Essential Hand Stretches For Guitarists or Any Instrumentalist

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  • Опубликовано: 22 дек 2024

Комментарии • 4,5 тыс.

  • @annanobert4562
    @annanobert4562 4 года назад +7496

    Notes for myself haha
    1:48 massage hand
    3:18 stretch fingers back and fourth
    6:43 separate fingers
    7:18 stretch all fingers side to side
    7:35 stretch fingers back and fourth
    7:54 massage tips of fingers
    8:13 expand hands

    • @vaishnavi9575
      @vaishnavi9575 4 года назад +117

      I WAS LOOKING FOR THIS THANK YOU ❤️

    • @farithrosh
      @farithrosh 4 года назад +110

      Expand pp

    • @jtvito8535
      @jtvito8535 4 года назад +13

      @@farithrosh ha! sadly i relate

    • @deepanshuverma8703
      @deepanshuverma8703 4 года назад +15

      Really a helpful comment live long 🥲🥲

    • @fudge6999
      @fudge6999 4 года назад +3

      You and 200 others

  • @justflip351
    @justflip351 4 года назад +8129

    I stopped playing guitar for minutes to find some finger exercise. After watching this video, my guitar pick was taken by aliens.

    • @jackbailey3788
      @jackbailey3788 4 года назад +298

      I mean where else would they go to be fair

    • @SBJ84
      @SBJ84 4 года назад +418

      When they return it, it will be in the exact same spot you last saw it.

    • @Galilien_7
      @Galilien_7 4 года назад +90

      ify i placed my pick on one spot then after some time pass it's like it disappeared into thin air

    • @jetset_intermission
      @jetset_intermission 4 года назад +83

      I lost my pick a couple of days ago and I found it in the same spot I put it in

    • @Hamorich
      @Hamorich 4 года назад +18

      I can relate

  • @kickk21
    @kickk21 8 лет назад +11466

    Thanks man that was handy

  • @atharva_sabde
    @atharva_sabde 2 года назад +812

    12years have passed and this video is still helping us.
    Yes! that's how quality content looks.

    • @sirspongadoodle
      @sirspongadoodle Год назад +10

      thats why focusing on trends rather than ideas doesnt work long term..

    • @amyleah08
      @amyleah08 Год назад +13

      I didn't even realize this video was that old until I read this comment, truly quality content.

    • @thepowersplanet9915
      @thepowersplanet9915 Год назад +3

      @@sirspongadoodle Eh, videos focusing on trends is less helpful and more like, "this is trendy and funny or relatable (depending on what trend)" and the more people relate to it in different ways, the more likes and views the video gets most of the time. So following trends aren't even supposed to work out in the long run. It's more like a bunch of people trying to get more views, likes and money.

    • @agnidas5816
      @agnidas5816 6 месяцев назад

      Except it is actually terrible way to stretch and leaves out important things.
      You think it is good because you are totally naive.
      Pick up a book on stretching by Phil Wharton.

    • @Scott.Powell
      @Scott.Powell 29 дней назад

      14 years and I have just found it, brilliant! just what these old hands need

  • @billmccready2038
    @billmccready2038 4 года назад +3428

    What a difference after a few days finger exorcises, it should be the first lesson in Guitar playing especially for the older brigade.

    • @A_Salty_Fishe
      @A_Salty_Fishe 4 года назад +56

      Bill, have you noticed a significant difference after doing the exercises? I am struggling to do some chords because it feels like my hands/wrists/arms are too "stiff"

    • @A-Wa
      @A-Wa 4 года назад +61

      Kevin I did the streches only for my left hand and I see a huge difference between my hands after two weeks! Now I regrett not starting with both hands..

    • @aquilino1984
      @aquilino1984 4 года назад +6

      Do you do these exercises once a day?

    • @businessbuilding1
      @businessbuilding1 4 года назад +18

      Agreed. I when I started get into using four fingers over four frets I was losing hope cause my pinky finger couldn’t reach as far until I started these stretches

    • @erojerisiz1571
      @erojerisiz1571 4 года назад +27

      Not just in guitar, this should be a mandatory first lesson for every musical instrument

  • @jimmarandola5096
    @jimmarandola5096 4 года назад +1541

    I broke my neck and literally had to relearn how to play guitar after 40 Plus years. My hands have nerve and muscle damage and very poor circulation PLUS I am only 5' 4" tall.....so my fingers are very short to begin with. The stiffness of my fingers and hands has made it difficult for me to play for more than 45 minutes max, and nothing more than basic chords. but after doing these stretches, my hands seem more flexible and less swollen and stiff. i can't wait to try playing after another session tonight. Thanks so very much.

    • @SitPls
      @SitPls 4 года назад +104

      I hope you heal quick and well, I hope everything clicks into place for you.

    • @khushinegi2066
      @khushinegi2066 4 года назад +51

      I am just 4'11" and my fingers are like a baby's and it's so difficult for me too learn to play guitar😔

    • @neriomao4314
      @neriomao4314 4 года назад +41

      @@khushinegi2066 that's ok don't give up nothing is impossible..

    • @neriomao4314
      @neriomao4314 4 года назад +21

      My ring finger's dislocated too in a bike accident and I couldn't play what I cud play anymore.. But I still play sometimes.

    • @khushinegi2066
      @khushinegi2066 4 года назад +11

      @@neriomao4314 ohh I am so sorry...but I know you are still much better than many

  • @dhaloh
    @dhaloh 4 года назад +3535

    I'm really shocked that I didn't know this before. I've been having trouble with a couple of chords just cause my fingers are too short to reach. This really helped. More people should know about this!!!

