Forum - Banjo Ben Clark

Rt hand troubles

#21

I suffer the same issue. And I know the hassle that comes with it. Singelstring picking is harder, Less space to get in between the string and I have hard time to reach 4th with my index. I have tried to force a more upright position. But if I play like that for 30 min and stops, I have so much pain in my forearm that I can’t ever turn around it’s on axis so to speak. Don’t know if it has to do anything with me using computer since I was a child, like alot and when you lay your hand on the mouse it is kinda sideways with the pinky and ring.
Don’t know if I can force it, if only do it a couple min a day perhaps.

2 Likes
#22

Glad you popped up on here. I honestly know little to nothing about single string, but Banjo Ben and the other folks on here set me straight. they suggested just forgetting about the ring finger and as long as it is not hitting the strings just let it float around.

I took that advice and not only picked up speed but dexterity. I am on computers daily too and understand the concern there. If we want to look at it technically I thin it has to do with not having an independent ring finger. So planting it causes the muscles to strain to stay in place.

Good luck and let me know if it works better for you.

Brian

#23

A new single-string lesson went to the site today :slight_smile:

#24

Hey Matts. I gotta tell you. I suffered with the same deal actually needlessly for a long time. What changed my life, is a short video on this Forum called "Eliminating Banjo/Guitar Tendonitis. I do these short stretches and flexes before & after (and actually during) my practice sessions. It really changed my life and far as picking and restoring my hand and forearm. It might help you. Can’t hurt. Who knows?
https://banjobenclark.com/forum/t/eliminating-banjo-guitar-tendonitis-my-rapid-road-to-recovery/7794

Also, I can only speak for myself, but relaxation during picking is so important. I used to tense-up at higher picking speeds and start pushing my anchor fingers around the head. Took a lot of work, but now that ring & pinky stay right where they are. In part, I use this as a gauge that I’m tensing up with will quickly lead to pain & stiffness. My 2-cents. Worth about that probably. :wink: Happy Picking!