Such excellent tips! As a 66-year-old with small hands & arthritis, your videos are going to bring me back to enjoying my folk guitar again. Thank you so much Lauren!
Great tips. Never thought of the pressure. Shows you how physics are involved in everything! I’m a “why” guy. I hope in later videos you show “why” a Chord is called what it is. Knowing piano triad chords and inversions are screwing me up on guitar.
This is a really important lesson for all beginners. You will reducing/removing most (if not all), pain in your fingers,hands,arms,shoulders,neck and back assuming that you already have your action adjusted. Great job Lauren.
Hi Lauren, I'm 57 years young and just bought me first geetar, watched your 4 cord learners vidio and now this one, me fingers sure are feeling it great tips thanks
It’s only been two days my finger tips are numb but Horse with no name is coming along. I REALLY enjoy your videos, I always made excuses that my dad never taught me to play. On my 35th birthday I decided that isn’t an excuse anymore. Your method of teaching really speaks to me and I’ll be getting your course soon!
Not trying to take over the comments but some things that have helped me along the way. Use isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab and rub it over the finger tips, then if you do that 2-3 times a day when you are starting on guitar it does help immensely. Then before you play get some apple cider vinegar and soak your finger tips for like 30 seconds at a time to numb the tips a bit. It will not numb your finger tips completely, just enough to be able to practice for a short time at several intervals a day. A third tip is to use some sea salt and dissolve it in very warm water, then soak the finger tips a few times. Helps develop the calluses a lot quicker. 4TH thing is make sure your guitar is set up properly. Hardest thing to play is any guitar that is not properly set up by a luthier. You will definitely be happy with the results and it will help you in the journey as a beginner.
I think making sure the guitar is set up properly is most important. If the action is too high it’s much harder on the fingers and hands. Most often if you buy a new guitar it needs a luthier to adjust the action.
I have been in pain for a few months and others say to not play, stop and not cause permanent damage. It is the base of my thumb bone area and your tips here gave a good way to practice. I do not (yet) play in a group except like at church worship type of thing. The pain has been very bad... and sure enough the tips you gave work... play as easy as possible to make a clean sound and no gripping grabbing squeezing the neck... that I've been doing. You deserve a raise in pay. 🙂
Lauren, this is so timely! I’m working on a couple of songs for Sunday and practicing 2-3 hours a day. I finally had to stop last night because my fingers were so sore. I have callouses built up, but nearly always have a groove in my ring finger. I have’s touched the guitar for about 10 hours. I will certainly follow your tips to see if they help. Thanks.
Lauren, I love your videos, please keep doing them. I had a thought. I remember a rented guitar that I first tried to learn on 50+ yrs ago. The action was so high & stiff that I almost gave up because it hurt so much to play. At that time I had no idea that any other guitar was any different, until a friend let me try his Harmony. The difference was night & day. Now at 74 I'm getting back into it. Thanks for all your help. Old guy in Canada
@@LaurenBateman I wanted to ask a random question. No worry's it's about music lol. Anyway have you ever learned a song you liked that was simple but maybe had a small or easy melody line or solo and played around with it improvising and fill in? We know there is a point where to much is bad and sometimes a simple song can be powerful alone in many ways. I mean what I'm asking is as long as you are in the same rythm and chords and key and you know the tempo it really doesn't matter right? I taught myself when you play lead it has to come from within especially something you make up..
Thank you for the tips! I keep wondering why it's hurting when playing the guitar and I almost give up on learning it but after I've watched your video I felt relieved that I can play it without a problem. So thank you so much!
Thank you so much Lauren. I hardly ever leave comments but this video was extremely helpful in preventing the discomfort of string tracks deep in my fingertips. And since I started 12 months ago, nobody told me about how I don’t need to use vice-grip power with my thumb to play cords.
Awesome tips! I would also add that when you are just starting to play guitar and have virgin fingers, you shouldn't spend too much time fretting chords and strings. Just like if you took up jogging you would start by jogging 10 miles. You would start with what is comfortable, maybe even just walking first. The same is true with guitar, you want to build up slowly. I don't teach guitar anymore, but when I did I would have my students start with some simple finger exercises, but just for 5 maybe 10 minutes, then just place their hands over the strings to mute them while they worked on their strumming. then to wind down their practice I would have them do "Air Chords" forming a C, G, D and such int the air just above the strings. That way when we started on their first song they could already strum, and form the chords and land all their fingers on the chord at the same time instead of forming the chord one finger at a time. I worked at a music store and when someone bought a guitar they got 3 free lessons, so I wanted to make the most of those three lessons, and I wanted their learning to be pain free. But in the begining when your fingers need to build strength and callouses, that is a great time to work on your strumming, because strumming is so important. So many songs written with the G C D chords, it is the strumming that sets them apart.