    • @AyushRaj
      @AyushRaj 4 года назад +35

      @@johnnyparsnips7641 How will my fingers grow once I have stopped growing :(

    • @PrincessOffInsomnia
      @PrincessOffInsomnia 4 года назад +60

      @@AyushRaj maybe you need a smaller guitar for your hands? That‘s also a possibility

    • @dazfach9101
      @dazfach9101 4 года назад +6

      holy shit me too bro

    • @candosrandom4609
      @candosrandom4609 4 года назад +2

      400th lile

    • @enderliq1818
      @enderliq1818 3 года назад +2

      Same this video was really helpful

  • @geoburgenstacken
    @geoburgenstacken 3 года назад +722

    "For any instrumentalist"
    *laughs in kazoo*

    • @Sonicbro-xx6sg
      @Sonicbro-xx6sg 3 года назад +34

      *laughs in **_broke_*

    • @DrkStmpunkr
      @DrkStmpunkr 3 года назад +4

      @@Sonicbro-xx6sg there is still aire

    • @Lluvia_Boy
      @Lluvia_Boy 3 года назад +5

      This guy sounds almost like Kermit is it just me?

    • @aeea3306
      @aeea3306 10 месяцев назад +3

      ​@@Sonicbro-xx6sg stretching you throat using your arms 👍

    • @Unmustache1
      @Unmustache1 8 месяцев назад +3

      ⁠@@aeea3306Otherwise known as strangulation

  • @arashsadeghinejad3124
    @arashsadeghinejad3124 4 года назад +1418

    Him: "My fingers are average length."
    Me: "Why is my middle finger shorter than his pinky?"

  • @vladlutsenko5081
    @vladlutsenko5081 4 года назад +722

    Instructions unclear, I now have 6 fingers.

  • @turnleftaticeland
    @turnleftaticeland 7 лет назад +948

    perhaps it's a bit over-the-top but i'm actually in tears right now. i've spent years being so depressed because even the simplest chords were too difficult for me, but after just ten minutes of these stretches i can do it no problem. thank you so much man, i'm so much more optimistic about my future as a musician now

    • @soulvaccination8679
      @soulvaccination8679 6 лет назад +54

      Wow.That comment made my year.

    • @jeremybabin7435
      @jeremybabin7435 4 года назад +82

      i don't think that's over the top, i feel like that's an appropriate response to feeling like you just unlocked the door to a great musical future.

    • @HansLandaOfficial
      @HansLandaOfficial 4 года назад +45

      You sound like a guy from a simply piano commercial lol

    • @nukmanub8117
      @nukmanub8117 4 года назад

      @@HansLandaOfficial wkakak

    • @barackobama3788
      @barackobama3788 4 года назад +4

      turnleftaticeland can you give us a update in how you’re doing

  • @kevinbutler7619
    @kevinbutler7619 2 года назад +8

    I love RUclips, this video was made 12 years ago and its still helping people.

  • @soartrinsic9757
    @soartrinsic9757 8 лет назад +1472

    10 minutes ago, I could not play power cords. My ring finger just wouldn't go 2 frets over.
    Now I can reach that 2nd fret wire with ease. Instant results.
    Why is this not taught in the first lesson by every guitar teacher on the planet?
    Thanks mate!

    • @f7744dread388
      @f7744dread388 8 лет назад +110

      Lol I read this in those infomercial voices.

    • @vidiac2012
      @vidiac2012 8 лет назад +10

      Soar Trinsic I make power chords with my index and pinky finger, but if it's at the 15th fret or higher I would use my ring finger

    • @Nayradharma
      @Nayradharma 8 лет назад

      Soar Trinsic the way i learned to stretch was playing over and over on frets 1 3 5 of strings one and two. If you cant reach that far i first started on 5 7 and 9. Not i could play... uhh idk what the chord is called... if you want to know, 7 on first string and 11 on strings 1 2 3 and 4.

    • @Nayradharma
      @Nayradharma 8 лет назад +1

      *now i could play

    • @O0onboardRacing
      @O0onboardRacing 8 лет назад +7

      I just did it on my left hand and compared both hands, how far i could spread my fingers. Insane results instantly, i am amazed!

  • @kimfarmer4274
    @kimfarmer4274 2 года назад +224

    Hi, I just discovered this lesson and though I'm 75 this year it's never too late to learn something new. My hands have been through a lot of hard work and I didn't realize how bad they were until now. I will try hard to develope more flexibility. Thanks very much. Cheers from Kim in Australia

  • @anthonysteele8932
    @anthonysteele8932 3 года назад +695

    Another very important aspect of finger stretching that was left out of this video has to do with moisturizing! Skin elasticity is predicated on the level of moisture the skin has in it. What helped me a ton is not only being hydrated but applying lotion regularly on top of doing these stretches!

    • @ZeroMilk
      @ZeroMilk 3 года назад +79

      I will chime in as additional support for this suggestion. Your entire body requires moisture, much more than I think most of us realize. Moisturize daily, dudes. At night, right after a nice shower? Perfect time to apply losh and let your skin slurp it up overnight. Makes a crazy difference over the long term.

    • @instrumentsmrti
      @instrumentsmrti 3 года назад +11

      @@ZeroMilk :) have a nice day, SamueL!

    • @barryweeks6229
      @barryweeks6229 3 года назад +17

      Interesting comment! I'm a strong believer also in lotion for guitar hands - especially a good natural ingredient lotion that dissapears into your skin and isn't greasy. Found one I liked almost 50 years ago, and stuck with it: Mill Creek Aloe Vera and PABA Moisturizing Lotion.

    • @ravirr8407
      @ravirr8407 3 года назад +4

      Any kind of particular lotion you would recommend

    • @kiksmello3878
      @kiksmello3878 3 года назад +3

      I thought that you should wash your hands before playing to prevent the strings from getting dirty?

  • @Tillys_Travels
    @Tillys_Travels 3 года назад +7

    That was so helpful. As a total beginner it makes perfect sense. You stretch and warm up before going for a run, your fingers need the same before a guitar workout.

