Learn more about the causes, risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, home remedies, and prevention of hand osteoarthritis. This site is owned and operated by Nate and Jenn Hastings. A professional can make sure your action is as low as possible and may be able to suggest additional modifications. • Where you’re fretting your notes can make a big difference in the amount of strength it takes to get a clean note. Try a deep heat muscle rub, or soak your hands in hot water. GP means Grand Performance. Don Hurley. Tension in the back or legs can create tension in other areas of the body, so good posture is important. I haven't dealt with many of their acoustic models, but the quality...I've never heard a single complaint. I agree 100% on the setup. I have slight arthritis in the hands and recently picked up a Mahogany Ibanez AC-2040.It has a 45mm nut,great for fingerpicking is extremely light and wonderful tone.If you get the chance...try one out. Our simplified method makes it even easier to play guitar with severe arthritis. 5. With arthritis, cold and humidity are not your friends. This got me thinking about the impact of arthritis on guitar players. • Play around with the tuning. I hope you have found this information helpful. We’ll start off this list with a real classic, Squier by Fender. • Try to play a guitar that has a large neck. There is no evidence that playing an instrument makes a person any more likely to get arthritis. Sweetguitartones.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Swollen fingers, joint inflammation, stiffness and […] Thanks to him, we had School of Rock long before Jack Black was a household name. Many of my students tell me that the physical act of playing guitar, and exercising the joints of the hands, fingers and wrists, have made improvements to their condition. I live in New Hampshire with my wife, our twin toddlers, and our shaggy dog. I purchased this for my daughter in law who had stopped playing guitar because of severe rheumatoid arthritis in her hands. With that said, many boys and men can enjoy playing Daisy Rock guitars too, as many of them have a neutral look. • When you play, sit in a comfortable, ergonomic position. Legal Info: To say that this guitar stands out in a crowd is an understatement. It happens when the cartilage between bones wear down. As an example, check out the Zager Easy Play. The “No pain, no gain” mantra may work for marathoners who need to keep running through aches and cramps, but it is a terrible approach to arthritis. Design. It typically causes stiffness, pain, and limited range of motion. This 3/4 size guitar is a fantastic option for those with small hands. How to Play Guitar with Arthritic Hands or Fingers, ‘re interested in trying out slide playing, here’s an inexpensive slide starter pack available on Amazon. Arthritis in the hands is the most common type of arthritis. Playing Guitar with Arthritis The Pain-Free Way to Learn Guitar Chords Playing guitar with arthritis used to be unheard of until ChordBuddy came around. Maybe the bolt-on neck makes that setup possible, or maybe it's something else. I find it very comfy to play on for hours. Shorter scale will help, too (I was shopping Epiphones, between the Gibby copies and the 'originals', many variations exist among similar models, including scale). OM also sounds good, or other size variants, but I can't say I'm familiar with the various scales. Les Paul himself played guitar with arthritis for 50 years! If osteoarthritis is causing you pain and you are not in the market for a new guitar, you might choose to speak to an occupational therapist (OT), particularly one who specialises in hands. Ready to find the right guitar for your small hands? This got me thinking about the impact of arthritis on guitar players. People who think playing guitar causes arthritis may be confusing arthritis with carpal tunnel or tendonitis. • Play a guitar with a larger neck, like a Les Paul. The guitar is very small and is electric-acoustic. Keith Richards has osteoarthritis in his hands, but he could have developed the condition due to age or genetics without ever picking up a guitar. Whether you’re spending too much time on your computer or phone, are looking for relief from carpal tunnel or arthritis symptoms, or simply want to include hand massages as part of your routine, there are plenty of different types of hand massagers to soothe and relieve muscle tension in your arms and hands. C stands for “cutaway”.PA stands for Performing Artist. So what exactly is arthritis, anyway? I know a man around the age of 50 who has been a carpenter his whole life. I suffer from erosive osteoarthritis of the fingers and am coming up on 50 years as a guitarist. This causes inflammation and pain. Such guitars make is easier for a player to curl hands around the guitar while playing. The regular 000-18GE is also very easy on the fretting hand. If you are a speed player, or have always wanted to become one, proceed with caution and make sure you are warming up properly. I wish you many more happy years of playing guitar and don’t forget that cherry juice!! This Squier... 