Essential Hand Stretches For Guitarists or Any Instrumentalist

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  • Опубліковано 24 гру 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 4,5 тис.

  • @annanobert4562
    @annanobert4562 4 роки тому +7501

    Notes for myself haha
    1:48 massage hand
    3:18 stretch fingers back and fourth
    6:43 separate fingers
    7:18 stretch all fingers side to side
    7:35 stretch fingers back and fourth
    7:54 massage tips of fingers
    8:13 expand hands

    • @vaishnavi9575
      @vaishnavi9575 4 роки тому +117

      I WAS LOOKING FOR THIS THANK YOU ❤️

    • @farithrosh
      @farithrosh 4 роки тому +110

      Expand pp

    • @jtvito8535
      @jtvito8535 4 роки тому +13

      @@farithrosh ha! sadly i relate

    • @deepanshuverma8703
      @deepanshuverma8703 4 роки тому +15

      Really a helpful comment live long 🥲🥲

    • @fudge6999
      @fudge6999 4 роки тому +3

      You and 200 others

  • @kickk21
    @kickk21 8 років тому +11468

    Thanks man that was handy

  • @justflip351
    @justflip351 4 роки тому +8135

    I stopped playing guitar for minutes to find some finger exercise. After watching this video, my guitar pick was taken by aliens.

    • @jackbailey3788
      @jackbailey3788 4 роки тому +298

      I mean where else would they go to be fair

    • @SBJ84
      @SBJ84 4 роки тому +418

      When they return it, it will be in the exact same spot you last saw it.

    • @Galilien_7
      @Galilien_7 4 роки тому +90

      ify i placed my pick on one spot then after some time pass it's like it disappeared into thin air

    • @jetset_intermission
      @jetset_intermission 4 роки тому +83

      I lost my pick a couple of days ago and I found it in the same spot I put it in

    • @Hamorich
      @Hamorich 4 роки тому +18

      I can relate

  • @atharva_sabde
    @atharva_sabde 2 роки тому +813

    12years have passed and this video is still helping us.
    Yes! that's how quality content looks.

    • @sirspongadoodle
      @sirspongadoodle Рік тому +11

      thats why focusing on trends rather than ideas doesnt work long term..

    • @amyleah08
      @amyleah08 Рік тому +13

      I didn't even realize this video was that old until I read this comment, truly quality content.

    • @thepowersplanet9915
      @thepowersplanet9915 Рік тому +3

      @@sirspongadoodle Eh, videos focusing on trends is less helpful and more like, "this is trendy and funny or relatable (depending on what trend)" and the more people relate to it in different ways, the more likes and views the video gets most of the time. So following trends aren't even supposed to work out in the long run. It's more like a bunch of people trying to get more views, likes and money.

    • @agnidas5816
      @agnidas5816 6 місяців тому

      Except it is actually terrible way to stretch and leaves out important things.
      You think it is good because you are totally naive.
      Pick up a book on stretching by Phil Wharton.

    • @Scott.Powell
      @Scott.Powell Місяць тому

      14 years and I have just found it, brilliant! just what these old hands need

  • @billmccready2038
    @billmccready2038 4 роки тому +3429

    What a difference after a few days finger exorcises, it should be the first lesson in Guitar playing especially for the older brigade.

    • @A_Salty_Fishe
      @A_Salty_Fishe 4 роки тому +56

      Bill, have you noticed a significant difference after doing the exercises? I am struggling to do some chords because it feels like my hands/wrists/arms are too "stiff"

    • @A-Wa
      @A-Wa 4 роки тому +61

      Kevin I did the streches only for my left hand and I see a huge difference between my hands after two weeks! Now I regrett not starting with both hands..

    • @aquilino1984
      @aquilino1984 4 роки тому +6

      Do you do these exercises once a day?

    • @businessbuilding1
      @businessbuilding1 4 роки тому +18

      Agreed. I when I started get into using four fingers over four frets I was losing hope cause my pinky finger couldn’t reach as far until I started these stretches

    • @erojerisiz1571
      @erojerisiz1571 4 роки тому +27

      Not just in guitar, this should be a mandatory first lesson for every musical instrument

  • @arashsadeghinejad3124
    @arashsadeghinejad3124 4 роки тому +1418

    Him: "My fingers are average length."
    Me: "Why is my middle finger shorter than his pinky?"

