Hand cramps

My fret hand seam’s to be cramping a lot after about 15 to 20 minutes of practice.
I have never had this problem until now.
I think I know why, I have been doing a lot of index then ring then index then pinky on my scales.
My question is; should I just rest my hand a little bit, and play some more?
Or should I take a nice long break?
I don't want to do myself more harm than good.

if it reaches the extend where you're straining it then take some time off...as time passes your hand would get used to it and it should strain anymore....ive had similar issues wheni first started bar chords...i took some time off and did other stuff on the guitar before going back to bar chords..now it had adjusted to it so no more strain!

I've been getting hand cramps in the palm of my fret hand when playing a particular song where the chords are Em7 to D back and forth over and over again. It seems like it's only when playing that particular song that it happens. I started stretching my fingers out before I played that particular song by putting my strumming hand in between each pair of my fret hand's fingers and stretching them out. If that's clear as mud, I just happen to have my digital camera right next to me...

Thanks those tips helped. I just practiced for about an hour, and minimal cramping.
FYI my hand cramps were in the back of my hand

I suggest elevating your guitar so your wrist isn't so bent around (headstock at eye level ish), and also check you're not holding the neck too tight....

Originally Posted by: Scotttaylor72I've been getting hand cramps in the palm of my fret hand when playing a particular song where the chords are Em7 to D back and forth over and over again. It seems like it's only when playing that particular song that it happens. I started stretching my fingers out before I played that particular song by putting my strumming hand in between each pair of my fret hand's fingers and stretching them out. If that's clear as mud, I just happen to have my digital camera right next to me...

That can be a dangerous stretch!! make sure your not forcing your fingers apart to the point that its sore, you only want to stretch ur fingers/hand gently.. so be very careful with that stretch or any stretch you do to warm up!!

on the subject of stretching - try the first bit of the Petrucci warm ups - play with your fingers on strings A,D,G & B on frets 7 ,8,9 & 10, and just stretch fingers across until you eventually end up playing the strings on frets 6,8,10 & 12, then switch it around....

I didn't explain that very well.... I recall a tale from a guy who wanted to be the greatest piano player, and used to sleep with something wedged between his fingers to stretch them. End Result? He isn't the greatest pianist in the world, the story goes that he now can't play at all. It may be cobblers, but I wouldn't chance it....

good points and for the record, I'm not stretching my fingers to the point that it hurts. Well, check that, I'm stretching them to the point where it starts to be uncomfortable and then backing off a bit and holding it there for about 5 seconds each. Just something that my guitar instructor taught me. He definitely made mention that you shouldn't push too far, though.