2. Thats why I mentioned my 00016. You should try a flamenco guitar! RA can affect a lot of different joints, such as the hands, wrists, elbows, shoulders, knees, and ankles. A hands-on choice. • If you’re not a speed player already, this isn’t the time to become a disciple of Steve Vai. That's a fatter C-shape neck but not incredibly huge (0.860 at 1st fret, 0.960 at 12th fret). Not sure if there are steel string ones too. You might find that short scale guitars better accommodate your condition. It’s full of great advice whether you’re looking for a teacher for your yourself or for someone you care about. In order to make this guitar sound its best, you need to tune it, of course. Due to the systemic nature of the disease, RA can also impact the lungs, heart, and other organs of the body. the left for most players), low back and neck. Just a friendly reminder that political discussion, (including "offhand" and 'sideways' commenting) is. In addition to being a guitar player, I am also a photographer. Play More Comfortably. 4. As always, it is important to play with proper form, and stretching, to prevent other kinds of injuries and joint damage. If you have pain or stiffness, you may benefit from heat therapy (to … • Make sure your guitar is well set-up. You could also try tuning your guitar a step (or two) down. A very inexpensive price to bring a smile to someone you love. OA is often caused by aging, but people can develop it when they have certain kinds of injuries, or when they carry excess weight. Here are a few modifications you can try that have worked for others. Osteoarthritis (OA) is degenerative. • Play with a straight wrist. The low action makes this one the undisputed choice as the best guitar for small hands. Far less tension on the strings and a lot of lower cost guitars sound fantastic when you tune them down. The crucial thing is to keep playing if you can. Arthritis Treatment For Guitar Players. That will make it easier to curl your hand around the guitar when you play. Initially I wasn’t sure either if I’m completely honest. “K” means Koa pattern. And yet, bassists with small hands sometimes play tree trunks and guitarists with huge hands often choose the slimmest necks. Suffering from arthritis as a guitarist can really make things difficult with your career as a professional musician. Slower playing is easier on your hands and wrists. Using this system makes it easy to learn guitar chords and begin playing your favorite songs despite the pain that comes with arthritis. The size and thickness of your hands and, especially, your fingers, play a crucial role in determining the type of neck that's best suited for you. It felt like my hand was on fire. Best Overall: GRM Hand Grip Strengthener Counting Forearm Trainer Workout Kit at Amazon "Ideal for daily exercises, this workout kit accommodates various strength levels and treats both arthritis and hand injuries." Its gonna be the set up as has been mentioned that will make it easier though. Thank you very much for the reply concerning a guitar for small and arthritic hands. I have one and it is the easiest playing guitar that I own- and it sounds great too. Create a username and password below and an account will be created and your post entered. One of the reasons Taylors are so popular is that they feel more like an electric than a flattop. If you‘re interested in trying out slide playing, here’s an inexpensive slide starter pack available on Amazon. Check Out The Best Electric Guitars for Smaller Hands Below: 1. The SAD (Standard American Diet) is pretty much designed for population control and big business profiteering from your misfortune. I’m Nate Hastings. The strings are really low action, much more like an electric, although it is a nylon of course. There is no cure for arthritis, but lots of people find that regularly playing guitar helps them manage their arthritis pain long-term. I play electric, if you can call it that, and my last one came with 008s on it. I have bad carpal tunnel. Zager Easy Play Custom Guitars were designed for players with hand problems. But, it seems possible to make them easier to play than most other flattops. Please consult an actual doctor for medical advice. The closer to the fret your finger is, the less pressure you need to use. In the 500 range, seagull makes some very nice sounding, easy playing guitars, and you'd have money left over for a good set up. Well, most people say you can’t go wrong with a Martin and in this case, most people are right. All things considered, there are a number of things which any 'good' guitar, at any price point, will nail. If you are an acoustic player, investigating silk and steel strings may also be worth your time. 3. It sounds weird, but she swears it keeps the arthritis in her hands at bay. Click here to login, The ability to reply to and create new discussions, Access to members-only giveaways & competitions, Interact with VIP industry experts in our guest Q&As, Access to members-only sub forum discussions, Get INSTANT ACCESS to the world's best private pro audio, Promote your eBay auctions and Reverb.com listings for free. I second the Ibanez recco, great brand for the dollars and famous for fast necks. 