  • @daffamansoor3669
    @daffamansoor3669 4 года назад +193

    this is the only guitar video without a guitar i can find

    • @vaultboy404
      @vaultboy404 3 года назад +5

      Damn babe I hope you got a guitar

  • @erginbarredo3460
    @erginbarredo3460 2 года назад +32

    Hand Stretches
    1:46
    - Thumb Pressing Palm
    - Thumb Pressing Fingers and Sides of the Fingers (all 5)
    - Repeat to the Front Hand (Darker Tone)
    - Back and Front of the Forearm to Elbow
    - Shake the hand
    2:56 Single-Finger Bending
    - Lock the elbow straight
    - Stretch up the index finger (next to thumb) slowly
    - Take the other 4 fingers then move them up and down
    - Shake the hand
    - Repeat to other 3 fingers (for pinky, stretch sideward over third finger)
    - Repeat but downwards
    - Stretch the thumb up-sideward, then other fingers up and down, last the down-sideward
    - Shake the hand
    6:40 Finger Widening
    7:10
    - Group-Finger Bending Sideward (thumb direction)
    - Shake the hand
    - Group-Finger Bending Sideward (hand down, pinky direction)
    - Group-finger Bending Front then down
    - Shake the hand
    7:53 Fingertip Massage
    *repeat to the other hand
    8:11 Expand Hands

  • @brokenpickjohnbrokenpickjo354
    @brokenpickjohnbrokenpickjo354 7 лет назад +1314

    01:10 Ex 1 - Hand & Forearm massage
    03:01 Ex 2 - Strechin fingers
    06:40 Ex 3 - Separate fingers
    07:11 Ex 4 - Final strech
    08:06 Extra Ex

  • @terrynicholetti
    @terrynicholetti 3 года назад +9

    I'm 76, getting back to guitar after 2 decades and I couldn't do chords I've always done. I had no idea that we should do stretches!!! Thanks so much! I see that this is from 2010 so I don't know if you're stil reading comments but I'm sending you blessings for your generosity. Thanks YOu!!

    • @steveelliott3514
      @steveelliott3514 9 месяцев назад +1

      I'm 65 and just gonna keep doing these exercises. Age is cruel but we can fight it with some exercises!

  • @mjsfan1994
    @mjsfan1994 10 лет назад +7

    Not only does this help guitarists, it also helps every other musician. I've played violin for 8 years, a little piano, and picked up a guitar 2-3 years ago. My hands have never felt more flexible. Thanks !!!

  • @waldalwahsh7833
    @waldalwahsh7833 4 года назад +213

    As i am a teenager with minimal finger movements prior to playing guitar,my fingers were mighty stiff and real hard to move,thanks to you sir i’ve learned to be able to free myself from my disability and the eternal feeling of stiffness in my fingers,thank you for all you’ve done for this community.
    -Saifo Wahsh

    • @kenzosuzukii
      @kenzosuzukii Год назад +2

      im trying to work on my fingers mobility i cant even give people the middle finger it literally just stays like not even half way thats how immobile my fingers are 💀💀💀
      its annoying especially for power chords

    • @Aydenkaye
      @Aydenkaye Год назад +1

      @@kenzosuzukiisame i do boxing so their even worse now

  • @SuperSlartibartfast
    @SuperSlartibartfast 9 лет назад +3671

    Why don't all beginners videos start with this. It makes a huge difference.

    • @rocknroll7261
      @rocknroll7261 8 лет назад +103

      +SuperSlartibartfast Exactly. When I started, with lots of excitement I learnt a few chords, humming some songs, but then I found I was walking my fingers instead of moving them together while changing chords. Then looked up videos about how to do that, which eventually led me to this exercise!

    • @saifmalik8006
      @saifmalik8006 8 лет назад +1

      2

    • @andrewmartin1829
      @andrewmartin1829 7 лет назад +21

      r we just saying random words? if so-fajod;bn wjfpvnok

    • @GuitarsAndSynths
      @GuitarsAndSynths 7 лет назад +10

      I had two guitar teachers and neither spent time on this which surprises me as both have been teaching for a long time.

    • @noodle8027
      @noodle8027 7 лет назад +5

      Renaissance Man pretty much what happened to me too

  • @larsdahl6594
    @larsdahl6594 3 года назад +15

    This may be the most important guitar related video I've watched on RUclips so far. Turns out watching gear demos and reviews don't make you a better player. Thanks! 👍

  • @minoosh2480
    @minoosh2480 6 лет назад +95

    I'm a left handed guitar player for almost 35 years, and I had an accident on right hand wrist 4 years ago, even after a recovery it was hard for me to play even simple chords, forget about solos. This video was really life changing, I am telling this after 1 year of practice.

  • @patricklundquist9869
    @patricklundquist9869 4 года назад +55

    Thank you for this. My typical acoustic practice session runs around an hour and a half. Yesterday, following finger stretch exercises, I played for 2 1/4 hours in the morning as well as another hour last night with no cramps today. You taught an old dog new tricks. Thanks again.

  • @richardshavatt6906
    @richardshavatt6906 10 лет назад +19

    I recently discovered this video and found it to be incredibly important and especially for older guitarists . I have been playing guitar since I was 11 yrs old and I'm 62 now. I had no conception of how tight my finger and hand muscles had become but now after stretching a few times I realize that my ability to play over a period of time has decreased due to the tightness that develops over an hour or so of playing. I would like to thank you very much for sharing this extremely important information.

  • @davidmiller571
    @davidmiller571 3 месяца назад +4

    I can’t believe how much better this made my hand feel. I had to stop playing pretty much all together after about 30 years. I never did any stretching before I played and now I have some pretty painful stuff going on with my left index finger ligament. This shit started working as soon as I started squeezing my had getting the blood flowing. This really works.

