2012

Originally Posted by miroslav

Do several Townsend-style windmills with each arm before you start, really let each arm swing freely at the shoulder...it forces blood into the hands and 5 minutes later they will feel warm.
It's an old skiing trick...works great.

blow dryer works better.
and quicker.

Can't have a blow dryer when skiing though.

But anywhere he has lectricity the blow dryer is the way to go. They cost 14 bucks.
Basically instantly warm fingers.
For that matter you can blow it on the large arteries in your neck that carry a lotta blood and your whole body will warm almost instantly also.

**miroslav** · 11-04-2012

Maybe his father won't let him use the blow dryer....if he's trying to conserve energy.

Yeah, the dryer is going to do the trick...though the windmills will work anywhere when your hands are cold. Just don't do it unexpectedly in some public place....people will think you are nuts.