Originally Posted by: compart1Hi again Tracy..
Sound like you need to be check out for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome... As soon as I read your reply I immediately talk to my wife. She had Carpal Tunnel Syndrome years ago. Also she said that the pain seem to have started in her thumb.
You may want to curtail any exercise until you have it checked by a Dr...
What you do for work could also contribute to the problem..
Good luck getting rid of the problem. Wife said after repair and therapy her wrist work great

I have carpal tunnel in both hands and had the release surgery for it on my left hand (not very successful frankly). But carpal tunnel manifesta on the palm of the hand in the "tunnel" that forms when you touch your pinky with your thumb. That does not sound like what Tracy's experiencing. If the pain is more between the index and thumb there are a number of issues some of which have been mentioned. One is, is your guitar really right for you? I personally don't like a wide spacing like on a classical guitar or some necks on both electrics and acoustics which get too big toward the nut. If one kind of playing is bothering you, abandone it for a while--rest, try a different style and see if that same thing happens. I'm assuming you are female--most Tracys are, certain things can be tiring and taxing (barre chords). I suggest going into a couple of guitar shops and talking to even sales people--don't let them sell you but let them show you some guitars they think might help. You don't have to buy, but you'll gain some knowledge that way about if your instrument is set up right or if it's right for you. If you are intent on learning a chep guitar with nylon strings can help you at least learn the neck and chords. Then play the steel string for performances. There is lots of knowledge in guitar shops, and you can even start by saying I'm not here to buy today and just explain what you're experiencing. Good luck.