  • @dhaloh
    @dhaloh 4 роки тому +3534

    I'm really shocked that I didn't know this before. I've been having trouble with a couple of chords just cause my fingers are too short to reach. This really helped. More people should know about this!!!

    • @AyushRaj
      @AyushRaj 4 роки тому +35

      @@johnnyparsnips7641 How will my fingers grow once I have stopped growing :(

    • @PrincessOffInsomnia
      @PrincessOffInsomnia 4 роки тому +60

      @@AyushRaj maybe you need a smaller guitar for your hands? That‘s also a possibility

    • @dazfach9101
      @dazfach9101 4 роки тому +6

      holy shit me too bro

    • @candosrandom4609
      @candosrandom4609 4 роки тому +2

      400th lile

    • @enderliq1818
      @enderliq1818 3 роки тому +2

      Same this video was really helpful

  • @kimfarmer4274
    @kimfarmer4274 2 роки тому +224

    Hi, I just discovered this lesson and though I'm 75 this year it's never too late to learn something new. My hands have been through a lot of hard work and I didn't realize how bad they were until now. I will try hard to develope more flexibility. Thanks very much. Cheers from Kim in Australia

  • @jimmarandola5096
    @jimmarandola5096 4 роки тому +1541

    I broke my neck and literally had to relearn how to play guitar after 40 Plus years. My hands have nerve and muscle damage and very poor circulation PLUS I am only 5' 4" tall.....so my fingers are very short to begin with. The stiffness of my fingers and hands has made it difficult for me to play for more than 45 minutes max, and nothing more than basic chords. but after doing these stretches, my hands seem more flexible and less swollen and stiff. i can't wait to try playing after another session tonight. Thanks so very much.

    • @SitPls
      @SitPls 4 роки тому +104

      I hope you heal quick and well, I hope everything clicks into place for you.

    • @khushinegi2066
      @khushinegi2066 4 роки тому +51

      I am just 4'11" and my fingers are like a baby's and it's so difficult for me too learn to play guitar😔

    • @neriomao4314
      @neriomao4314 4 роки тому +41

      @@khushinegi2066 that's ok don't give up nothing is impossible..

    • @neriomao4314
      @neriomao4314 4 роки тому +21

      My ring finger's dislocated too in a bike accident and I couldn't play what I cud play anymore.. But I still play sometimes.

    • @khushinegi2066
      @khushinegi2066 4 роки тому +11

      @@neriomao4314 ohh I am so sorry...but I know you are still much better than many

  • @vladlutsenko5081
    @vladlutsenko5081 4 роки тому +722

    Instructions unclear, I now have 6 fingers.

  • @turnleftaticeland
    @turnleftaticeland 7 років тому +948

    perhaps it's a bit over-the-top but i'm actually in tears right now. i've spent years being so depressed because even the simplest chords were too difficult for me, but after just ten minutes of these stretches i can do it no problem. thank you so much man, i'm so much more optimistic about my future as a musician now

    • @soulvaccination8679
      @soulvaccination8679 6 років тому +54

      Wow.That comment made my year.

    • @jeremybabin7435
      @jeremybabin7435 4 роки тому +82

      i don't think that's over the top, i feel like that's an appropriate response to feeling like you just unlocked the door to a great musical future.

    • @HansLandaOfficial
      @HansLandaOfficial 4 роки тому +45

      You sound like a guy from a simply piano commercial lol

    • @nukmanub8117
      @nukmanub8117 4 роки тому

      @@HansLandaOfficial wkakak

    • @barackobama3788
      @barackobama3788 4 роки тому +4

      turnleftaticeland can you give us a update in how you’re doing

  • @kevinbutler7619
    @kevinbutler7619 2 роки тому +8

    I love UA-cam, this video was made 12 years ago and its still helping people.

