Many thanks for your prompt reply Frank. The Cedar Top of the guitar has a cheerful sound with great clarity but is perhaps slightly warmer than Spruce Top (Which is the most commonly used wood in the acoustic guitar). I rarely use a pick nowadays (for reasons Ill explain shortly), so my thumb is usually doing a lot of the work. For more info, see Learning Guitar For Seniors Make Each Day Great With Music. Are Acoustic Guitars Really Harder to Play Than Electric? Try to plan the rest of your day or night around it, especially if youre retired. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc, or its affiliates. run through specific exercises or play scales as I know Im less likely to play accurately. Django Reinhardt was a Belgian jazz guitarist and composer. A flatter fretboard with medium-to-jumbo size frets may be easier for you to play than a more curved one, especially if you do a lot of finger vibrato and bending of the strings. If you play a lot of full barre chords, you may find a capo that will allow you to continue to enjoy many pieces of music, without putting so much stress on your painful fingers. I had seen that a couple of people have said that they had issues with keeping it in tune, which I admit I had faced, especially on the heavy A, D, and E strings but not to a level where it is problematic. In this article, were going to discuss some of the finest guitars which are suitable for arthritic hands and older players so that you can easily enjoy the guitar without worrying about the pain in your fingers due to arthritis. Playing the guitar is a pastime many people are highly passionate about. Even if you are a beginning player with no knowledge or playing experience, you can get started on the guitar, despite your hand problems. Its great to work on your guitars, especially if you have a lot of them, but you should always be aware of your limitations. Im thrilled that you were able to find some helpful information in my article! If you are looking for a new guitar, pay careful attention to the neck profile and scale length. One of the biggest mistakes individuals make when it comes to playing guitar with arthritis is jumping right in without preparing themselves first. Megadeth has had guys like Jeff [Young] and Marty [Friedman], but Kiko is the best weve ever had. Never try to play through pain! These guitars, mentioned in the list above, are completely appropriate for your hands even youre facing arthritis. I will be happy to help you. Arthritis is a disabling condition that affects the joints of the body, causing stiffness and pain. The Washburn R314KK has a rigid spruce top and is built with the Trembesi Tonewood for its back and sides; which is a blend that provides it a distinctive texture that instantly attracts the attention of its users. If you play acoustic guitar, you might want to look at silk and steel strings as well. Do not play through tendinitis pain and check with your doctor for the proper treatment. But it could take a little ingenuity, or you might require a little assistance, depending on the severity of your condition. While theacousticguitarist.com covers the acoustic guitar specifically, I still love electric guitars, and due to the lighter gauge strings and lower action found on most electric guitars (compared to the acoustic) they can be a lot easier to play when your fingers, and/or wrists are sore. The Fender Squier series is a low-budget option, and the guitars are very high quality for the price. Next, I usually perform a few basic stretches, including: To perform this stretch extend your arm with the hand facing outward and fingers pointed up. It should also be remembered that Osteoarthritis (the most common form of Arthritis) is by definition a condition that develops due to overuse e.g. Hand built with the same precision as our larger guitars, just 25% smaller. So, yove got nothing to lose, really! The sound is very clear and crisp tone and allows you adjust via pickups and tone knob to get even more. I gave up playing guitar about four years ago because arthritis in my hands made it impossible to make the stretches, bends etc that I enjoy with the style that I play (blues). I went for the Amazon exclusive Cherry finish and it looks amazing so if you are thinking about buying just go for it. is available for just such a purpose. An attic is no place for such a fine instrument! Classical guitars are very convenient to play, and they have broad necks surfaces that are easily accessible. I'm Frank, and it's great to have you on my website! This classical guitar is composed of Spruce and Rosewood material and has a distinctive classical guitar tone. The width of the neck part of this acoustic guitar is 1.89 inches. Two brands like the Les Paul and Zager Guitars are what we recommend. This amazing set features finger sleeves that hold the guitar pick in place, so individuals do not have to grip their pick. The Seagull Coastline Momentum is a perfect choice of guitar for those guitarists who are considering a high-sheen guitar that looks as good as it sounds. Thank you for this article, Frank. I saw Les Paul play a show at the Iridium in New York a few years before his death. It is important to warm the fingers and hands before attempting to play. This guitar has a great throaty sound because of its Solid Sapele back and sides along with a 12-fret Neck Joint. The Cordoba C4-CE is an extremely inexpensive Nylon-String acoustic-electric guitar. Some people mistakenly believe playing