My hand has started cramping up again recently on gigs & it's got me slightly worried. Happened a few months back too but I thought I was rid of the problem but notice it creeping back in of late.
I play 'thumb over' most of the time & I've noticed the cramping can be triggered after playing a few barre chords - then when I go back to thumb over I notice my index finger 'locking' in place quickly followed by my second & third fingers following suit.
You can see me trying to shake it off around the 1 minute mark in this clip..
Last time it happened I'd read it may be dehydration related so I try to up my water intake a few days before gigs to counter it.
I've booked an appointment with my GP hoping for a physio referral but just wondered has anyone else experienced similar & if so what did you do?
Thanks in advance & thanks also to our own
@andyoz for the clip..
Seemed like a good idea.....
Comments
But then we found a better drummer and I didn't have to keep punching him.
*An Official Foo-Approved guitarist since Sept 2023.
The only pedal I'd hit a drummer with is a bicycle pedal.
*An Official Foo-Approved guitarist since Sept 2023.
Thought about that but my Tele has a good handful of soft V & it happened using that too.,
A mate of mine went through a period of debilitating hand cramps seriously affecting his income as he is a full-time performer and guitar teacher. He was referred by the Musicians Union to BAPAM, the British Association for Performing Arts Medicine. He got an appointment there and after a consultation was given advice on overcoming the issue. It took a while but it worked. There is also a useful leaflet on the BAPAM web site 'Don't Cramp Your Style!'. Other leaflets address issues like stage nerves, which can also cause tension in the hands.
here is a link
Sometimes the cramps or stiffening can be as a result of outside issues, like a builder/guitarist mate who can't play even half decently after laying block walling all day. Yes, punching drummers is a common cause )
I was threatened recently by a scumbag that I had a run in with years ago so I guess I might be tensing up due to that (every time someone comes anywhere close in s crowded situation) - I think a Tele will be good protection
These things are sent to try us...
It sounds like your hand problem could be due to several factors but it's possible @uncledick might have a point. It is quite awkward playing barre chords for any length of time on a low-slung guitar. Anyway, hopefully BAPAM might help you in some way.
Cheers
Jim
I will try to get wrist a bit straighter on Saturday night's gig to see if that helps
Thanks for the advice on potassium & also big thanks for your kind words on the band
Yeah it makes sense - I just don't wanna be a Mark King style player with top of guitar stuck under armpit - I could mebbe get away with raising it up a bit, but I've a gut to try & hide too
I warm up now with some major scales and make sure I have a drink for the second set. I get the odd twinge but I recognise the signs more now.