  • @daffamansoor3669
    @daffamansoor3669 4 роки тому +193

    this is the only guitar video without a guitar i can find

    • @vaultboy404
      @vaultboy404 3 роки тому +5

      Damn babe I hope you got a guitar

  • @soartrinsic9757
    @soartrinsic9757 8 років тому +1472

    10 minutes ago, I could not play power cords. My ring finger just wouldn't go 2 frets over.
    Now I can reach that 2nd fret wire with ease. Instant results.
    Why is this not taught in the first lesson by every guitar teacher on the planet?
    Thanks mate!

    • @f7744dread388
      @f7744dread388 8 років тому +110

      Lol I read this in those infomercial voices.

    • @vidiac2012
      @vidiac2012 8 років тому +10

      Soar Trinsic I make power chords with my index and pinky finger, but if it's at the 15th fret or higher I would use my ring finger

    • @Nayradharma
      @Nayradharma 8 років тому

      Soar Trinsic the way i learned to stretch was playing over and over on frets 1 3 5 of strings one and two. If you cant reach that far i first started on 5 7 and 9. Not i could play... uhh idk what the chord is called... if you want to know, 7 on first string and 11 on strings 1 2 3 and 4.

    • @Nayradharma
      @Nayradharma 8 років тому +1

      *now i could play

    • @O0onboardRacing
      @O0onboardRacing 8 років тому +7

      I just did it on my left hand and compared both hands, how far i could spread my fingers. Insane results instantly, i am amazed!

  • @anthonysteele8932
    @anthonysteele8932 3 роки тому +695

    Another very important aspect of finger stretching that was left out of this video has to do with moisturizing! Skin elasticity is predicated on the level of moisture the skin has in it. What helped me a ton is not only being hydrated but applying lotion regularly on top of doing these stretches!

    • @ZeroMilk
      @ZeroMilk 3 роки тому +79

      I will chime in as additional support for this suggestion. Your entire body requires moisture, much more than I think most of us realize. Moisturize daily, dudes. At night, right after a nice shower? Perfect time to apply losh and let your skin slurp it up overnight. Makes a crazy difference over the long term.

    • @instrumentsmrti
      @instrumentsmrti 3 роки тому +11

      @@ZeroMilk :) have a nice day, SamueL!

    • @barryweeks6229
      @barryweeks6229 3 роки тому +17

      Interesting comment! I'm a strong believer also in lotion for guitar hands - especially a good natural ingredient lotion that dissapears into your skin and isn't greasy. Found one I liked almost 50 years ago, and stuck with it: Mill Creek Aloe Vera and PABA Moisturizing Lotion.

    • @ravirr8407
      @ravirr8407 3 роки тому +4

      Any kind of particular lotion you would recommend

    • @kiksmello3878
      @kiksmello3878 3 роки тому +3

      I thought that you should wash your hands before playing to prevent the strings from getting dirty?

  • @geoburgenstacken
    @geoburgenstacken 3 роки тому +722

    "For any instrumentalist"
    *laughs in kazoo*

    • @Sonicbro-xx6sg
      @Sonicbro-xx6sg 3 роки тому +34

      *laughs in **_broke_*

    • @DrkStmpunkr
      @DrkStmpunkr 3 роки тому +4

      @@Sonicbro-xx6sg there is still aire

    • @Lluvia_Boy
      @Lluvia_Boy 3 роки тому +5

      This guy sounds almost like Kermit is it just me?

    • @aeea3306
      @aeea3306 10 місяців тому +3

      ​@@Sonicbro-xx6sg stretching you throat using your arms 👍

    • @Unmustache1
      @Unmustache1 8 місяців тому +3

      ⁠@@aeea3306Otherwise known as strangulation

  • @SuperSlartibartfast
    @SuperSlartibartfast 9 років тому +3671

    Why don't all beginners videos start with this. It makes a huge difference.

    • @rocknroll7261
      @rocknroll7261 8 років тому +103

      +SuperSlartibartfast Exactly. When I started, with lots of excitement I learnt a few chords, humming some songs, but then I found I was walking my fingers instead of moving them together while changing chords. Then looked up videos about how to do that, which eventually led me to this exercise!