  • @NighttimeDaydreams
    @NighttimeDaydreams 3 года назад +126

    Oh wow, I am so glad I found this while I'm still in the early stages of learning guitar. I'm definitely going to be using this in the future, thanks.

    • @xotilweoverdoxe
      @xotilweoverdoxe Год назад +6

      hows ur guitar progression??

    • @Pootiiinnn
      @Pootiiinnn 4 месяца назад +2

      Yo mate post some guitar progress on your RUclips channel ❤

    • @NighttimeDaydreams
      @NighttimeDaydreams 4 месяца назад +3

      Ah! You guys, I'm grateful for your interest, but I am sorry to say my progress has been very little, seeing as I've been trying to teach myself without an instructor, and the last years of highschool have been very chaotic. Not to mention these cursed screens offer endless distractions and steal time and experiences away, and I wish I had known that sooner. They're like a drug, and addiction to them is real. I've finally started actively trying to battle it, but the point is, between my many commitments and my human tendencies to seek instant gratification over real progress have led to me not practicing much at all. It's a miserable reality, really, but it's necessary to admit things like that if one wants them to change...

    • @Pootiiinnn
      @Pootiiinnn 4 месяца назад +2

      @@NighttimeDaydreams not only to admit but you must adhere to it also. Now please start Posting on your channel and grow with each video. Take a challenge of 30 days and post each day's progress. Raw no edit. It will surely be a good start to build a habit. I am up broo.

    • @NighttimeDaydreams
      @NighttimeDaydreams 4 месяца назад +1

      ​@@Pootiiinnn You know what? I just might take you up on that challenge. My days are packed, now, so it might not be daily, but I can make time, I'm sure. Either way, thanks for the encouragement!

  • @nicholassakamoto2455
    @nicholassakamoto2455 3 года назад +40

    This was really helpful, Carl! I’ve always went ahead and started playing my guitar without stretching my fingers, but now I realize that it benefits me to keep my hands healthy.

    • @nemesisy
      @nemesisy 2 года назад +4

      does this video help you get longer finger?

    • @thatswhaturmomsaid9663
      @thatswhaturmomsaid9663 Год назад +3

      @@nemesisy late reply: not longer fingers but can help your finger stretch further

  • @StringyStrider
    @StringyStrider Год назад +4

    That stretch immediately just made my arm feel great. Definitely recommend doing these

  • @keyadraws
    @keyadraws 10 месяцев назад +28

    never planning on touching any instrument in my life, this helped my fingers after drawing for long hours everyday 😭 love you man

    • @raghavbhutani5153
      @raghavbhutani5153 9 месяцев назад +1

      Did your size of fingers grow

    • @keyadraws
      @keyadraws 9 месяцев назад

      @@raghavbhutani5153 no my hand stopped growing since i became an adult lmao but they are more flexible and dont get stiff as much as they used to (+ i found that using some kind of hand cream makes these easier to do if you have really dry/sweaty hands)

    • @luxianolee7497
      @luxianolee7497 6 месяцев назад

      Same I draw too (also play guitar though) so it's like extra helpful

  • @wbotti
    @wbotti 4 года назад +56

    been playing 25 years and this is something i never took seriously enough.
    thank you sir.

  • @bigtiddiedrias9860
    @bigtiddiedrias9860 Год назад +13

    The amount of improvement I had from just doing this stretch for the first time is Amazing! I guess my hands/fingers are very tense. I’m going to do this stretch everyday now, thank you!

  • @davemurray2592
    @davemurray2592 6 лет назад +25

    Thank you, I’m a seasoned guitarist and although I have done stretches for years, I have not done this much. Very helpful I’ve been losing strength to.

  • @craigcampbell8595
    @craigcampbell8595 2 года назад +5

    Im 62 and have used my hands for a lot a things over the years that and age has had its toll on them.
    Now that I am retired I now have taken the guitar a lot more seriously after playing off and on since I wsa 16.
    I have arthritis in most knuckles, but pretty bad in my two first knuckles on the first two fingers of my right hand. Then lately, my first finger on my left hand, the fret hand, has gotten bad. Almost to the point where I was thinking I may have to stop playing, it can be unbelieveably painful.
    Then I googled this issue and I came across your video about stretching the fingers. I am a subscriber of your website and I was surprised that I had not seen this video before. At first I thought that this won't help with the arthritis but would at least help warm up my fingers. Well, after the first stretching exercise, its like night and day difference for my three fingers. Yes there is still pain there but my fingers feel useable again.
    Thank you for sharing that, and thank you for your excellent lessons too. You and maybe two other guys on the internet are the best and only ones I go to for song lessons.

  • @tehprsn8381
    @tehprsn8381 5 лет назад +217

    Something in my hand, shoulder, and elbow popped
    This is amazing

  • @snakebitmgee
    @snakebitmgee 10 лет назад +16

    Awesome! I just began taking guitar lessons, and I was so frustrated that my fingers could not reach the four highest frets at the same time. I am determined to learn the proper way. This is going to help me immensely. Thank you for teaching such a valuable lesson in keeping the fingers limber and healthy. I will be a guitar player.

  • @claudiaramosmonteiro
    @claudiaramosmonteiro 4 года назад +20

    I used to do these exercises as a cellist, and am about to recommend them to guitarist friends. I think these are very important, not only if you play an instrument, but also if you use your fingers a lot, like on your computer. Thanks so much for posting this! Ten years and just as helpful xD

    • @RunicRazili
      @RunicRazili Год назад +1

      Honestly, these exercises could even help with some styles of dance.

  • @ertlk24
    @ertlk24 3 года назад +5

    I'm an old guitarist (59 yo), now playing bass and my hands are stiff and inflexible. I have been doing these stretches for 10 days and I can't believe the benefit already. My hands feel stronger and I'm able to get a farther reach on the neck. Thanks so much for your video!

