Injuries/hell getting older

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cellardweller

cellardweller

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I guess I'm still adjusting to the added width of the 7 string neck, but I've been trying to track a "song" (not really a song yet) that is 4.5 minutes, no changes yet, same chords.
Every time I get rolling, at about 3.5 minutes, my hand is throbbing between the thumb and forefinger, and the muscle is visibly protruding.
So last night, I get the bright idea of forcing myself to finish the entire 4.5 minutes. So the pain is coming and going in intensity, I'm concentrating on breathing and playing, and finally muddle through. DONE!!!

I stand up and an explosion of pain nearly drops me. Just over my right shoulder blade (I am right-handed), I can feel the muscle spasming. Gotta be the most intense pain I've experienced in years.

I don't know if I just tensed up so much, that I pulled this or what, but it's much less painful today...

QUESTION: When you guys track songs, do you sit/stand/kneel (attend catholic mass) or levitate?
 
You sound like these 20 year old kids I play hockey with (I'm 38)........they're always whinning about how tired and sore they are.......HA! This world is producing nothing but pansies any more! :)

Sorry to hear about your "pain", I find that about 20 minutes into a set my hand will start to cramp up.......especially if it's a buch of songs with a lot of rythem in them...........time to play the uneeded solo! :D

Rick
 
Stop it, ...you guys are hurting my feelings :(














Do I really need to insert a smile there?
 
I almost always stand. I seem to get a better performance that way.
 
You need to sit/stand up straight and relax. The huddled over, tense posture is cool onstage but who are you trying to impress while you are recording? If your hand is giving you problems, you are gripping too hard. If that is the only way to get the guitar to fret properly, get it set up. Guitars are not supposed to be that hard to play. (unless you have tiny hands) Be aware of how tense your body is getting while you play. The best way to get a good take is to relax.
 
Ha, ha.

Seriously, though, I can empathize. Here's what I would do to help alleviate the cramping while your hand muscles are strengthening. About an hour before you are going to track, take 2 or three tylenol. After tracking, soak your hand in hot water for five minutes or so and give it a good massage.

Make it a point to play that torture rack for 3 or 4 minutes several times a day. In a couple of weeks you will be able to crush aluminum beer cans! :D
 
Dude, you should sit down.

You should also practice using just enough touch necessary to fret the strings. Any more than that and you'll be hurting yourself and pulling the notes sharp.

Oh, and if you'd've gotten one of sevens in alder, the action would be so easy you could just use The Force and the guitar so light that a string-tie strap would be comfy. Maybe yours could use a set up.

Luv ya, man, and I'll be prayin' ya get to feelin' better!
 
The guitar is set up pretty decently, action is pretty easy, I think it's just adjusting to the added width of the neck, chords are all on the top 5 strings, kinda a bit more of a stretch than a 6 string maybe...Had no problem playing it on a 6 string.

Tylenol beforehand, huh? What about ibuprofen, since it is an anti-inflammatory?
I've heard heroin is good for this also, and much more "rock n roll" :D

smile included so no one mistakes the joke
 
cellardweller said:
Tylenol beforehand, huh? What about ibuprofen, since it is an anti-inflammatory?
Click to expand...
Oops, you're correct - ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) is what I meant, because they are anti-inflammatory, as you said.
 
It's God's way of telling you you're too old to play a seven string. :p

Actually, it's God's way of telling you or anyone else not to play a seven string. It just ain't natural, boy. :D


Try applying heat to it before you play. They make these things called 'Bed Buddy's' that are like a bag filled with what feels like kitty litter. You put it in the microwave for a minute and a half. Don't soak it in warm water, though. You'll soften up the callouses and it'll really hurt then.

And of course you could warm up first with Killian's therapy. ;)
 
You know, I considered that this morning in misery... maybe there is a good damned reason they settled on 6 strings :D

What is Killians therapy?
Killians red ale?
 
cellardweller said:
What is Killians therapy?
Killians red ale?
Click to expand...
It must be. I like that approach sometimes!

Gee, this is the second thread you've started recently where I didn't have an instant response. I must be losing my touch.
 
Yep. Killian's Irish Red. My current favorite. But feel free to substitute. If you're a member of the SAS forum, ignore my advice.
 
Again I'm giving examples from some of my other hobbies, but I think they still apply...

Fatiuge:

I use to race moto cross and hare scrambles (motorcycle/dirt bike), and "arm pump" and cramping would always come into play. The same is true for hockey......mostly leg related issues there though.

I've done a lot of research on this in the past and have read and tried countless "remeadies" for these types of pain and problems.

Some will say to make sure you breath...sounds funny, but sometimes in the midst of heavy concentration you may be holding your breath. Apparently this causes O2 defficiencies in the blood which adds to fatiuge.(?)

Try to only exert the minimal amount of energy/force that is required to get the job done (Playing with a bit of a lighter touch?)

Ibprofin: I use(d) this alot, but don't think that taking it 5 miinutes before hand will help you, you need to take it about an hour before so it's well into your system.

Take these for what you will...:)

Rick
 
I normally sit while tracking with a foot stool to allow the guitar to sit comfortablity in my lap, without sliding.

On occation, in particular with faster songs I sometimes stand simply because I feel the need to move a little to feel the song.

In any case if I'm feeling some pain or stiffness I try not to push myself. When I sue to gig/record alot (for pay), I had to play through the pain all the time, but if I'm simply tracking for my own projects I won't push myself as hard anymone.
 
WERNER 1 said:
Some will say to make sure you breath...sounds funny, but sometimes in the midst of heavy concentration you may be holding your breath. Apparently this causes O2 defficiencies in the blood which adds to fatiuge.(?)


Rick
Click to expand...
I always catch myself holding my breath, or just breathing very shallow/intermitently. This was the first thing I tried was concentrating on breathing/playing.

I'm hoping it's just "growing pains", adjusting to a new neck.
Time will tell...
 
Schecter C-7 blackjack. Very nice guitar, or at least the nicest I have ever owned...
 
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