Originally Posted by: joe scaleneI practise very often. and there was a time that I pushed myself 2 hard that my left fingers were paralized. I can barely move them. so painfull. :( [/QUOTE][font=trebuchet ms]Oh, yes, there can be too much of a good thing! [/font] :eek:

[QUOTE=joe scalene]what do you mean by those little nasty things. The one with springs?

[font=trebuchet ms]The ones I use are sold under the name of Gripmaster. They consist of two bars joined by springs, and a row of spring-loaded buttons. They have a rubber cap one one bar to allow it to fit comfortably against the base of your thumb and the palm of your fretting hand. There are three springs between this part and the middle bar. Above the middle bar are four buttons, each with it's own spring. One for each finger. You work out by pinching th device between your thumb and fingers.

I usually remove the rubber cap and push against the bar with the ball of my thumb, just as I push against the back of the guitar neck. When you first start, it's amazing how much strength it takes to compress the spring with your pinky finger! I recommend starting with the lightest one, even if you're not recovering from an injury. These gizmos are helpful in developing your ability to move your fingers strongly and independantly. As with any skill, it's very important to get it right before moving on to the next (harder) step.

There is no substitute for practice on an actual guitar, but working with these 'nasty lil thangs' can do a lot to help you develop the finger strength and co-ordination that you need for good technique.[/font]