  • @fribiesdi
    @fribiesdi 4 года назад +395

    this exercise at one time - I will start doing everyday as from now - instantly increased my struggling 85wpm speed to about 104wpm while typing, with about 97% accuracy.

    • @prisonmike1658
      @prisonmike1658 4 года назад +17

      Wow amazing dude

    • @stuckfart
      @stuckfart 4 года назад +38

      i never thought that this could improve wpm. that’s pretty clever

    • @andreashenriksen1485
      @andreashenriksen1485 4 года назад +9

      I just reached 102wpm today! have been struggling alot with getting there. Might wanna try doing this for some time and see if i'll get even faster

    • @fribiesdi
      @fribiesdi 4 года назад +6

      @@andreashenriksen1485 don't you ever give up, don't you ever give in.

    • @andreashenriksen1485
      @andreashenriksen1485 4 года назад +4

      @@fribiesdi Thanks man! I will not give up

  • @ginawilson6055
    @ginawilson6055 4 года назад +9

    I started playing the ukulele 6 months ago and have had 3 bouts of muscle injury, the latest being tendonitus which is taking ages to heal. I’m 61 and felt maybe I should give up. But having discovered these exercises I’m hoping that from now on I can avoid injury. Thank you so much!

  • @Karaisoke
    @Karaisoke 11 лет назад +23

    Oh I would also point out that if you suffer from dry and cracked skin, this is the perfect time to use a good lotion. By the time you are done stretching, all the lotion has been absorbed into the skin. I wouldn't use anything really greasy or with too many chemicals. I use a Burts Bees hand salve that's basically just lemon oil. Does wonders and isn't hard on my guitar.

    • @Bassisloud
      @Bassisloud 11 лет назад +3

      I got an idea before I read your comment. It's like a recipe for warming the hands up especially in winter; I eat an orange then wipe my hands with the juice spilled from it then put my hands near fire just to let the skin absorb the natural oil.

    • @GulfNegrol
      @GulfNegrol 10 лет назад

      doesnt using lotion take away the point of building up calluses? and arent calluses good?

    • @Karaisoke
      @Karaisoke 10 лет назад

      ***** I've never had problems building up calluses and using lotion. I have psoriatic arthritis and lotion is a must for my hands. I have yet to have a problem.

  • @dougslead7072
    @dougslead7072 Месяц назад +2

    Thanks so much these stretches are just what I was looking for. I’ve broken my middle finger, and my pinky; cut the under tendon on my index; jammed my thumb multiple times; and broken my wrist twice. I hope I’m not beating a dead horse when trying to learn guitar. I’m going on 74 next month. I will keep on keepin’ on. 9:01

  • @annabellewagner8510
    @annabellewagner8510 3 года назад +6

    OMG this is literally INSANE!!! i don’t usually comment but WOW!!! i tried doing a scale that i’ve had trouble with in the past before doing this, and then right after, i was easily able to hit all the notes!!! this is crazy thank you soooo much!!!

  • @chriskey7426
    @chriskey7426 3 года назад +12

    I haven't played since my early 20s and I'm 37 now getting back into sadly ive lost everything so I'm having to relearn how to play again and I'm glad I found this video cause I couldn't do simple cords to save my life 😭 thank you so much!

  • @germain3588
    @germain3588 5 лет назад +19

    I tried these stretching exercises and I noticed a difference right away when fingerpicking a certain chord progression that I play everyday to help with stretching. Reaching some of these notes is now even easier. Thanks.

  • @bruceripepi867
    @bruceripepi867 10 месяцев назад +2

    Thanks, Carl. I’m 68 years old and this has helped me so much. The best my hands have felt in years!

  • @AlbertoAmoni
    @AlbertoAmoni 5 лет назад +36

    Thanks man, I wish I had a started doing these before the hand pain kicked in! I'm an artist and it's quite frustrating to draw while feeling pain in the hand. I'll sure add this one's to my mourning stretches!

  • @pcmccarthy56
    @pcmccarthy56 10 лет назад +6

    It just makes so much common sense. Athletes do warm ups and cool downs but I was just warming up with scales without the physiology. Been doing this for a month or so now and it has really helped with some stiffness and tendonitis I was struggling with. Been playing 30 + years. Thank you for the stretches. Improved quality of life and music.

    • @hik4217
      @hik4217 4 года назад

      do you mean this stretches help to cure tendinitis?

  • @hotyogaauburn
    @hotyogaauburn 9 лет назад +83

    Thank you very much for these videos, Carl.
    I am a yoga teacher.
    If a stretch is held in a static pose for about 20 seconds, the fascia releases, creating an even better, deeper stretch. These exercises are great... I would suggest doing the assisted finger stretch as Carl demonstrates, hold it for 20 seconds and then do the wave like motion that he suggests. Thank you very much.

    • @Acehan
      @Acehan 9 лет назад +1

      That is true and really helpful. Thank you. :)

    • @phunluki3479
      @phunluki3479 7 лет назад +2

      Thank you. Not sure what a fascia is but I felt a difference

    • @bluto212
      @bluto212 7 лет назад +1

      Fascia is a thin, tough, elastic type of connective tissue that wraps most structures within the human body, including muscle. Fascia supports and protects these structures. Osteopathic theory proposes that this soft tissue can become restricted due to psychogenic disease, overuse, trauma, infectious agents, or inactivity, often resulting in pain, muscle tension, and corresponding diminished blood flow

    • @sschario60
      @sschario60 7 лет назад +1

      Thanks for pitching in, Sam. Twenty seconds is amazing!

    • @th0scrum
      @th0scrum 6 лет назад

      It's not just fascia but the muscle spindle fibers that control muscle tone that release muscle tone that allow progressive stretching.