@Lauren Bateman - excellent tips. When my old fella died nine years back, he left me his beloved Larrivée acoustic. I've been wanting to learn but I also want to get into the meat and gravy of the matter, instead of the instant gratification of just learning a few chords and wailing along to them. Your videos are just the ticket so - subscription earned! Thanks a bunch lass.
I've been playing guitar for three years but I've never realized this until once my fingers started to hurt really bad and i searched for tips and this video popped out. I tried your advice and i could play for two more hours. I'll definitely try to work on this, thank you
The guitar instructor I was taking lessons from told me if I hold my thumb too high on the fretboard I’ll get arthritis. Now I’m learning I don’t need my thumb at all?! I just started playing guitar 3 weeks ago so this string instrument knowledge is new to me. Also, the finger pressure thing is going to help me a lot since I’m having issues with applying pressure to the strings. I get finger lines and finger pain and that’s no fun.
The thumb is really there just to hold on to the guitar. When you get comfortable, down the road, ti can be used for muting the top string when playing 5 and 4 string chords.
My Chord changing became so much easier after I spent a week of playing without letting my Thumb touch the neck. I was slower. But my handmind was much better. Awesome Video!
If not ever watch a Guitarist on TV you will see them alternate the thumb from a slight choke to thumb flat against the back of the neck. Also the palm grip is what I use mostly. The only time my thumb comes around is if I'm playing a note or improvised chord/barre. Sometimes on a Barre chord I do use the death grip lol just depends on if the guitar chords easy. Very important the guitar doesn't have to be expensive bit it must chord easy to be able to learn. Try resting the guitar relaxed in your palm.
Thank you so much this video really helps, I was actually confused with myself that maybe I'm doing it wrong but the video made me realize many things clearly, you rock
Great video. I press the strings so hard I have grooves in my fingertips. I thought I had to. This is the first time it's been explained just how much pressure is needed, I'll enjoy my practice better now without the pain. Thanks Lauren.
Dear Lauren, I'm a beginner in playing guitar. I've got many problems with the A chord, because the D string sounds like🙉😳. I don't know why!!!! I pressed my Index finger down or not it's the same sound. Sorry for my English, I learned it many years ago in school 😅 I wish you all the best , thanks a lot.
A big big thanks again for this lesson and tips that you shared Lauren. It's a big big help again for me as a beginner guitar player! Supporting you all the way here in South Korea!
If I could make this as my request to you 🙂; Most of us beginners also struggle a lot by needing a copy of the chords everytime we play a song because we don't know well about the family chords 😅 Can you make a video also explaining all about how the family chords work/ is being used? 😁 Thank you very very much Lauren, praying that God will bless you more and more!
Hi Lauren, This is the first time I have subscribed to a You Tube channel to comment; The reason is to thank you for bringing some relief to my left fingers, being a beginner. Also, the details and dedication you share and transmit when teaching the guitar, is to admirer!
Few... that was a relief... For a minute there I thought I might have to give up my fingers! All joking aside, in the Martial Arts we do something called Dim Mak training, where we build up bone density and callouses on different parts of the body for obvious reasons, but there's no reason that the same exercises wouldn't help with playing the guitar. A simple exercise is to get yourself a smooth, splinter free, piece of wood... drift wood works and can add to the décor when you're not using it... and just tap it with your finger tips as hard as is comfortable. Buddhist Monks do this until they can literally drill through the wood with their fingers, but you don't need to take it that far. Within a few weeks your fingers will develop callouses, become stronger and become less sensitive to pain. And Bonus... the next time someone messes with you, you can poke holes in them... Just be careful not to poke holes in your guitar... 😉
This was why I thought I’d developed arthritis because the base of my thumb hurt and numb. Finger pain didn’t stop me from practicing but the numbing pain on my thumb did for a while. I guess I’m pressing really hard. Thanks for the tip
Thanks Lauren. I get so tense thinking all the things I got to do in the time of the music.. I certainly will apply less pressure and hopefully get less pain. Still havin fun though!
