How long is normal for my hand to only work correctly for a few minutes. I am on the second A minor section and switching between the chords? I get to where my hands are doing pretty good switching and then they just go dead and I cannot hold a string without buzzing or muting one of the others. I am only able to get 10 or 15 minutes of practice before my hand just goes dumb. Is this normal, does it pass? Sorry if this is a dumb question, but I am 36, and this is where I give up every time because I always feel like my hands and fingers aren't learning or up to the task.
Hands and fingers keep getting tired quickly
# 1
Hi there,
Learning guitar as a beginner can be tough because your hands are doing things they are not used to. Everyone is different, so it's possible that you just don't have the muscle and dexterity yet to practice for longer periods of time.
It's also important to understand how to hold the guitar, and to hold your guitar with a relaxed grip so that you are not straining yourself.
You can also try adjusting your grip or revisiting Lisa's lessons on how to hold a guitar here: https://www.guitartricks.com/lesson.php?input=21987&s_id=1766
Let me know if you have any more questions.
Billy
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# 2
Originally Posted by: JdcaddellHow long is normal for my hand to only work correctly for a few minutes. I am on the second A minor section and switching between the chords? I get to where my hands are doing pretty good switching and then they just go dead and I cannot hold a string without buzzing or muting one of the others. I am only able to get 10 or 15 minutes of practice before my hand just goes dumb. Is this normal, does it pass? Sorry if this is a dumb question, but I am 36, and this is where I give up every time because I always feel like my hands and fingers aren't learning or up to the task.
It really will take more time than you want it to take, but you will gradually build up strength, stamina, and dexterity if you stick with it. I think the conventional advice is that 15 minutes at a time is about right at first. If you want to do more than that every day, just do several sessions and let your hand and your brain recover between sessions. Consistency is important at this stage (and I suppose at every other stage, too). Better to practice a little every day than it is to practice too long and then have to sit out a few days to allow yourself to recover from injuries or blisters. [br][br]
A couple of other things to consider...
Has your guitar been set up for playability? If not, you may be working a lot harder than necessary. Having low action and light gauge strings can make a huge difference. [br][br]
The other thing I think about is that you may be pressing the strings harder than necessary. A lot of us beginners press like we are trying to squeeze the life out of the neck. That will certainly tire your hand out quickly.
Billy makes a great point about holding the guitar properly. Wrist and elbow position can make a lot of difference in how hard you have to work, and poor position can actually cause injury, so check yourself on that.
What you are experiencing right now sounds like what we all go through for the first few weeks of this journey. You will get through it!
Dave...
It takes as long as it takes unless you quit - then it takes forever and you will never get there.
# 3