  • @CruentusCruor
    @CruentusCruor Год назад +4

    I was practicing my guitar for almost 6 hours straight today - and my hands were aching like hell - thanks to your video, my hands feel ok again

    • @adrianburridge2378
      @adrianburridge2378 10 месяцев назад

      Six hours straight!....not surprised that your hand
      aches!

  • @aaronsmichael
    @aaronsmichael 11 лет назад +20

    I am a professional guitarist for over 25 years. I only recently after all this time developed tendonitis and trigger finger. I am recovering from a cortisone shot and 6 weeks of PT. I'm getting back to my practice routine and still having lingering pain.
    The exercises in this video, after doing only once, has helped me more than the 6 weeks of PT; and all the stretching and exercises they showed me. This stretching routine has helped me feel better. Thanks Carl - this should be standard warm up for all guitarists - any level! Cheers!

  • @abcdefg1729
    @abcdefg1729 4 года назад +34

    These stretches are f****** incredible and make a huggge night and day difference. thank you so much!

  • @phillipvansant6368
    @phillipvansant6368 2 года назад +3

    Dude, this is saving my life right now. I have chronic tendonitis and this is making it possible to play and heal at the same time.

    • @louieo.blevinsmusic4197
      @louieo.blevinsmusic4197 2 года назад

      I broke my scaphoid in my wrist. I couldn’t play for a good 4 months which were a massive bummer but this exercise, along with another I found on RUclips have helped me tremendously.

  • @paulmarnell3749
    @paulmarnell3749 2 года назад +1

    I never comment on videos. I’ve been playing for 30 years and being in my late 40’s has revealed mobility issues. It’s been taking me longer and longer to warm up. These exercises result in immediate success - my touch, timing and enjoyment levels went through the roof from the very first time. Thank you so very much for sharing!!

  • @UncleJams
    @UncleJams 10 лет назад +11

    I've been massaging my hands to warm them up for years. But this is much better and starting now I will tell you if it helps with my playing. Thanks because it feels great.

    • @jammelsf
      @jammelsf 10 лет назад +4

      That does feels good.

  • @trunit770
    @trunit770 5 лет назад +4

    been playing for 7 years now never thought to do this!!!! I have been playing classical songs all day and doing hard chords and now my hands feel 200% better
    thanks

  • @ozankara4915
    @ozankara4915 2 года назад +6

    This is insane, I wasn't really expecting that to make a difference but after doing it one time the difference was huge now I'm going to do this everyday

  • @katiethewise
    @katiethewise Год назад +1

    ive played flute for a good chunk of my life and thought that i had really flexible fingers, so when i picked up a guitar a couple months ago and tried to learn and bumped into a fingering that required my thumb, i pretty much gave up on the instrument all together. earlier this week, i picked up the same guitar and searched up hand stretches, and it helped so much!! not only am i doing better at guitar, but i'm becoming better at my flute too!

  • @rockngpa5094
    @rockngpa5094 4 года назад +10

    This hand warmups is huge for all guitarists!!!
    I’ve tried this besides other ideas and this warmup is thee best , thank you so much!!!👍

  • @PatagluKadolle
    @PatagluKadolle 3 года назад +12

    Great tip, thank you !
    I broke my hand some years ago but weirdly, never really found out the proper method to loose the pain and get back my flexibility. Finally, after practicing your exercices, I felt a real progress. I am excited to do this on a very daily basis ! Thanks again :)

  • @NICKHAM16
    @NICKHAM16 9 лет назад +6

    Such a helpful video! This helped me a lot because my hand would cramp and get sore while playing and it became really hard keep playing sometimes. But these stretches have really helped a lot and my hand doesn't cramp anymore

  • @Missy-nz9xd
    @Missy-nz9xd Год назад

    Carl, this video helped so much. I am going to begin guitar lessons in a couple of weeks. I am 59 , I had Carple tunnel surgery on both hands over a year ago. My doctor didn't see any value in PT. My hands have been so stiff. After the first time doing these stretches my hands felt so much better! Thank you for sharing this video. I'll be visiting your web site soon!!

  • @Kineticartist
    @Kineticartist 11 лет назад +4

    Excellent video really is helping my old 51-year-old hands be more limber & flexible even helping my son who has very flexible fingers anyways even more flexible and safe keep up the good work

  • @fitinamark7660
    @fitinamark7660 5 лет назад +10

    This is amazing! I’ve been looking for violin videos for strengthening my fingers (mainly my third and fourth) and this one is the best one yet! Even though this video is mainly for guitar, it makes sense it would be perfect for violin since other string instruments have harder and thicker strings as well as more strings to reach than violin. So if a cellist or guitarist can do it then so can a violinist. In just one go I was able to lift my third finger independently pretty high. I’ve tried so many exercises but felt discouraged since a lot of the way your fingers function is genetics, but this helped soo much! Thank you for lifting my spirits! I’ll study hard to become a violinist now, knowing I have a chance.

  • @bossboy191919
    @bossboy191919 2 года назад +14

    My fingers became way more flexible after just a few times stretching! Also, the wrist-side stretches helped me to finally be able to play barre chords. Still a little difficult, but I could play them. Gonna continue stretching to make them easier for me, at least I know know that I will be able to use these barred chords 🥳

  • @flintlock56
    @flintlock56 2 года назад +1

    I am so grateful for this video! Being a senior citizen and a beginner learning the guitar, this instruction has been a godsend!

  • @browlickwax3585
    @browlickwax3585 3 года назад +3

    Thank you so much Carl for this physical warm up! My hands feel so much better. I have been following for awhile learning all my favorites and just joined the academy today. I love your style of teaching. Applied, practical, fun and good tips and can't wait to become more a better player!