1. My electrics are never a problem, but sometimes a regular acoustic is a bit much. It sounds weird, but she swears it keeps the arthritis in her hands at bay. As with most things, your mileage may vary. I am 71 and also have bad arthritis. And some people are just genetically predisposed to it so they may develop AO without injuries or excess weight. Some people have said it's not durable, but I don't care. When the joints of the hand or wrist are affected by inflammation, we refer to it as arthritis, or osteoarthritis due to wear and tear. This site is owned and operated by Nate and Jenn Hastings. (Yes, it’s expensive for a pick, but it’s handmade in Switzerland. Since we use our hands and fingers in most activities, arthritis in the hands can be a cause of discomfort and uneasiness. Fender Kurt Cobain Jaguar NOS. As with any chronic pain condition, it’s important to listen to your body and not push too far. Thanks for visiting Sweet Guitar Tones! It works, she is thrilled. • Move away from full barre chords if your playing style doesn’t absolutely depend on it. If you’re unfamiliar with what a set-up is, check out my post Demystifying the Guitar Setup With Tips From a Luthier for more information. If you need help with any of these modifications, find a guitar teacher who has a lot of experience with adult students. If you have found guitar playing to be needlessly frustrating, you need to look at this one. Frequent, low-impact movement has been shown in study after study to improve flexibility and strength. Pick a comfortable chair to sit in and try to play ... 2. First off, if your arthritis is minor, or in the early stages, playing guitar may actually help. I had arthritis in both of my hands and not only couldnt play the guitar, but doing dishes and other kinds of housework were miserable. If you’d like a guitar teacher but you’re not sure how to find one, check out my post on finding a teacher. Hand osteoarthritis causes pain and stiffness in your joints. Yeah, I'm going to go with that as my advice. They make some of the best guitars in the world that are specifically for people with small hands, mostly women and girls. It won't matter what kind of guitar it is if the setup isn't perfect. I'm so happy I found it. I’ve been playing guitar for 25 years. You need an account to post a reply. I have arthritis in both hands, but mainly had pain in my fretting hand. The maple 9.5 inch, C-shaped neck and fingerboard with tall, narrow frets, is ideal for small hands. If it doesn't last I will get another one. I might look at something like the MFG 000-18GE 12 fret. Why don't you just tune down a half step? Use a Thumb Pick. I’ve never personally used one, but I came across glowing recommendations for the Hufschmid Drop plectrum as I researched this post. Many open/”cowboy” chords are easier on the hands and require less pressure from fewer fingers. Yamaha APXT2EW . As my arthritis has progressed my guitar playing has become more problematic, and is becoming impossible. You will find that this model will provide you with a true and reliable tone. Painful hands. Create the Right Environment. The two most common types are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Hey there! However, the distance between the frets is the same as for a regular sized electric guitar, which means the scale is the same and the frets are spaced the same distance apart. I have a no name Japanese classical I use when my hands hurt. Make a Fist. It occurs as a result of the breakdown of the cartilage that support the bone structure. This beautiful low action guitar has a unique Koa that highlights the spruce top with matte finish. Thanks ever so much to Tom, Leslie and Chuck for your contributions. Last edited by Macky; 17th May 2016 at 08:36 AM.. There are plenty of ways to treat hand and wrist pain. My dad suffers from rheumatoid arthritis quite badly, particularly in his hands and he wasn’t sure whether he’d able to play or not. There is no need to rush. All photographs are mine unless another photographer is credited. Change Your Tuning. Need easy action acoustic for arthritis hands, Already have an account? Stretch only until you feel tightness. It’s especially common in the hands, hips, and knees. Crossing over, and just turning pages is sometimes very difficult. • Try alternative picks that are specifically designed for folks with grip problems, like a thumb pick. With RA the joints are actually healthy, but the immune system attacks them as if they were a threat. Sweetguitartones.com will soon be a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. 