    • @saifmalik8006
      @saifmalik8006 8 років тому +1

      2

    • @andrewmartin1829
      @andrewmartin1829 7 років тому +21

      r we just saying random words? if so-fajod;bn wjfpvnok

    • @GuitarsAndSynths
      @GuitarsAndSynths 7 років тому +10

      I had two guitar teachers and neither spent time on this which surprises me as both have been teaching for a long time.

    • @noodle8027
      @noodle8027 7 років тому +5

      Renaissance Man pretty much what happened to me too

  • @davidmiller571
    @davidmiller571 3 місяці тому +4

    I can’t believe how much better this made my hand feel. I had to stop playing pretty much all together after about 30 years. I never did any stretching before I played and now I have some pretty painful stuff going on with my left index finger ligament. This shit started working as soon as I started squeezing my had getting the blood flowing. This really works.

  • @erginbarredo3460
    @erginbarredo3460 2 роки тому +32

    Hand Stretches
    1:46
    - Thumb Pressing Palm
    - Thumb Pressing Fingers and Sides of the Fingers (all 5)
    - Repeat to the Front Hand (Darker Tone)
    - Back and Front of the Forearm to Elbow
    - Shake the hand
    2:56 Single-Finger Bending
    - Lock the elbow straight
    - Stretch up the index finger (next to thumb) slowly
    - Take the other 4 fingers then move them up and down
    - Shake the hand
    - Repeat to other 3 fingers (for pinky, stretch sideward over third finger)
    - Repeat but downwards
    - Stretch the thumb up-sideward, then other fingers up and down, last the down-sideward
    - Shake the hand
    6:40 Finger Widening
    7:10
    - Group-Finger Bending Sideward (thumb direction)
    - Shake the hand
    - Group-Finger Bending Sideward (hand down, pinky direction)
    - Group-finger Bending Front then down
    - Shake the hand
    7:53 Fingertip Massage
    *repeat to the other hand
    8:11 Expand Hands

  • @terrynicholetti
    @terrynicholetti 3 роки тому +9

    I'm 76, getting back to guitar after 2 decades and I couldn't do chords I've always done. I had no idea that we should do stretches!!! Thanks so much! I see that this is from 2010 so I don't know if you're stil reading comments but I'm sending you blessings for your generosity. Thanks YOu!!

    • @steveelliott3514
      @steveelliott3514 9 місяців тому +1

      I'm 65 and just gonna keep doing these exercises. Age is cruel but we can fight it with some exercises!

  • @minoosh2480
    @minoosh2480 6 років тому +94

    I'm a left handed guitar player for almost 35 years, and I had an accident on right hand wrist 4 years ago, even after a recovery it was hard for me to play even simple chords, forget about solos. This video was really life changing, I am telling this after 1 year of practice.

  • @brokenpickjohnbrokenpickjo354
    @brokenpickjohnbrokenpickjo354 7 років тому +1314

    01:10 Ex 1 - Hand & Forearm massage
    03:01 Ex 2 - Strechin fingers
    06:40 Ex 3 - Separate fingers
    07:11 Ex 4 - Final strech
    08:06 Extra Ex

  • @waldalwahsh7833
    @waldalwahsh7833 4 роки тому +213

    As i am a teenager with minimal finger movements prior to playing guitar,my fingers were mighty stiff and real hard to move,thanks to you sir i’ve learned to be able to free myself from my disability and the eternal feeling of stiffness in my fingers,thank you for all you’ve done for this community.
    -Saifo Wahsh

    • @kenzosuzukii
      @kenzosuzukii Рік тому +2

      im trying to work on my fingers mobility i cant even give people the middle finger it literally just stays like not even half way thats how immobile my fingers are 💀💀💀
      its annoying especially for power chords

    • @Aydenkaye
      @Aydenkaye Рік тому +1

      @@kenzosuzukiisame i do boxing so their even worse now

  • @craigcampbell8595
    @craigcampbell8595 2 роки тому +5

    Im 62 and have used my hands for a lot a things over the years that and age has had its toll on them.
    Now that I am retired I now have taken the guitar a lot more seriously after playing off and on since I wsa 16.
    I have arthritis in most knuckles, but pretty bad in my two first knuckles on the first two fingers of my right hand. Then lately, my first finger on my left hand, the fret hand, has gotten bad. Almost to the point where I was thinking I may have to stop playing, it can be unbelieveably painful.
    Then I googled this issue and I came across your video about stretching the fingers. I am a subscriber of your website and I was surprised that I had not seen this video before. At first I thought that this won't help with the arthritis but would at least help warm up my fingers. Well, after the first stretching exercise, its like night and day difference for my three fingers. Yes there is still pain there but my fingers feel useable again.
    Thank you for sharing that, and thank you for your excellent lessons too. You and maybe two other guys on the internet are the best and only ones I go to for song lessons.

