5 Tips to Fight Finger Pain

Anyone that picks up a guitar for the first time to start their musical journey has experienced the dreaded finger soreness that comes with those first few hours, days and maybe even weeks of practicing.

The skin on your fingertips simply isn’t used to constantly pressing down on the strings as you attempt to figure out even the most basic of chords.

So how does a beginner build callouses that will eventually make playing the guitar pain-free? Below, we’ll take a look at some common issues and how to combat them, making for a smoother transition.

1. Adjust Your Action

“Action” on a guitar refers to the space between the strings and fretboard, and the higher that is, the more difficult it is to play because it requires more force to properly fret the strings.

“Barre chords are also a challenge with high action, because you have one finger holding down all six strings,” said Fender Digital Learning Product Manager John Dreyer. “That’s something that will definitely take some getting used to.”

But fear not. The action can easily be fixed—by yourself or at your local guitar retailer—by adjusting the neck height, truss rod, bridge height, neck saddle or bridge saddle and make it more comfortable to play.

2: Use the Right Strings

There are many different types of strings, but as a general rule of thumb, lighter gauges are thinner and more simply manipulated.

“A lighter gauge of strings will help fretting or bending the strings,” Dreyer said. “Heavier gauges might cause more pain, but you’ll toughen up your fingertips faster.”

What’s more, nylon strings are even more forgiving on fingers, which prompt some music teachers to advise beginning guitarists to start there.

3: Don't Press Too Hard

It’s common for fledgling players to grip the guitar neck too tightly or push down on the strings too hard, causing hand cramps and tenderness on the fingertips. While you don’t want to be too gentle and not get your desired sound, it is a matter of feel and practice to find the right balance.

4: Build Finger Strength

Ahead of playing the guitar, you can strengthen the muscles in your hands with different stretching routines and workouts. Some players even utilize exercise devices—or even a tennis or rubber ball—that can target the grip of individual fingers and the forearm using a variety of tensions.

5: Change your Practice Schedule

While you might want to immediately play for hours on end, taking frequent breaks in the initial stages of learning will likely pay dividends in the end.

“It’s important to take time off and practice for short increments, like a few 15-minute sessions instead of a marathon,” Dreyer noted.

Eventually, the skin will toughen and allow you to push through the pain and gradually increase your practice time.

One additional note: If you’ve gone too far and played until you develop blisters or your fingers bleed (thanks, Bryan Adams), take a step back and use a bandage or finger protector to make sure you heal properly.