Originally Posted by: diceysHello all
I have just had a cortisone injection for tennis elbow which I developed after about 4 months of heavy practice.
I am in my 50s and am SO disappointed at this turn of events as I was really progressing.
I have put a piece of paper between the strings to mute them so I can at least practice my RH picking etc
Have any of you GT members any hints or tips for me here???
Play a small amount or none at all??
What else can I do to stay in shape musically??
Study theory instead??
How to get rid of arm tension when playing ( I think this May have been a big factor in what happened)
Any tips would really be appreciated!
Thanks

1) Find the most comfortable position when playing and use a strap to get there, even if you sit down when playing. I have always use a strap when practicing. It's the ergonomics.

2) I call this the 'lighten up Francis' aspect to guitar playing: Don't grip the guitar as if it was the ledge of a building you were hanging off of and about to fall to your death. You should be loose. It is not a strength competition.

I've mentioned this to a few people over the years to show how little pressure you need to exert when playing; hover your finger over a position on the neck. I'd suggest the low E on the third fret. Start picking without touching the string. Slowly lower your finger down on the string. Sure, it will flat out at first but keep on applying more light pressure (slowly) until the note rings true. Then stop. You will realize that you don't need to death grip a note to play it.

Loosen the tension? Yes you should. You should be nice and loose.

3) Should you practice while your elbow is healing? What does your doctor say? No one here should really tell you anything other than 'don't do anything that would injure yourself further' and the rest is up to what your doctor said.

4) Study theory? Why not :) That's always a good thing.....