Wow first time someone said that I don't have to push harder 🙂. I just started playing guitar few days back and my fingers hurt like crazy. Will try to leave the thumb and release the pressure. Thank you so much for this tip💞
I had a problem with the calloused skin peeling off, leaving new, tender skin exposed underneath. One day, I purchased a four-sided nail buffing pad, and used it to smooth out the rough parts of the callous. Problem solved! 😏😏😏 PS- it's important to just smooth the rough parts. If you file too much, then you remove the callous. Use the roughest side first, then the next smoother side. 👍👍👍😃😃😃
I don't know if other musicians even have this problem, but I did. The calloused skin would loosen around the edges, and eventually the whole pad would start to peel up, much like sunburnt skin does. It was unsightly, made my fingertips rough, and my chord changes were sloppy because of the strings catching on the callous. Now I buff the callous out when it starts getting rough, and voila, problem solved. 👍👍👍😉😉😉
I would like to know how you achieve such a clear, quality sound: I have a YAMAHA FG830 acoustic and I was told the sound quality improves with a larger and thicker guitar pick, any input on this would help, thanks!
You'll get better attack with a thicker pick, which can result in a bigger sound. I'm guess you might still be muting strings. 90% of the time it's the angle of the fingers to the fretboard.
What you instructed for pressing fingers too Hard,- lucky I know. However, I now realize I need to practice this for a while (perhaps a couple of weeks - OLD HABITS DIE HARD!). THANKS FOR THE REMINDER. BTW - I AM AS WELL A FEMALE PLAYER - learning Classical for TECHNIQUE purposes. THANKS AGAIN!
Teach, my problem IS my thumb on my left hand on the back of the neck...after a short practice it burns all the time!!! Bad 👈.... I will be working on it....thank you!
Wow ! Thank you so much for the tips Lauren...I needed to learn all your lessons for the beginner (me) . You 're a great teacher . Thanks again . Greeting from Canada (Toronto) Hang :)
Oh my goodness. I was pressing the strings with a death grip. I could not go past an hour. The pain just got unbearable. What a great video. I get it now!! Woohoo . My fingers feel like they are touching like a feather in comparison to before watching your video.
Great video! My first guitar had such a high action, I had to practically choke the neck in a death grip to get the chords to properly sound. Years later, I still have to remind myself to relax, and not choke the guitar. Tip four: Don't buy a cheap guitar, and learn about action, and how to adjust it. 👍👍👍😏😏😏
@@LaurenBateman My finger always kill me and your point about squeezing too hard is my problem. I think it also come from inconsistent practice that leads to overall muscle weakness that results in squeezing hard.
Another great very helpful video. Just been looking at those fingertip guards on line, and wondered if they would be any help for a (old) beginner , or are they just a gimmick . thank you !
I bought a set of finger guards/rubber thimbles, but while they were great fun and do indeed protect the finger tips unfortunately your chords don't sound right with the little rubber Johnny on
6/5/21. I don't have pain... I started a few minutes at a time, on my nylon string... However, when I play for a half hour, or more, as I did today, (I actually started singing, today, too. Singing and playing... one of my true loves!) my fingers go numb. Could it be something to do with the position of my left arm, hand and fingers? Or maybe I'm getting carpel tunnel in my left hand, so it'll match my right hand!
Lauren, I’ve played guitar for sometime now! I’ve worked construction jobs throughout the years and used my hands! Both hand have numbness, it’s hard to hold a pick for five minutes and my fingerpicking has diminished, any ideas how to relieve carpal tunnel?
I used to work construction as well and had issues with carpel tunnel in the past from my work affecting my guitar. If it is difficult to hold a pick you might want to try strumming without a pick. Finger picking may not be something that will be in your wheelhouse but I'm not going to say it's impossible. I had a student that had the same numbness issues that you had from an accident when he was younger. He was able to do it. It just took a little bit of a longer time.
Heeeeeeeeeeelp! I was practicing last night as I always do Monday through Thursday and now since last night the tips of my fingers on my fretting hand hurt.
I just started playing a guitar. *I'm learning XO by Eden* as my first song and I got a blister on my index finger. It hurts a little, how do i treat it? I'm such a noob at playing the guitar
You'd have to use a capo. Most sharp and flat chords are barreals unless you play the bottom 3 or 4 string of the chord only. You could also try a power chord on the top three strings.