  • @Tillys_Travels
    @Tillys_Travels 3 роки тому +7

    That was so helpful. As a total beginner it makes perfect sense. You stretch and warm up before going for a run, your fingers need the same before a guitar workout.

  • @mjsfan1994
    @mjsfan1994 10 років тому +7

    Not only does this help guitarists, it also helps every other musician. I've played violin for 8 years, a little piano, and picked up a guitar 2-3 years ago. My hands have never felt more flexible. Thanks !!!

  • @keyadraws
    @keyadraws 10 місяців тому +28

    never planning on touching any instrument in my life, this helped my fingers after drawing for long hours everyday 😭 love you man

    • @raghavbhutani5153
      @raghavbhutani5153 9 місяців тому +1

      Did your size of fingers grow

    • @keyadraws
      @keyadraws 9 місяців тому

      @@raghavbhutani5153 no my hand stopped growing since i became an adult lmao but they are more flexible and dont get stiff as much as they used to (+ i found that using some kind of hand cream makes these easier to do if you have really dry/sweaty hands)

    • @luxianolee7497
      @luxianolee7497 6 місяців тому

      Same I draw too (also play guitar though) so it's like extra helpful

  • @dougslead7072
    @dougslead7072 Місяць тому +2

    Thanks so much these stretches are just what I was looking for. I’ve broken my middle finger, and my pinky; cut the under tendon on my index; jammed my thumb multiple times; and broken my wrist twice. I hope I’m not beating a dead horse when trying to learn guitar. I’m going on 74 next month. I will keep on keepin’ on. 9:01

  • @fribiesdi
    @fribiesdi 4 роки тому +395

    this exercise at one time - I will start doing everyday as from now - instantly increased my struggling 85wpm speed to about 104wpm while typing, with about 97% accuracy.

    • @prisonmike1658
      @prisonmike1658 4 роки тому +17

      Wow amazing dude

    • @stuckfart
      @stuckfart 4 роки тому +38

      i never thought that this could improve wpm. that’s pretty clever

    • @andreashenriksen1485
      @andreashenriksen1485 4 роки тому +9

      I just reached 102wpm today! have been struggling alot with getting there. Might wanna try doing this for some time and see if i'll get even faster

    • @fribiesdi
      @fribiesdi 4 роки тому +6

      @@andreashenriksen1485 don't you ever give up, don't you ever give in.

    • @andreashenriksen1485
      @andreashenriksen1485 4 роки тому +4

      @@fribiesdi Thanks man! I will not give up

  • @tehprsn8381
    @tehprsn8381 5 років тому +217

    Something in my hand, shoulder, and elbow popped
    This is amazing

  • @patricklundquist9869
    @patricklundquist9869 4 роки тому +55

    Thank you for this. My typical acoustic practice session runs around an hour and a half. Yesterday, following finger stretch exercises, I played for 2 1/4 hours in the morning as well as another hour last night with no cramps today. You taught an old dog new tricks. Thanks again.

  • @katiethewise
    @katiethewise Рік тому +1

    ive played flute for a good chunk of my life and thought that i had really flexible fingers, so when i picked up a guitar a couple months ago and tried to learn and bumped into a fingering that required my thumb, i pretty much gave up on the instrument all together. earlier this week, i picked up the same guitar and searched up hand stretches, and it helped so much!! not only am i doing better at guitar, but i'm becoming better at my flute too!

  • @wbotti
    @wbotti 4 роки тому +56

    been playing 25 years and this is something i never took seriously enough.
    thank you sir.

