[TheMasterplan]

I've basically been playing my new seven since I got it, I love it so. However, when playing in general I start to get a pain from the middle of my wrist to the center of my palm just above my thumb's joint. I guess this is because I'm getting used to the extra 1/4 " on the neck? I just wanted to check if this is normal.

[Michael]

I never experienced any adjustment pains when I first started playing a sevenstring. But it's not impossible.

[Alpo]

Never had any pains. I guess it's possible, though. It might also be your technique.

[-K4G-]

left or right?

[Naren]

Originally Posted by Mawdyson

I never experienced any adjustment pains when I first started playing a sevenstring. But it's not impossible.

Me either, but I have heard this complaint on this forum before from players first switching to seven-strings. I would guess that the cause would be faulty technique, but it could be something completely different altogether. I play my seven, slung pretty low while standing up, and I've never had any pains while playing it. I play it over my thigh when sitting down and never had any pains there either.

[distressed_romeo]

Are you playing with the thumb curled over the top of the neck? If so, it's probably be a good idea to adopt a more classical fretting hand technique.

[Naren]

Originally Posted by distressed_romeo

Are you playing with the thumb curled over the top of the neck? If so, it's probably be a good idea to adopt a more classical fretting hand technique.

That's a good point. I've never played that way before, which is one reason I noticed very few differences when making the switch from sixes to sevens (the only main differences I noticed were the spacing between the strings being different, the neck being a little wider which meant I had to raise my strap up a little bit - an inch or two - on the seven to ease playing, and stuff relating to that). Now that you mention it, curling the thumb over the top of the neck is pretty common among a lot of players and could cause a lot of problems when switching from a six to a seven. (don't know if this really is the cause or not, but it sounds perfectly logical)

[7 Strings of Hate]

your hand might just be getting tired easier cuz its not used to holding the strings down on such a wide neck, what strings are you using, you might think about downsizing to make it easyier to fret,i'm just a small string advocate

[Tymon]

I have a lot of experience with pain in that exact spot, you're the first I hear from who has the same problem. I developed some RSI like problems over the years, there's been times I couldn't play the guitar for weeks because of quite severe pain. Fortunately, I have it under control for some years.

For me it's all about feeling when you're pushing your wrist to much and then taking some rest, this can be as minimal as 1 minute between 10 minute sessions. Also, be sure your hand/wrist position is as straight as you can get it.

Originally Posted by distressed_romeo

Are you playing with the thumb curled over the top of the neck? If so, it's probably be a good idea to adopt a more classical fretting hand technique.

In my case, and I guess also in yours, this is completely the opposite. The rock position (as I call it) with the thumb curling puts very little stress on your wrist and especially the spot you're talking about. I developed my problems by over stretching (of course, in classical position). Heavier strings can make your problems worse.

Sime tips that work for me:

-Pain means STOP, always listen to your body, this sounds corny but it's the most important thing with these kind of problems. Ignore them and develop real RSI problems that can return whenever they want.

-When I've pushed my wrist a little too much and get the sensation of light pains I'll hold my wrist under the hot water for a minute, 3 times a day or something. Then put on some of that stuff for stressed muscles and tendons and whatnot, whatever it's called.

-Massage is good, stretching isn't!! (not when playing but by holding your hand back and forth stuff). Of course, I speak for myself, but when I first experienced this pains I started stretching like hell all day in the hope of relaxing my wrist. Only made it much worse.


If you have any questions, don't be afraid to shoot me a PM.

[TheMasterplan]

Thanks for all the info. It doesn't occur often and it's not very severe, but it has happened twice over two days. I do have a classical fretting style actually [with thumb on about the half way mark of the back of the neck and so forth.] Based on all this information, it's probably just from strecthing or improper technique which I guess I'll just have to work on. Thanks guys, I'm off to play my seven some more.