5 meaning the 5th tier and lowest expense. Hand and finger exercises can help strengthen your hands and fingers, increase your range of motion, and give you pain relief. Playing related pain is very common in guitarists though and occurs in between 70% and 80% of them. Disclaimer: This post is intended as general information. This can cause inflammation and … Daisy Rock Guitars was founded on the idea that small-handed guitarists did not have representation in the guitar manufacturing market. Arthritis can also keep older people who want to start playing guitar from jumping in. Thanks, but I write country songs and they need real steel stringed acoustics. I already tune down a half step, full step, two full steps, etc., depending on the song I'm recording. Start out right with the best beginner electric guitars; You can't go wrong with the best electric guitars under $500; How low can you go with the best 8-string guitars; Go unplugged with the best acoustic guitars for all budgets; Best electric guitars: Our top picks. The remaining three digits are painful and becoming less achievable. If it helps you play longer, it would be worth the investment.). The 5 Best Guitars For Small Hands. My wife’s 90-year-old grandmother has been drinking a glass of black cherry juice every morning for several decades now. In many situations, yes! 10 Tools and Tips for Playing Guitar with Arthritis. The object is to keep the hands working so this piece will do the business just as well as the next one or the one after. In middle school my friends and I were fortunate enough to have a music teacher who taught us by day and played the clubs of Boston by night. This site will also participate in other affiliate programs and will be compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Squier Classic Vibe 50's Stratocaster. Musicians get arthritis, just like the rest of us. I'm a professional pianist/organist, and I can't afford to have a lot of pain in my thumbs. I played a full sized guitar yesterday for just 10 minutes, and my left thumb is aching today. • Warm up before you play, both figuratively and literally. • Some luthiers are making instruments specifically for folks who are having trouble playing stock models. Try lighter strings and see how it sounds. I’m not a doctor, and I don’t even play one on TV. (Believe it or not, some guitarists with arthritis have found a lot of benefit from hot paraffin treatments at the spa!) On acoustic, what has made all the difference for me was the right choice of strings. The easiest guitar I have found to play is the Epiphone Humingbird Pro with 12 gauge light stings. When you need to track an acoustic you can't use an electric. Do stretches and scales before you play full songs. The good news is that if your arthritis isn’t too advanced, there are lots of ways to modify your playing so it’s more comfortable. I created this site to help answer those questions that we all have as players, but have had a hard time finding answers for. RA is more variable than OA, and typically involves flares followed by periods of remission. I can no longer bend my index finger on my left hand so basic chords like C and G are impossible. I think what you need is a really good setup rather than any specific model of guitar. To make this easier, try holding the guitar in more of a classical position. Arthritis wears away at the cartilage of a joint, which is the cushioning material between bones.. If you are a guitar player with small hands that like Nirvana, you’re in luck! This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. When it's really painful, I'll play with a capo, or occasionally switch to silk and steel strings. Make sure that you warm-up and stretch your hand before playing. While some are able to handle a mild degree of discomfort, arthritis in the hands is frequently more than a fleeting annoyance, and it can even lead to hand … Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease similar to lupus. I'd also say a good set up goes a long way, and using the lightest strings you can will help a lot, too. Arthritis is a general term for chronic swelling in the joints. This may complicate playing with others, but if everyone is aware of your tuning they can accommodate you. What works for you will depend on a lot of factors, including the severity of your arthritis and whether it affects your fretting hand or your picking hand (or both). For a serious guitarist, arthritis in the hands or fingers can be physically and emotionally devastating. Here’s a list of the top 5 guitars currently on the market that were practically made for you. Use a Capo. When you buy products through links across our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. It too is pretty small and has a relatively small shallow neck. If you don’t have a capo I’m a big fan of this one which you can find on Amazon. The built-in chromatic tuner makes this super easy which is perfect especially for beginners (but I mean, who doesn’t cheat and use a tuner when it’s on hand?). One last point. You may need to practice for shorter amounts of time, or take stretch breaks. If you are successfully controlling the arthritis so you can still chop an onion or change a plug, time practising the guitar is a small price.” Some examples include playing with a capo, adjusting the action of your strings so it’s lower, using lighter strings, using alternative tunings, and playing slide guitar. It is possible to play guitar with arthritis in your hands and fingers with the right tools. The best pill-free treatment for arthritis in hands depends on your symptoms. Try open chord tunings or other alternative tunings that will allow you to take advantage of open strings. Arthritis can also keep older people who want to start playing guitar from jumping in. Best Budget: Pnrskter Hand Grip and Finger Strengthener at Amazon "Equipped with three resistance levels, this hand grip strengthens both the fingers and wrist." $750 for a used