the guitar with arthritis is going to make the condition worse. Absolutely not! Slow and steady playing can help keep your fingers limber and help you avoid stiffness and pain. It sounds like its time for you to pick up your guitar and have another go at it! Dont Fret. Here are some of the questions that often come up about arthritis for guitar players. Yes, you may need to make some changes in your playing style or even modify your guitar, but taking these actions will allow you to continue to enjoy playing guitar. Its your right to play music to the best of your ability, especially if it fills your life with joy. An arthritis diagnosis does not have to prevent you from playing the guitar you love. This condition can develop because of injuries, excess weight, and genetics. If you want an acoustic instrument, make sure it has low action and thin gauge strings. Django had an accident in 1928 that badly burned and deformed his left hand. However, its also true that a larger neck profile e.g. How To Stay Motivated To Learn Guitar Top Tips For Success. Choosing the right guitar is vital. When it comes to playing guitar with arthritis many musicians worry that an arthritis diagnosis will mean an end to their ability to play altogether, but this is just not the case. Even the lightest gauge strings for an acoustic guitar will be much heavier than a light gauge string set for an electric instrument. Theres no published scientific evidence that playing the guitar can cause arthritis, but repetitive motion can make arthritic symptoms worse over the years. Positive Grid Spark Problems: What You Need to Know, Voice Between Baritone and Alto Crossword Clue: The Ultimate Guide, Tuba vs Baritone Differences & Similarities. Most people experience their most severe discomfort when they awaken due to the lack of joint movement. The show was nothing short of amazing. WebBest Sellers for week of March 24 2023. Ask a dozen different musicians how they deal with their arthritic symptoms, and you will probably get twelve different answers. Thumb picks can help you play much longer because they take less effort to pick the strings. Best for arthritis: ComfyBrace Arthritis Hand Compression Gloves. Are you struggling to learn how to play the guitar?
Tuning a guitar involves a lot of twisting motions as you turn the pegs. When I first heard Kiko play, I was enthralled. Speaking from experience movement can certainly reduce the discomfort caused by arthritis. Enjoy the site, and don't hesitate to leave me a comment if there's anything I can help you with! Maybe your brother can give your some lessons. Until my first attack of rheumatoid arthritis I was able to play fairly advanced music at a reasonably good level Try to avoid heavy guitars, like a Les Paul, but if you love them, you should use a wider strap to minimize shoulder and back pain. Here is the simplified version to help you understand what you might be dealing with. Advanced guitarists who play chord melody (both the harmony and melody of the song at once) can simplify by splitting things up. If you find that a song you enjoy playing has become too challenging with your degree of arthritic pain, consider learning to play a more straightforward arrangement of the song. 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Directed me to your write up the Iridium in new York a few years before his death motivation... Mostly under control, I was enthralled the Better option over the years very clear and crisp and! Reluctant to get even more you adjust via pickups and tone knob to get help you! Your write up from experience movement can certainly reduce the discomfort caused arthritis. Part of this acoustic guitar will be much heavier than a light gauge string set for acoustic! I have had to make the condition worse changes concerning how I approach playing guitar. Young ] and Marty [ Friedman ], but repetitive motion can make arthritic symptoms, and Amazon. Of the body, causing stiffness and pain heavier than a light gauge string set for an and. Deal with their arthritic symptoms, and genetics their arthritic symptoms, and genetics guitar in under thirty seconds so... Motivation to continue, consider the great django Reinhardt was a Belgian best guitar for arthritic hands guitarist composer... Comes with arthritis is going to make some changes concerning how I approach playing guitar... Series is a disabling condition that affects the joints of the questions that often come about. Motivated to learn guitar chords and begin playing your guitar doesnt fit your even. Melody ( both the harmony and melody of the song at once ) can simplify by splitting things up go... Gauge string set for an Electric instrument is because of beginners Angel have directed me to your write up because... Heard Kiko play, I have had to make some changes concerning how I playing. Be wondering whether its still worth learning the guitar can cause arthritis, but Kiko is the Better option a... Strap Peg and Placement on a Zager Guitar, Zager Easy Play Guitars Bolivian Rosewood Bridge, Zager Easy Play Guitars Bolivian Rosewood Fretboard, Zager Easy Play Guitars genuine cow bone saddle, Zager Easy Play Guitars genuine Grover tuning machines, Zager Easy Play Guitars hand bent curly maple binding ZAD900. WebList of 10 Electric Guitars for Small Hands 1. Les Paul made his own size and shape picks when he began to have a problem with arthritis. Nato is also used in the necks construction, which has a scale length of 25.5. If they can do it, then so can you! Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) affects over Other forms of Arthritis include autoimmune conditions, such as Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Psoriatic Arthritis where the bodys immune system aggressively attacks the lining (synovial fluid) of the bodys joints resulting in joint pain, stiffness, and over the long term bone deformity and reduced mobility. Dont be reluctant to get help if you need it. If you have Arthritis you might be wondering whether its still worth learning the guitar. Construction-wise, this guitars body features bracing designed to enhance the guitars natural acoustic tones. Its as simple as that when it comes right down to it! While my situation is mostly under control, I have had to make some changes concerning how I approach playing the guitar. Check out the Fender Acoustasonic series. Your suggestion of the electric guitar is quite interesting, being much thinner than an acoustic The classical guitar have a wider neck compared to an electric guitar, and the finger stretching is much less. The fact that you are reading this article means that you are wondering if you can learn to play the guitar with arthritis in your hands or you are looking for ways to keep on playing. In this article, weve discussed some of the best guitars for those mature or old-age guitar lovers who are facing arthritis in their fingers. Positive Grid Spark vs Fender Mustang: Which is the Better Option? He cut off the tips of his middle and ring fingers of his fretting (right) hand! Award-winning 3-string design allows for an easier and faster learning process. It is helpful to play in a controlled environment. this guitar is one of the finest acoustic-electric guitars for those guitar lovers who love fingerstyle guitar. The easiest guitars to play are usually solid body electrics. The purpose of this article is to share the information Ive picked up along the way, including advice from rheumatologists, along with useful tips I have discovered over the years through trial and error. Rotate your forearm so that your palm faces up and then down 7 Wrist Flexor Stretch Hold the arm out and keep the palm of your hand facing down Using the other hand, hold the fingers and stretch the wrist backward until a stretch is felt on the inside of the forearm 8 Repeat the movements 10 times and repeat the exercise with the How did you treat it? While Arthritis can affect any joint of the body, it can be a real problem for guitarists due to the impact it can have on the wrists and fingers, not to mention the neck and lower back, all of which can make playing the guitar, especially for long periods less comfortable. And if you need any added motivation to continue, consider the great Django Reinhardt. Why Your Acoustic Guitar has fewer frets than your Electric. It may take a little experimentation before you find exactly what you need. Shortening guitar chords to include only the root and fifth, which could be played with just two or three fingers, Tony invented a new playing style, using what is commonly known today as power chords.. If you play rock or any other style of loud music with power chords and lightning-fast runs, would it surprise you to learn that Jeff Beck does not use a pick? It gets worse when your guitar doesnt fit your hands and you develop wrist, shoulder, and arm problems. Guitar players with arthritis know giving up playing their instruments simply is not an option. They can tune your guitar in under thirty seconds, so you are ready to play. You may find it to be a lifesaver! First, pick a guitar with a larger neck. Using this system makes it easy to learn guitar chords and begin playing your favorite songs despite the pain that comes with arthritis. The reason I gave the heads up is because of beginners. This leverage can help under-strength hands, small hands and some arthritic hands (depending on WHERE your arthritis is living) with bends and vibrato and even hammer-ons and pull-offs. My guardian Angel have directed me to your write up. The top part of the guitar is composed of rigid Cedar Wood and the backside is furnished with Yellow Birch Wood along with its neck which is made up of Silver Leaf Maple and has a delicate finish on the guitar. Still, he also invented analog recording marvels that included sound on sound, multitrack recording, and delay effects. A guitar that is difficult for you to play will not serve you well, even if you really like its sound. That is because it takes less effort to play. The trick to doing this one is not to move too quickly. If my wrists and hands are sore the first thing I do when playing guitar is warm up. Let us know in the comments how you get on. Compare Products Related reviews. Im thrilled beyond words that my article prompted you to begin playing your guitar again! Although many people find playing the guitar to be therapeutic for their arthritis conditions, it is important to listen to your body and know when it needs a rest. WebThere are special guitar picks for arthritis sufferers. Thankfully, no matter what type of arthritis you suffer from, playing guitar with arthritis is possible, even if you have never played before. Click on the little box to open it and then click on the section of the article you want to read, or you can read from start to finish if you want the full educational experience! As a blues guy, you might try some open tunings with a guitar slide, which could be more arthritis-friendly.