✅ Check out Lauren's beginner guitar system: www.laurenbatemanguitar.com/courseyt
Been playing for 12 years and I’ve always dealt with finger pain and hand cramps when playing. Very helpful thank you
Happy to help!
Such excellent tips! As a 66-year-old with small hands & arthritis, your videos are going to bring me back to enjoying my folk guitar again. Thank you so much Lauren!
That's great. I work with a lot of olde adults in their 50s, 60s and 70s and the key is breaking things down.
@@LaurenBateman 😳 Olde adults are 50? Yikes, I'm officially olde guitar student then 😄😆
Think she meant older .... That sounds better, doesn't it? Lol
@@joanallen2187 VERY diplomatic of you Joan! If I am "Ye Olde" Guitar Student, maybe I should invest in a LUTE!
Great tips. Never thought of the pressure. Shows you how physics are involved in everything! I’m a “why” guy. I hope in later videos you show “why” a Chord is called what it is. Knowing piano triad chords and inversions are screwing me up on guitar.
This is the only lesson I've seen on how hard one should be pressing on the strings. Thank you Lauren!!
Well I'm glad you found it! It's a very important thing that most people don't know about. It will get better once the calluses form.
I agree. She’s the only one I’ve come across that explains it all
This is a really important lesson for all beginners. You will reducing/removing most (if not all), pain in your fingers,hands,arms,shoulders,neck and back assuming that you already have your action adjusted. Great job Lauren.
Glad it was helpful!
This young woman is the best teacher on RUclips, I should know. I spent all my life teaching and learning, and she knows her stuff.
Aww Gerard you’re too kind. I recorded a video this week with your shout out in it 😎
Hi Lauren, I'm 57 years young and just bought me first geetar, watched your 4 cord learners vidio and now this one, me fingers sure are feeling it great tips thanks
Wonderful!
It’s only been two days my finger tips are numb but Horse with no name is coming along.
I REALLY enjoy your videos, I always made excuses that my dad never taught me to play. On my 35th birthday I decided that isn’t an excuse anymore.
Your method of teaching really speaks to me and I’ll be getting your course soon!
Thank you!
Not trying to take over the comments but some things that have helped me along the way.
Use isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab and rub it over the finger tips, then if you do that 2-3 times a day when you are starting on guitar it does help immensely. Then before you play get some apple cider vinegar and soak your finger tips for like 30 seconds at a time to numb the tips a bit. It will not numb your finger tips completely, just enough to be able to practice for a short time at several intervals a day. A third tip is to use some sea salt and dissolve it in very warm water, then soak the finger tips a few times. Helps develop the calluses a lot quicker. 4TH thing is make sure your guitar is set up properly. Hardest thing to play is any guitar that is not properly set up by a luthier. You will definitely be happy with the results and it will help you in the journey as a beginner.
Awesome tip CJ, thanks for sharing!
I think making sure the guitar is set up properly is most important. If the action is too high it’s much harder on the fingers and hands. Most often if you buy a new guitar it needs a luthier to adjust the action.
I have been in pain for a few months and others say to not play, stop and not cause permanent damage. It is the base of my thumb bone area and your tips here gave a good way to practice. I do not (yet) play in a group except like at church worship type of thing. The pain has been very bad... and sure enough the tips you gave work... play as easy as possible to make a clean sound and no gripping grabbing squeezing the neck... that I've been doing. You deserve a raise in pay. 🙂
Aww Davis glad that this might provide some insight that helps
you have, Hands Down the best instructional videos on you tube. great job and thank you.
Brad, thank you so much. I truly appreciate that.
I play mandolin. This was helpful for my music, thank you.
Glad it helped!
Lauren, this is so timely! I’m working on a couple of songs for Sunday and practicing 2-3 hours a day. I finally had to stop last night because my fingers were so sore. I have callouses built up, but nearly always have a groove in my ring finger. I have’s touched the guitar for about 10 hours. I will certainly follow your tips to see if they help. Thanks.
Definitely. Even though we build calluses there are still nerve endings underneath. Hopefully this will help take some of the pressure off.
Lauren, I love your videos, please keep doing them.