  • @tbyang95
    @tbyang95 5 лет назад +4

    Wow. Thank you so much! this is great for preventing long term problems as well. I've been playing guitar for almost 13 years and wish I knew this.

  • @gordoncarscadden3363
    @gordoncarscadden3363 8 лет назад +5

    This was great. I have played for several years but just started really getting back into guitar and never thought to do this. Can definitely feel a difference right away.
    Thanks

  • @97GibsonsgOhyeah
    @97GibsonsgOhyeah 11 месяцев назад

    This makes a massive difference for me. In the 52 yrs I've played, I've never done this before a warm up. No more forearm, and hand cramps! Thank-you so much!

  • @321Ronen
    @321Ronen 8 лет назад +12

    Thanks for sharing this. I've been doing those stretches every day for the last 3 weeks and it improved my playing and flexibility. It really makes a big difference.

  • @Froggy-Frogs
    @Froggy-Frogs 5 лет назад +104

    This is gold for illustrators aswell 🤩

  • @mauriliozamora6627
    @mauriliozamora6627 8 лет назад +63

    Hands feel great after this stretch. Thank you very much !

  • @richardkaiser2514
    @richardkaiser2514 Год назад +1

    I’m glad I found this video. I’ve been trying forever to find one that helps stretch the hands and everything. I really appreciate you doing this video. I really hope this helps.!! I definitely can feel the difference just after the first set.

  • @cindyray8887
    @cindyray8887 2 года назад +4

    I play the guitar but the main reason I loved this video is because I have rhumatoid arthritis. Although painful, I was amazed at the relief I received. Definitely making it a part of my practice. Thank you.

  • @tacoman9707
    @tacoman9707 4 года назад +194

    *_Treat Your Own Hand and Thumb Arthritis_** at Amazon is also worth checking out.*

  • @juliaf4017
    @juliaf4017 4 года назад +5

    This video was really helpful, I feel much more relaxed after stretching! I'm gonna start stretching daily :D

  • @Larry30102
    @Larry30102 3 года назад

    Hey the vid is only 11yrs old...You tube, the gift that keeps on giving. Thanks for this ESSENTIAL video for guitarist. Only 2.7mil views? 😊

  • @getawaydriver8304
    @getawaydriver8304 3 года назад +6

    Great video man. I come back and watch it all the time. I feel like it’s improved my guitar skills alot ❤️

    • @nemesisy
      @nemesisy 2 года назад

      did your finger get longer?

  • @CamilleonProductions
    @CamilleonProductions 8 лет назад +16

    These are insanely good! I'm a novice player, there's a song I'm trying to master which is almost entirely Am and C chords with the occasional F and G, suddenly after doing these my changes were much easier and cleaner and I was able to get the F first go! Thank you!

  • @Ears14U
    @Ears14U 8 лет назад +5

    Incredible for Fibromyalgia in your hands. Thanks for the upload.

  • @Avensur
    @Avensur 3 года назад +2

    Wow my friend! Never done it before the whole stretch session, I can feel right now my hand is very relax and ready for my class. Thanks for your help. Excellent! Godspeed!

  • @brainpilot2997
    @brainpilot2997 9 лет назад +15

    One thing I wanted to point out, having treated many guitarists during my career, is that spending too much time running dexterity exercises and running scales, day after day can cause inflammation of the extensor tendons of the muscles that control extending the fingers (lifting the finger off the fret) resulting in a condition known in sports as 'tennis elbow' a very painful condition that is very resistant to treatment. If someone that reads this post has this condition, I will be happy to describe the most effective treatment for this condition. I'll be reading the posts here and will probably notice reference to the condition.

    • @manymiles104
      @manymiles104 9 лет назад

      +Thomas Kelly just started playing but suffer very bad tennis elbow from years of plastering sooo painful

    • @thanksforreading33
      @thanksforreading33 6 лет назад

      brainpilot How do you treat it?

    • @franklasa
      @franklasa 6 лет назад

      Hello Brian, im a guitar player. For over 3 weeks im getting inboluntary movements on my infex finger right hand, it comes and go everyday, is not painful at all. Although i do have pains that resemble tendinitis somehow i guess. Any ideas?

    • @mr.t1791
      @mr.t1791 5 лет назад

      How do you treat it?

    • @blammmed
      @blammmed 5 лет назад +2

      define "too much time" because now im paranoid

  • @eog5217
    @eog5217 4 года назад +5

    This is an old video, but I hope you see this comment. Just started doing this, I can play well, but I want to be able to play more Dimebag like stuff and thanks to this great all around exercise I should be able to make those crazy stretches now soon!!!! Thank you Carl!!!!!!

    • @sciree
      @sciree 2 года назад

      how did it age

  • @mrbsred1
    @mrbsred1 10 лет назад +398

    I wish to have discovered this video earlier. Been playing for over 10 years and my ring finger and pinky have no strength. I can barely play properly. It's the most soul destroying thing and it has really set my music career back. So much time spent training my fingers, all for nothing. Take note aspiring guitarists! I wouldn't wish this on anyone

    • @manishasharma5080
      @manishasharma5080 10 лет назад +3

      was this video helpful for you?

    • @johncassar2923
      @johncassar2923 10 лет назад +1

      try using a hair-tie, I use a small rubber band, behind the knuckels of yr three fingers while practicing.

    • @6Metal6militA6
      @6Metal6militA6 9 лет назад +1

      mrbsred1 Same here bud. Even gave up after a while since I wasnt progressing anywhere because I couldn't stretch for shit. It's been 10 years for me too. Going to pick the guitar back up now and do these stretches every day.

