Does Playing Guitar Ruin Your Fingers?

Does playing guitar ruin your fingers?

When you first start playing guitar, your fingers will probably hurt a little. This is because your fingers are putting pressure on the strings. Over time, your fingertips will form calluses to protect them from further injury.

The pain you feel in your fingertip is completely normal, and it’s only temporary. Over time, you’ll get used to the pain and it’ll be less noticeable when playing.

It’s best to keep practicing until you’ve built up a good amount of calluses on your fingers. Having calluses will make you more comfortable and allow you to play longer without having your fingertips bleed.

Some guitarists use ice or apple cider vinegar to dull the pain as they’re building their calluses, but the best remedy is simply to practice! In most cases, you’ll be able to build up calluses with just enough time in between practice sessions.

You can also try to play shorter bursts of guitar, or switch to a lower action on your guitar (the height of the string from the fretboard). As long as you’re practicing for about 15 minutes three times per day, you should be able to get enough calluses to make your fingers a bit more comfortable.

If you’re experiencing pain that doesn’t seem to be getting better, see a doctor for further assessment. Some conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome can cause this sort of discomfort.

Another common problem that people experience is tendons in their hands and fingers becoming inflamed, which can happen when you’re constantly pressing your fingers down on the strings. It’s a condition called “guitar tendinitis,” and it can be caused by overuse or bad technique.

Soreness in your fingers is a normal part of the learning process for most beginning players, and it’s usually only going to last a few days at most. You’ll be able to get rid of it with time and patience, but if it doesn’t fade away quickly, there are a few things you can do.

Using a Cold Pack To Reduce Swelling And Pain

A cold compress applied to your fingers before and after practice can help relieve inflammation. You can also take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen.

Applying an ointment or cream to your fingertips can also help, but make sure it contains benzocaine. Alternatively, you can soak your fingertips in apple cider vinegar for a few minutes before and after play.

Practicing With Your Nails Short

It’s much easier to build calluses on your fingertips when they’re short. If your nails are too long, they’ll absorb the pressure on the strings and make it harder to build them up.

If you’re having a hard time getting a good sound from your guitar, you should consider getting it tuned up at a music store. The higher the action on your guitar, the more pressure you’ll need to exert on the strings to get a clear note.

The most important thing is to remember that your fingers are going to be sore in the beginning, and it’s going to be up to you to get used to the pain. The sooner you accept this, the faster your guitar playing will progress.