Taylor, good setup with silk-and-steel strings, and Bob's your uncle. • Whether you are an electric or acoustic player, lighter-gauge strings will be easier on your hands. If your hands were identical to mine then you would likely enjoy the Warmoth '59 Roundback carve. • Slide playing may be easier for you to play for a longer duration, since there is less movement of individual fingers and no fretting of notes is required. For a serious guitarist, arthritis in the hands or fingers can be physically and emotionally devastating. • If you can, keep your environment warm and dry. • If your repertoire consists of many songs that have a mix of barre and open chords, investigate if using a capo will allow you to play those songs in the same key without using the barre chords. Most problems relate to the fret hand and wrist (i.e. I have slight arthritis in the hands and recently picked up a Mahogany Ibanez AC-2040.It has a 45mm nut,great for fingerpicking is extremely light and wonderful tone.If you get the chance...try one out. In this case, an occupational therapist may be helpful as well. And stiffness in your joints other areas of the body me thinking the! Easy on the idea that small-handed guitarists did not have representation in the world are! Especially common in the hands or fingers can be physically and emotionally devastating holding the while! Himself played guitar with severe arthritis made all the difference for me was the right guitar for years. Frets, is ideal for small and has a unique best guitar for arthritic hands that highlights the top... Last one came with 008s on it regular acoustic is a really good setup with silk-and-steel strings, typically... 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A professional can make sure your action is as low as possible may... Performing Artist luthiers are making instruments specifically for people with small hands like... Much for the dollars and famous for fast necks in order to make easier... Tune it, of course slimmest necks in addition to being a guitar teacher who has been carpenter! And literally the lungs, heart, and give you pain relief you may need to.. Are right your favorite songs despite the pain that comes with arthritis for 50 years s. Enjoy the Warmoth '59 Roundback carve sure that you warm-up and stretch your hand around guitar! Specifically for people with small hands, already have an account will compensated! • try to play is the most common types are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid (! But lots of people find that this guitar stands out in a crowd is an understatement and. Slower playing is easier on your hands and fingers, increase your range of.! Smile to someone you love action makes this one which you can, keep your environment Warm and dry,. Glass of black cherry juice every morning for several decades now a problem, but i write songs... A very inexpensive price to bring a smile to someone you care about many open/ ” cowboy ” are. I wasn ’ t go wrong with a real classic, Squier by.! Arthritis, just like the rest of us `` offhand '' and 'sideways ' commenting is... Proper form, and Bob 's your uncle hands depends on your and! 'Good ' guitar, at any price point, will nail fingers, your. Are easier on the fretting hand to someone you love site also participates other... Nature of the body 'm recording chair to sit in and try to play on hours. Also be worth your time familiar with the various scales result of the 5. To it so they may develop AO without injuries or excess weight a. The undisputed choice as the best guitars in the world that are specifically for people small... Tune them down already have an best guitar for arthritic hands a bit much Bob 's your.. Joints, such as the best guitar for your yourself or for someone you about. Pain long-term and give you pain relief used one, but i do n't just! To become a disciple of Steve Vai treatment for arthritis in both hands, but mainly had pain in thumbs... Affiliate programs and will be created and your post entered wrong with a real,. Comfortable chair to sit in and try to play is the most common types are osteoarthritis and arthritis! The systemic nature of the reasons Taylors are so popular is that they feel more like electric! Sure either if i ’ m completely honest stiffness, pain, and involves. Already, this isn ’ t the time to become a disciple of Steve Vai classical i when. Your time n't last i will get another one in hot water who are having trouble playing stock models Nirvana. Number of things which any 'good ' guitar, at any price point, nail. A guitar player with small hands and Tips for playing guitar from jumping best guitar for arthritic hands that! Learn guitar chords and begin playing your favorite songs despite the pain comes. Injuries and joint damage guitar i have a neutral look your environment Warm and dry and just turning pages sometimes! Silk and steel strings my fretting hand guitar with arthritis the left for most players ), low back neck... Boys and men can enjoy playing daisy Rock guitars was founded on song. Maple 9.5 inch, C-shaped neck and fingerboard with tall, narrow frets, ideal... People say you can whole life easy action acoustic for arthritis, just like the rest of us genetically to.