    • @JeighNeither
      @JeighNeither 9 лет назад +22

      mrbsred1 I was struck with Psoriatic Arthritis at 30 years old...right at my peak. It was devastating. It causes incredible pain, cartilage destruction, and your joints to swell up, as well as tendons and other auxiliaries. In the hands it causes "sausage fingers" were they get fat and cumbersome. Other parts of your body like ankles, spine and feet, can leave you completely disabled. There is no cure. It hit my entire body hard, and I ended up in a wheel chair. Now five years later, I've gotten out of that F'ing thing, and have begun to built strength stamina and speed again; though I'll never play anywhere near as fast as before. I focus on tone now, and play more gilmoresque solos. Alex Lifeson, the guitarist for RUSH, has had it for ten years now. It's one of the reason after 40+ years, they aren't doing major tours any longer. It's serious shit, but I am fighting it with all I've got. I hope you are able to find that strength as well, and can regain some of your former self. Best of luck!

    • @r.katiekane252
      @r.katiekane252 9 лет назад +7

      +mrbsred1 Ironically the same situation here. My hands are very small, and some chords seem almost impossible to reach, yet I see girls/women playing perfectly with the same hand size. I'd already started the last of the stretches on this video, but will work on the others too now. Thanks for the video!

  • @NoNameNoGame77
    @NoNameNoGame77 3 года назад

    Been playing for like a decade or so. The state of my hands has become a huge issue I did EXACTLY what you said in the video and went through The Trooper without a problem. Thanks GuitarLessons365!

  • @richardjagger6920
    @richardjagger6920 9 лет назад +25

    Very good advice for guitar playing. I am 65 played when I was younger this makes my hands feel youngerand supple.Thanks
    .

  • @zipperhead101
    @zipperhead101 6 лет назад +6

    WOW, I've been playing guitar for a really long time, After just following along with this video ONE TIME, I can tell this will be a daily practice for me, whether I plan on playing that day or not. THANK YOU.

  • @youtubeuniversity3660
    @youtubeuniversity3660 5 лет назад +10

    Carl! Thank you! I thought something was seriously wrong with my hand. I've been a bartender 20+ years so they get a ton of use. My fretting hand was getting numb. This exercise has already helped. Wish I had seen this a long time ago. The info you share for free is amazing bro.

  • @annatkinson2197
    @annatkinson2197 Год назад

    Looking for stretching exercises to do and found this which looks good. I am 73 and learning to play guitar as its never too late. Loving it!!

  • @petmomful2260
    @petmomful2260 8 лет назад +83

    Thanks. I will start doing these immediately. I am an older lady with a bad neck and I am trying to do barre chords, and everything hurts! But I will NOT give up.

    • @rtxf
      @rtxf 6 лет назад

      petmom ful haha hope it worked out for you.

    • @planetag310
      @planetag310 6 лет назад +7

      I'm an older lady with a bad neck too! Struggling against pain. Just learning guitar and it's a bitch.

    • @mr.marmot39
      @mr.marmot39 5 лет назад +1

      how is it now?

    • @planetag310
      @planetag310 5 лет назад +3

      @@mr.marmot39 OK, still playing and getting chord changes down. Will probably never play barre chords tho. I work around the 'F'. Fingers are too short.

    • @mr.marmot39
      @mr.marmot39 5 лет назад +1

      ​@@planetag310 ahh interesting... one thing to keep in mind is that u need to tilt slightly ur bone to get a better press for a barr chord, rather than pressing ur finger on the meaty side
      and also did u know know that there are smaller version of guitar i.e 3/4 size ? maybe that will fit you

  • @rraheel.31
    @rraheel.31 4 года назад +11

    1:48 massage hand
    3:18 stretch fingers back and fourth
    6:43 separate fingers
    7:18 stretch all fingers side to side
    7:35 stretch fingers back and fourth
    7:54 massage tips of fingers
    8:13 expand hands

  • @116ryda
    @116ryda 6 лет назад +62

    WOWOWOW this works! Thanks so much man! I can actually reach the strings!

    • @Nilam59769
      @Nilam59769 4 года назад

      Yes

    • @woozihae
      @woozihae 4 года назад +1

      Whoa actually? I feel hope 👁👄👁🤩

  • @vallor8322
    @vallor8322 Год назад

    This video is 13 years old and may be the most helpful one I've gotten to help me figure out how to protect and prepare my hands for eventually managing the fretboard and strings properly.
    I can feel the difference, big time!

  • @aniahbutler8932
    @aniahbutler8932 4 года назад +1234

    Am I the only one that's afraid of breaking their finger....

    • @ryannoder7589
      @ryannoder7589 4 года назад +163

      Instructions unclear foot stuck in door frame

    • @OrangeFreeman
      @OrangeFreeman 4 года назад +81

      It would take an immense force to break a finger. A pinkie, maybe, but otherwise you'll be fine.

    • @molekyyli
      @molekyyli 4 года назад +56

      You're not supposed to stretch to the point of possible injury. Just enough tension but not real pain.

    • @theguitarangels
      @theguitarangels 4 года назад +6

      I am scared too

    • @zeynepuslu100
      @zeynepuslu100 4 года назад

      You're not alone!! Lol

  • @frogerp898
    @frogerp898 5 лет назад +56

    This really helped me for my clarinet....
    It works for that too...
    For me...

    • @blu-rae864
      @blu-rae864 4 года назад +11

      squidward headass

    • @fadeskywards1245
      @fadeskywards1245 4 года назад

      @@blu-rae864 headass hahagahahaggaha

    • @saiicooo-1900
      @saiicooo-1900 4 года назад +1

      @@blu-rae864 Nigga stfu clarinet is also a cool Instrument fatass kid

  • @makenna8454
    @makenna8454 4 года назад +25

    Bro why didn’t I have this a while ago like I NEEDED this my right hand feels so much better and less cramped

  • @jamesanderson348
    @jamesanderson348 9 месяцев назад

    This is an eye opener. I needed to see this. Ive been trying for so long to change my playing. This is a simple yet effective way to get started. Bless you for making this