Blisters on My Fingers

[Bongo Boy]

In the words of John Lennon--my fingers really flippin' hurt.

Are there any remedies as one gets started, other than shorter practice sessions (perhaps more frequently)? I know I'm pressing far harder than is needed, and I'm trying to control that, and I replaced the strings that came with the guitar with flatwound ones--seems to be a little more comfortable (a lot, actually).

I spent too much time goofing around last night, ruined finger #2, and now I can hardly pratice today. First lesson learned the hard way, I guess.

All ideas are welcome.

[Bongo Boy]

I'm also becoming concerned about my having relative short stubby fingers--I have to think there are many good players out there who suffer this defliction :)

...and finally, then I'll try to get back to music--but as I practice chords I'm having a very hard time keeping my fingers away from strings they shouldn't be touching. Will this situation normally improve with good technique and the development of callouses/tougher skin?

Thanks.

[TaikaJim]

I think thats just something you will get used to ( unless you are pressing real hard). Ive noticed that the skin on my left hand finger tips is a lot thicker (harder ) than on my right hand.

[EricV]

Hey Bongo Boy,

Taika is right, if you keep practising you´ll develop calluses and it won´t hurt that much anymore.
Also, with some practise you´ll develop a bit more accuracy, so you will be able to fret those chords easier and without touching strings you don´t wanna touch. It takes some time, but it´s worth the effort.
When you play a chord ( or rather: when you practise playing chords ), always pick every single string on it´s own to make sure every note is ringing out. If one doesn´t take a closer look to see why it does not, then try to fix it.

About small hands: Yes, there are a bunch of popular players with small hands. Someone once even said that that is an advantage, since players with small hands tend to be more careful... what that person meant was: if you have got big hands, you tend to be a bit more reckless when playing, and you tend to play in a way that can hurt your hands. ( By stretching too far etc. )
Always remember: if your sinews of your left hand fingers start to hurt ( not the fingertips... that pain is pretty much unavoidable ), take it easy, slow down, take a break. If you really hurt them once, you might have problems for a loooong time.
And one example for a player with small hands: Andy Summers ( former Police-guitarist ). I don´t know whether you know the Police-song "Every Breath You Take"
That song features chords like Amaj add9 ( 5th position ), F#min add 9 ( second position ). Tough to fret those accurately. Andy´s hands are rather small, so he played those chords by fretting one note at a time... I figured that out when I saw a live-video of the band. YOu see: it didn´t stop him that he has small hands, he just had to find ways to play this stuff another way...
Warm regards
Eric

NP: The Dixie Dregs- The Great Spectacular

[Guni]

I think Jack E. Lee is another example for a player with small hands. I can't remember where I got that from but he uses his left hand thumb to fret notes by moving it to the front side of the neck. I think that's a very interesting technique ..... making use of all 5 fingers to play .....

[nickwellings]

Shawn Lane has ickle stubby fingers, but he can burn up the fretboard.

(Sorry Shawn...no offence meant :D)

[EricV]

Nick,

thanks for bringing his name up. I can´t say enough good things about Shawn Lane. Just like Eric Johnson, he to me is one of the most amazing and unique players to ever be around.
His note-choice, his melodies and compositions are amazing, and when it comes to playing solos, he can do mind-boggling stuff.
It´s been a few years since I heard his version of "All Along The Watchtower"... it blew my mind. I mean, in the beginning he plays all of Jimi´s leads pretty much note-perfect, and then during the main solo, he slips into this BURST OF NOTES... absolutely amazing and not only technically impressive, but also beautiful.
Those runs remind me of butterflies, cuz they really float around like those... Amazing.
For everyone who hasn´t heard Shawn yet ( and not only for shred-freaks or only guitarists ), check out "Powers Of Ten" or the new "Tri-Tone Fascination"
Warm regards
Eric

[nickwellings]

Eric!

YAY!

Shawn is amazing.

I heard his "Watchtower" very very recently...and thought it was pretty average, UNTIL he went to his solo.

It sounds like he has a harmoniser on right at the end...the whole song is just...amazing!

I love it when the singer says "And SHAWN LANE, began to howl!" and he let's rip.

He recently did a live webcast...I don't know if they archived it.

Its good to see him playing though, after all the reeeeeallly bad sh*t he went through.

[EricV]

Hey Nick,

yeah, I believe he´s using some kind of a harmonizer or an octaver at the very end... if it´s an octaver, I guess it´s another little tribute to Jimi...

I didnt even hear the "Shawn Lane began to howl part", but I noticed that he sang "They think that Larry´s just a joke..." somewhere in the second verse.
The end of that main solo really is mind-boggling. I also like those little fills he throws in.
He sometimes uses quite surprising intervals and licks that are definitely no cliché-licks.

A friend of mine sent me "Powers Of Ten" a few years ago, and I really loved that record. The variety of styles, the arrangements and harmonies, and of course his playing.
Songs like "Get You Back" ( from "Powers..." ) and "The Way It Has To Be" ( from "Tritone Fascination" ) do feature so many beautiful melodies and riffs, and they remind me quite a bit of Eric Johnson, too.

I heard about Shawn´s trouble last year, too. I actually was in contact with his sister back then and tried to figure out whether I would be able to help in some way.
I guess by now he´s back on his feet. He just played some shows in Europe with Hellborg and Cease, AFAIK...

Warm regards
Eric

[nickwellings]

I thought he said "Marriage is a joke"!

Hah!

Yes, he was going to play in England, where I am...but had to pull out. I was so sad.


I have Powers Of Ten too.


Some of the songs on there...maaaan....and to think it was essentially a one man project...sheesh.

I tabbed out Gray Pianos Flying (badly) from there...and then someone sent me an official tab...some of my things were off and in the wrong position, especially the stupidly fast bits.

He's a stellar player.