I had a thought. I remember a rented guitar that I first tried to learn on 50+ yrs ago. The action was so high & stiff that I almost gave up because it hurt so much to play. At that time I had no idea that any other guitar was any different, until a friend let me try his Harmony. The difference was night & day.
Now at 74 I'm getting back into it.
Thanks for all your help.
Old guy in Canada
Ted, happy to help!!
Thank you Lauren, now I know not to choke my guitar as I'm still very new to learning 👍🇭🇲
You got this John. Keep it up. Glad to help.
I never thought of that, and my fingers HURT! Thanks.
Glad I gave you something to think about. :)
@@LaurenBateman I wanted to ask a random question. No worry's it's about music lol. Anyway have you ever learned a song you liked that was simple but maybe had a small or easy melody line or solo and played around with it improvising and fill in? We know there is a point where to much is bad and sometimes a simple song can be powerful alone in many ways. I mean what I'm asking is as long as you are in the same rythm and chords and key and you know the tempo it really doesn't matter right? I taught myself when you play lead it has to come from within especially something you make up..
Thank you for the tips! I keep wondering why it's hurting when playing the guitar and I almost give up on learning it but after I've watched your video I felt relieved that I can play it without a problem. So thank you so much!
Hey syaxx, thank you so much. That makes me so happy that my lesson helped you.
@@LaurenBateman you welcome! 😃
Thank you so much Lauren. I hardly ever leave comments but this video was extremely helpful in preventing the discomfort of string tracks deep in my fingertips. And since I started 12 months ago, nobody told me about how I don’t need to use vice-grip power with my thumb to play cords.
Glad you found this helpful
Awesome tips! I would also add that when you are just starting to play guitar and have virgin fingers, you shouldn't spend too much time fretting chords and strings. Just like if you took up jogging you would start by jogging 10 miles. You would start with what is comfortable, maybe even just walking first. The same is true with guitar, you want to build up slowly. I don't teach guitar anymore, but when I did I would have my students start with some simple finger exercises, but just for 5 maybe 10 minutes, then just place their hands over the strings to mute them while they worked on their strumming. then to wind down their practice I would have them do "Air Chords" forming a C, G, D and such int the air just above the strings. That way when we started on their first song they could already strum, and form the chords and land all their fingers on the chord at the same time instead of forming the chord one finger at a time. I worked at a music store and when someone bought a guitar they got 3 free lessons, so I wanted to make the most of those three lessons, and I wanted their learning to be pain free. But in the begining when your fingers need to build strength and callouses, that is a great time to work on your strumming, because strumming is so important. So many songs written with the G C D chords, it is the strumming that sets them apart.
So many songs with G, C, D and Em. Why I keep my students on them for so long!
So i after watching countless videos finally I found out what was wrong with my playing. You are a freaking genius! Thanks!.
Glad I could help!
@Lauren Bateman - excellent tips.
When my old fella died nine years back, he left me his beloved Larrivée acoustic. I've been wanting to learn but I also want to get into the meat and gravy of the matter, instead of the instant gratification of just learning a few chords and wailing along to them.
Your videos are just the ticket so - subscription earned!
Thanks a bunch lass.
Wow that is Awesome! Thanks for the sub also!
@@LaurenBateman No worries. Keep up the good work.
You are my best guitar teacher, your teachings are wonderful very easy for beginners to learn
Theophilus, love your name! Thank you so much and glad to help.
I've been playing guitar for three years but I've never realized this until once my fingers started to hurt really bad and i searched for tips and this video popped out. I tried your advice and i could play for two more hours. I'll definitely try to work on this, thank you
Thanks for watching! Keep playing!
Dear Lauren
So nice of U for sharing fundamental and micro understand that will save the guitar community from the finger hurts thank U.🙏
You are so welcome!
The guitar instructor I was taking lessons from told me if I hold my thumb too high on the fretboard I’ll get arthritis. Now I’m learning I don’t need my thumb at all?! I just started playing guitar 3 weeks ago so this string instrument knowledge is new to me. Also, the finger pressure thing is going to help me a lot since I’m having issues with applying pressure to the strings. I get finger lines and finger pain and that’s no fun.
The thumb is really there just to hold on to the guitar. When you get comfortable, down the road, ti can be used for muting the top string when playing 5 and 4 string chords.
My Chord changing became so much easier after I spent a week of playing without letting my Thumb touch the neck. I was slower. But my handmind was much better. Awesome Video!
