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  #1  
Old 05-08-2015, 06:05 AM
Noonie Noonie is offline
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Default All About Arms

Before I started playing guitar six weeks ago I had a pre-existing problem with my neck, related to years at a desk job and poor posture. The condition was bad the last 10 months, but after physio and chiro it is much better now. My posture is also better and now I'm able to do things that gave me much discomfort months ago.

However, I noticed that after a few weeks of starting guitar, 30 min or more a day, that my arms would get tires, a bit achy. All else is good, but with the condition I have, there is a relationship between neck and arms (trigger points) and I think playing the guitar is affecting the condition. I'm wondering how to play guitar so that I don't get tired or sore arms.

I'm trying to keep everything relaxed, but there are good days and bad.
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Old 05-08-2015, 06:27 AM
MrBJones MrBJones is offline
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Have you tried changing the way you hold the guitar? A classical position might keep your torso, shoulders, and neck more inline and centered.
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Old 05-08-2015, 06:29 AM
Tacomamc Tacomamc is offline
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Default All About Arms

I most often play seated with my dreadnought on my right knee (I'm a Right handed player). Sometimes I find my neck and/or shoulder get tight and uncomfortable playing this way. For me it's habit and probably always will be. HOWEVER, when I find this posture uncomfortable, I switch knees and place my guitar on my left leg (instead of my right) and this offers a lot of relief. It feels to me like my strumming shoulder and arm can hang a little more naturally and comfortably. Give it a shot, it may work for you too.
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Old 05-08-2015, 07:37 AM
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rogthefrog rogthefrog is offline
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You may want to try a neck-up type of device like this:

http://www.amazon.com/ErgoPlay-Tappe.../dp/B005QKNUOW

There are others, like the Dynarette cushion, the Neckup, etc.
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Old 05-08-2015, 07:41 AM
earri earri is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rogthefrog View Post
You may want to try a neck-up type of device like this:

http://www.amazon.com/ErgoPlay-Tappe.../dp/B005QKNUOW

There are others, like the Dynarette cushion, the Neckup, etc.
+1. That and/or a classical position , I think you will find helful.
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Old 05-08-2015, 08:04 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by earri View Post
+1. That and/or a classical position , I think you will find helful.
Yes, switching to left knee should help. Also you might think about whether a different size guitar would be more comfortable for you. When I first started playing about a year ago I had a Martin D 28. Loved that guitar but finally had to admit that playing a big dreadnought body was holding back my development as a player. Sometimes it felt like I was putting my arm around a submarine when I sat down to play.

I switched to Taylor GA's and wow what a difference. Like every new guitar player I still struggle to stay totally relaxed, but playing Taylor GA's sure makes it much easier. At least for me .
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Old 05-08-2015, 08:20 AM
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I am most comfortable when I use a strap to hold the guitar.

The primary benefit is that the strap is doing the work of holding the guitar so my hands and arms don't have to do that job.

I set the strap to hold the guitar a few inches above my lap. This keeps me from being inclined to , well , incline my body into poor posture.

If I don't use a strap, I inevitably find myself bent over the guitar and switching it from one leg rest to another in order to relieve stress on lower back and upper arms/

hope that helps!
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Old 05-08-2015, 08:22 AM
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From an other angle, how is your physical condition in general? Some light exercise that involves arms, shoulders and upper body will do anybody some good.

I like to play standing up, using a strap. With a little attention to remaining upright, and taking some steps when I feel like it, that seems to keep my shoulders and back happy.

Having played only a short time, it is possible that you have not yet got accustomed to the positions and movements of playing a guitar. That can easily lead to being tense in places that you are better off keeping relaxed.
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Old 05-08-2015, 11:07 AM
Noonie Noonie is offline
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Thanks for the tips.

I started practicing with the guitar on my left leg the other day. It definately helps with the right shoulder. It does make it feel like my arm is reaching for those low frets, but I'm hoping that's just because it's new to me.

Was going to try a strap the other day, but my guitar has only one button. Might dig something with a shoelace...
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Old 05-08-2015, 11:12 AM
amyFB amyFB is offline
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.... my guitar has only one button. Might dig something with a shoelace...
you may not like the shoelace, for how it gets in the way of fretting the low end of the neck.

I'm in the camp of "add another strap button" to the heel; it's much more comfortable.

I also change how I hold the guitar for the angle of the neck to change the stresses on my arms and shoulders, with a tendency to point UP rather than out or down.
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Old 05-13-2015, 03:25 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by amyFB View Post
you may not like the shoelace, for how it gets in the way of fretting the low end of the neck.
Or you might.
I have a small leather strap behind the nut, holding that end of the strap, and it stays just enough out of the way. The same thing could certainly be done with a shoelace (use knots that don't slide...).

With the strap fixed up there, you need a little care not to put too much pressure on the guitar. Otherwise you might be pulling on the neck enough to make it sound out of tune.
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Old 05-17-2015, 12:53 PM
Noonie Noonie is offline
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Both arms have been better as of late. With the guitar on my left knee my right shoulder is in a better position. My right arm only gets sore when I've been strumming away for longer than normal. But it's better late in the day / next day. My left arm is now use to the slightly longer reach on those lower frets.

I'm still going to add a button and try a strap.

Last edited by Noonie; 05-18-2015 at 04:37 AM.
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