Having problems keeping my finger speed up to par for whole sets/jam session etc

[Holy War]

I play everyday and have been for years. Always finger style. Anyways, Ive started to notice that in the last year or two, that I have begun to lose a lot of speed in my plucking hand as the night goes on. Not only this, but my plucking hand ring finger has begun to develope pain even though I dont hardly ever use it. The pain is right around the the second joint on the finger (the one closest to the knuckle). Anyway, I can resurrect these problems?

Ill try and get a video up so you can see my technique tomorrow

[TOOL460002]

you say you rarely use your ring finger any more. did you used to play with 3 fingers a lot? does your ring finger move when playing with just 2 fingers? anatomically speaking, it should be 100% independent from your middle and index, but if you used to be a big 3 finger guy, there could be some muscle memory remnants.

does this pain correspond to an increase in computer use, or other sorts of repetitive hand motions? is this the first time you have experienced this pain? does it only come after youve been playing a lot, or is it there from the get go?

have you ever had carpel tunnel, or any other sort of nerve pain? from my experience, nerve pain is a very, very specific sort of pain, and the kind of thing you will remember. its a unique sensation in my mind.

if you play everyday, no matter what, and its a nerve thing, take a break. nerves can get inflamed, and theres swelling, and extra pressure, and it just snowballs and gets painful. i am not a licensed physician, and am not qualified to give any medical advice whatsoever, but ibuprofin is an antiinflamitory medication one can get at any grocery store. ice will also reduce inflammation.

im 25, and i play for several hours every day, but even i take a day off, or cut back from 4+ hours to just an hour or so. being in good physical shape helps as well. if its sore muscles, up your protein intake, and take a rest. they will strengthen and catch up. if its nerve stuff, nothing but rest will help.

youre saying this is all new, so back off, stop playing for a couple days, and if you are still hurting, see a doctor. nerves dont heal so well. take no chances.

[Holy War]

Originally Posted by TOOL460002

you say you rarely use your ring finger any more. did you used to play with 3 fingers a lot? does your ring finger move when playing with just 2 fingers? anatomically speaking, it should be 100% independent from your middle and index, but if you used to be a big 3 finger guy, there could be some muscle memory remnants.

does this pain correspond to an increase in computer use, or other sorts of repetitive hand motions? is this the first time you have experienced this pain? does it only come after youve been playing a lot, or is it there from the get go?

have you ever had carpel tunnel, or any other sort of nerve pain? from my experience, nerve pain is a very, very specific sort of pain, and the kind of thing you will remember. its a unique sensation in my mind.

if you play everyday, no matter what, and its a nerve thing, take a break. nerves can get inflamed, and theres swelling, and extra pressure, and it just snowballs and gets painful. i am not a licensed physician, and am not qualified to give any medical advice whatsoever, but ibuprofin is an antiinflamitory medication one can get at any grocery store. ice will also reduce inflammation.

im 25, and i play for several hours every day, but even i take a day off, or cut back from 4+ hours to just an hour or so. being in good physical shape helps as well. if its sore muscles, up your protein intake, and take a rest. they will strengthen and catch up. if its nerve stuff, nothing but rest will help.

youre saying this is all new, so back off, stop playing for a couple days, and if you are still hurting, see a doctor. nerves dont heal so well. take no chances.

some great, well thought out advise. Thank you