There ya go! See!
If not ever watch a Guitarist on TV you will see them alternate the thumb from a slight choke to thumb flat against the back of the neck. Also the palm grip is what I use mostly. The only time my thumb comes around is if I'm playing a note or improvised chord/barre. Sometimes on a Barre chord I do use the death grip lol just depends on if the guitar chords easy. Very important the guitar doesn't have to be expensive bit it must chord easy to be able to learn. Try resting the guitar relaxed in your palm.
Pressing to hard can cause other physical problems, such has hand and wrist pain for those who suffer from those. Love the video!
100%
Thank you so much this video really helps, I was actually confused with myself that maybe I'm doing it wrong but the video made me realize many things clearly, you rock
You're so welcome!!!
Good tips to relieve the pain. Hats off to u
Thank you!!
I have learnt a lot thank you very much
You are welcome
Good points of reference, you have great patience that's why I use your video's.
I appreciate that!
Wow, thanks Lauren. I'll definitely practice this. Coz my fingers are painful after playing my guitar. Keep safe🙏
Yeah, definitely give it a try.
Excellent suggestions, Great Batwoman!
Thank you kindly!
This woman is an amazing instructor!
Michael thank you!!!!!
@@LaurenBateman your quite welcome Lauren!
Great video. I press the strings so hard I have grooves in my fingertips. I thought I had to. This is the first time it's been explained just how much pressure is needed, I'll enjoy my practice better now without the pain. Thanks Lauren.
Hey Billie, thank you so much. That makes me so happy that my lessons helped you.
Dear Lauren, I'm a beginner in playing guitar. I've got many problems with the A chord, because the D string sounds like🙉😳. I don't know why!!!! I pressed my Index finger down or not it's the same sound. Sorry for my English, I learned it many years ago in school 😅
I wish you all the best , thanks a lot.
You're probably not pressing hard enough with your first finger and the string is being muted
A big big thanks again for this lesson and tips that you shared Lauren. It's a big big help again for me as a beginner guitar player!
Supporting you all the way here in South Korea!
You are so welcome! Hello South Korea 😃
If I could make this as my request to you 🙂;
Most of us beginners also struggle a lot by needing a copy of the chords everytime we play a song because we don't know well about the family chords 😅
Can you make a video also explaining all about how the family chords work/ is being used? 😁
Thank you very very much Lauren, praying that God will bless you more and more!
Hi Lauren,
This is the first time I have subscribed to a You Tube channel to comment; The reason is to thank you for bringing some relief to my left fingers, being a beginner. Also, the details and dedication you share and transmit when teaching the guitar, is to admirer!
Lydia, well thank you so much for subscribing and commenting. I am so happy to help you. Welcome to the channel. :)
Definitely learned a lot!!! Thanks for the advice, I definitely gotta remember it!!!
Glad to help!!!
Great Lesson Lauren, I have grooves in my fingers from to much pressure, I did try de-tuning slightly to have less string tension
Hopefully some of these tips will help.
Thank you Lauren, so grateful 🙏
You're so welcome!
Your guitar tip are very effective
Thank you
Glad you like them!
Hi, Lauren How's, that new guitar. I'm still working on learning the cords. Thanks for all the tips. Have a Great week.
You're welcome!
Great video! Very important to only press hard enough. Great topic!
Thank you Bernie.
Few... that was a relief...
For a minute there I thought I might have to give up my fingers!
All joking aside, in the Martial Arts we do something called Dim Mak training, where we build up bone density and callouses on different parts of the body for obvious reasons, but there's no reason that the same exercises wouldn't help with playing the guitar.
A simple exercise is to get yourself a smooth, splinter free, piece of wood... drift wood works and can add to the décor when you're not using it... and just tap it with your finger tips as hard as is comfortable.
Buddhist Monks do this until they can literally drill through the wood with their fingers, but you don't need to take it that far. Within a few weeks your fingers will develop callouses, become stronger and become less sensitive to pain.
And Bonus... the next time someone messes with you, you can poke holes in them... Just be careful not to poke holes in your guitar... 😉
Ha ha. That's awesome. Thanks for sharing.
