Quote:
Originally Posted by Marty Forrer  Stop playing so damn hard! Most top players play with a low action and play quite softly. Not only is this easier on your hands but yeilds a better tone and enables the use of dynamics in your playing, eg: digging in a little for a fill you want to stand out a bit. |
Exactly. Turn up the amp, lower your action (if necessary), and allow the amp to do the bulk of the work.
Also, if you're not absolutely certain of the following, consult a local pro and make sure you're playing with the best possible technique. And if you're not, then fix it!
The goal is to be as physically relaxed as possible while playing. It makes everything sound better. And if feels so much better too.
Anytime there is stress, fatigue and/or pain, it means your technique is off the mark. And that you're probably overworking your hands and/or forearms in order to compensate...
MM
P.S. Don't worry about building callouses. They will develop as quickly and extensively as necessary in order to cope with the frequency and intensity of your playing...
