Quote:
Originally Posted by SMILEYSIXX  I've been playing fingerstyle a lot more, and I think it's starting to take a toll on my right hand. My hand itself is fine, but my forearm hurts and as I finger, I can feel the muscle throbbing as I move. Any way to suppress the tension and strain or should I lay off the playing for a little while? |
In my opinion, it sounds like it could be a few things:
1) Your forearm is just getting used to playing fingerstyle and you are over-using it a little bit while the muscles are still developing to accommodate the new technique,
2) You are just a little over-tense when playing with this new technique,
3) Your right arm is playing in a strange position that is causing slight damage to your tissues.
If it is cases #1 or #2 you are probably OK. If it's #1, I would suggest that you need to play just enough so that your forearm muscles continue to develop without causing pain. Eventually, (sooner than later if you play a lot) your forearm muscles will develop to the strength/endurance required and you won't have the issue anymore.
If it is case #2, you might just want to pay a little extra attention to relaxing your arm muscles while you play for the next few months until relaxed playing becomes automatic.
If it is case #3 you should probably pay for a lesson or two (assuming that you aren't already) with one or two different instructors so that they can critique your technique and help you correct your playing position so that there is no lasting damage caused.
I agree with Fergie; we are just online here and are only making educated guesses without actually being able to see your playing style. It is definitely a good sign that your hand isn't hurting, but you still might want to put some effort into discovering why your forearm hurts; I've seen a few players create some long-lasting injuries from over-playing and incorrect positioning.