This was why I thought I’d developed arthritis because the base of my thumb hurt and numb. Finger pain didn’t stop me from practicing but the numbing pain on my thumb did for a while. I guess I’m pressing really hard. Thanks for the tip
You're welcome
Great lesson. Just returned to guitar after many years break., & fingers are sore at the moment.Will follow all your tips. Thank you. Paul Lucas.
You can do it!
Thanks Lauren. I get so tense thinking all the things I got to do in the time of the music.. I certainly will apply less pressure and hopefully get less pain. Still havin fun though!
Glad this helped.
Excellent Advise, Thank you Lauren.
You're welcome!
I've never actually realized how much unnecessary pressure I've been putting into my fingers and I've been playing for years. This was really helpful
Thank you for watching!
Wow first time someone said that I don't have to push harder 🙂. I just started playing guitar few days back and my fingers hurt like crazy. Will try to leave the thumb and release the pressure.
Thank you so much for this tip💞
You're welcome so much!
I had a problem with the calloused skin peeling off, leaving new, tender skin exposed underneath. One day, I purchased a four-sided nail buffing pad, and used it to smooth out the rough parts of the callous. Problem solved! 😏😏😏
PS- it's important to just smooth the rough parts. If you file too much, then you remove the callous. Use the roughest side first, then the next smoother side. 👍👍👍😃😃😃
Interesting. I've never filed my skin actually.
I don't know if other musicians even have this problem, but I did. The calloused skin would loosen around the edges, and eventually the whole pad would start to peel up, much like sunburnt skin does. It was unsightly, made my fingertips rough, and my chord changes were sloppy because of the strings catching on the callous. Now I buff the callous out when it starts getting rough, and voila, problem solved. 👍👍👍😉😉😉
Now i'm MOTIVATED!
You got this 😉
I would like to know how you achieve such a clear, quality sound: I have a YAMAHA FG830 acoustic and I was told the sound quality improves with a larger and thicker guitar pick, any input on this would help, thanks!
You'll get better attack with a thicker pick, which can result in a bigger sound. I'm guess you might still be muting strings. 90% of the time it's the angle of the fingers to the fretboard.
@@LaurenBateman thank you so much: that makes sense, very helpful input
Thank you for such a lesson.. finally... I will follow it.🌝😊👐
You're welcome 😊
You're welcome 😊
Great tips...will definitely try to practice the chords without the thumb.
Awesome. Give it a try.
Great tips! Just purchased the 7 steps lessons. Looking forward to playing guitar!
Awesome! Thank you!
Thank you so much Lauren! That explained what I was doing wrong. I will take your advise, can't wait to see the results...👍🎸
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you, It even came out blisters in my finger
Glad it was helpful Melody 😃
Keep going lauren ....its helping
Thank you, I will
Great! Thanks Lauren ! 😘
You are welcome!
Great advice here. You make learning to play the guitar fun and rewarding. Thanks for the lessons and motivation.
My pleasure!
You are an amazing teacher.
Just amazing...I have seen other videos of yours....
It's very much helpful..
Wow, thank you!
What you instructed for pressing fingers too Hard,- lucky I know. However, I now realize I need to practice this for a while (perhaps a couple of weeks - OLD HABITS DIE HARD!). THANKS FOR THE REMINDER. BTW - I AM AS WELL A FEMALE PLAYER - learning Classical for TECHNIQUE purposes. THANKS AGAIN!
Thanks for watching!
Thank you very much for your helpful tip.👍👍👍
You are welcome!
You are welcome!
Thank u. Great session
You’re welcome Fela
Thanks! I have a performance at church next week and i have a long way to go lol
You got this! Good luck! 😃
Thanks Lauren 👍I'm fortunate to have calluses and a gel that when it dries can provide a sort of cushion for the fingers 🎶🎶🎶
Very nice. I've never tried those gels.
This is very very helpful I’ve never knew this
Glad it was helpful!
Great advice!
Thank you!
Thank you...
You're welcome!
Teach, my problem IS my thumb on my left hand on the back of the neck...after a short practice it burns all the time!!! Bad 👈.... I will be working on it....thank you!
Yeah, try the recommendation of playing chord without the thumb. That helps.
Wow ! Thank you so much for the tips Lauren...I needed to learn all your lessons for the beginner (me) . You 're a great teacher . Thanks again . Greeting from Canada (Toronto) Hang :)
You're welcome! If you love my teaching, make sure to check out my course at laurenbateman.kajabi.com/courseyt
Oh my goodness. I was pressing the strings with a death grip. I could not go past an hour. The pain just got unbearable. What a great video. I get it now!! Woohoo . My fingers feel like they are touching like a feather in comparison to before watching your video.
Michael glad you found this video!!!
Thank you for this.
My pleasure!
Awesome video as always! Great tips👍
Chuckie, Thanks a lot.
Great video! My first guitar had such a high action, I had to practically choke the neck in a death grip to get the chords to properly sound. Years later, I still have to remind myself to relax, and not choke the guitar.
Tip four: Don't buy a cheap guitar, and learn about action, and how to adjust it. 👍👍👍😏😏😏
Robert, Amen. That's a great Tip #4
Cool,I did not know that thank you nice information,Yep😃👊
Excellent Teacher and Lesson.
See you lather
Glad you liked it!
Great I try and you are correct, thank you
You are welcome
Thanks for the tips! :)
Hey ddemkoo, thank you so much. Glad I was able to help
Great tips!!
Glad it was helpful!
@@LaurenBateman My finger always kill me and your point about squeezing too hard is my problem. I think it also come from inconsistent practice that leads to overall muscle weakness that results in squeezing hard.
Thanks for the tips it will really help me.
Glad you found them helpful.
@@LaurenBateman I have been struggling with finger pain that I have stopped learning the guitar 🥺
tysm this helped alot!
Awesome!!!
great tips!!!
Thanks so much!
Good tip Laura👍❤️
Thanks Lisa. Glad it was helpful!
@@LaurenBateman laura. I want to contact you for some lesson strumming technique if you teach on line?
If I have grooves on my finger tips, does that make me groovey?
That's Punny 🤣
Thanks!
Welcome!
Not sure if the most pain when I'm trying to play is in my fingers , or anyone foolish enough to be within earshot ! Excellent tips , thank you Lauren
Thank! Cheers! 🙂
Another great very helpful video. Just been looking at those fingertip guards on line, and wondered if they would be any help for a (old) beginner , or are they just a gimmick . thank you !
Some of my students have them and like them. I've never used them before.
I bought a set of finger guards/rubber thimbles, but while they were great fun and do indeed protect the finger tips unfortunately your chords don't sound right with the little rubber Johnny on
6/5/21. I don't have pain... I started a few minutes at a time, on my nylon string... However, when I play for a half hour, or more, as I did today, (I actually started singing, today, too. Singing and playing... one of my true loves!) my fingers go numb. Could it be something to do with the position of my left arm, hand and fingers? Or maybe I'm getting carpel tunnel in my left hand, so it'll match my right hand!
This could be a carpel tunnel thing. Happened to me once.
I'm actually learning Mandolin but your guitar tips helped a lot! My poor fingers though TnT
That's awesome. Glad to help!
Excellent video
Thank you very much!
Lauren, I’ve played guitar for sometime now! I’ve worked construction jobs throughout the years and used my hands! Both hand have numbness, it’s hard to hold a pick for five minutes and my fingerpicking has diminished, any ideas how to relieve carpal tunnel?
I used to work construction as well and had issues with carpel tunnel in the past from my work affecting my guitar. If it is difficult to hold a pick you might want to try strumming without a pick. Finger picking may not be something that will be in your wheelhouse but I'm not going to say it's impossible. I had a student that had the same numbness issues that you had from an accident when he was younger. He was able to do it. It just took a little bit of a longer time.
Lauren Bateman, thank you! Everything, every process requires that work TIME!
Heeeeeeeeeeelp! I was practicing last night as I always do Monday through Thursday and now since last night the tips of my fingers on my fretting hand hurt.
It's OK to take a break and rest.
I just started playing a guitar. *I'm learning XO by Eden* as my first song and I got a blister on my index finger. It hurts a little, how do i treat it?
I'm such a noob at playing the guitar
Ouch, yes that can happen if you don't have a callus yet. You got to let it heal but eventually you will get a callus.
Thank you so much :)
You're welcome!
this video was to helpful
Glad I was able to help
How to play a flat(b) or sharp(#) chord without using thumb please let us know
You'd have to use a capo. Most sharp and flat chords are barreals unless you play the bottom 3 or 4 string of the chord only. You could also try a power chord on the top three strings.
@@LaurenBateman thank you
Can you please make a video
Tks
Thanks!
Good tip👍
Glad you think so!