  • @richardshavatt6906
    @richardshavatt6906 10 років тому +19

    I recently discovered this video and found it to be incredibly important and especially for older guitarists . I have been playing guitar since I was 11 yrs old and I'm 62 now. I had no conception of how tight my finger and hand muscles had become but now after stretching a few times I realize that my ability to play over a period of time has decreased due to the tightness that develops over an hour or so of playing. I would like to thank you very much for sharing this extremely important information.

  • @larsdahl6594
    @larsdahl6594 3 роки тому +15

    This may be the most important guitar related video I've watched on UA-cam so far. Turns out watching gear demos and reviews don't make you a better player. Thanks! 👍

  • @NighttimeDaydreams
    @NighttimeDaydreams 3 роки тому +126

    Oh wow, I am so glad I found this while I'm still in the early stages of learning guitar. I'm definitely going to be using this in the future, thanks.

    • @xotilweoverdoxe
      @xotilweoverdoxe Рік тому +6

      hows ur guitar progression??

    • @Pootiiinnn
      @Pootiiinnn 4 місяці тому +2

      Yo mate post some guitar progress on your UA-cam channel ❤

    • @NighttimeDaydreams
      @NighttimeDaydreams 4 місяці тому +3

      Ah! You guys, I'm grateful for your interest, but I am sorry to say my progress has been very little, seeing as I've been trying to teach myself without an instructor, and the last years of highschool have been very chaotic. Not to mention these cursed screens offer endless distractions and steal time and experiences away, and I wish I had known that sooner. They're like a drug, and addiction to them is real. I've finally started actively trying to battle it, but the point is, between my many commitments and my human tendencies to seek instant gratification over real progress have led to me not practicing much at all. It's a miserable reality, really, but it's necessary to admit things like that if one wants them to change...

    • @Pootiiinnn
      @Pootiiinnn 4 місяці тому +2

      @@NighttimeDaydreams not only to admit but you must adhere to it also. Now please start Posting on your channel and grow with each video. Take a challenge of 30 days and post each day's progress. Raw no edit. It will surely be a good start to build a habit. I am up broo.

    • @NighttimeDaydreams
      @NighttimeDaydreams 4 місяці тому +1

      ​@@Pootiiinnn You know what? I just might take you up on that challenge. My days are packed, now, so it might not be daily, but I can make time, I'm sure. Either way, thanks for the encouragement!

  • @StringyStrider
    @StringyStrider Рік тому +4

    That stretch immediately just made my arm feel great. Definitely recommend doing these

  • @ertlk24
    @ertlk24 3 роки тому +5

    I'm an old guitarist (59 yo), now playing bass and my hands are stiff and inflexible. I have been doing these stretches for 10 days and I can't believe the benefit already. My hands feel stronger and I'm able to get a farther reach on the neck. Thanks so much for your video!

  • @Karaisoke
    @Karaisoke 11 років тому +23

    Oh I would also point out that if you suffer from dry and cracked skin, this is the perfect time to use a good lotion. By the time you are done stretching, all the lotion has been absorbed into the skin. I wouldn't use anything really greasy or with too many chemicals. I use a Burts Bees hand salve that's basically just lemon oil. Does wonders and isn't hard on my guitar.

    • @Bassisloud
      @Bassisloud 11 років тому +3

      I got an idea before I read your comment. It's like a recipe for warming the hands up especially in winter; I eat an orange then wipe my hands with the juice spilled from it then put my hands near fire just to let the skin absorb the natural oil.

    • @GulfNegrol
      @GulfNegrol 10 років тому

      doesnt using lotion take away the point of building up calluses? and arent calluses good?

    • @Karaisoke
      @Karaisoke 10 років тому

      ***** I've never had problems building up calluses and using lotion. I have psoriatic arthritis and lotion is a must for my hands. I have yet to have a problem.

  • @nicholassakamoto2455
    @nicholassakamoto2455 3 роки тому +40

    This was really helpful, Carl! I’ve always went ahead and started playing my guitar without stretching my fingers, but now I realize that it benefits me to keep my hands healthy.

    • @nemesisy
      @nemesisy 2 роки тому +4

      does this video help you get longer finger?

    • @thatswhaturmomsaid9663
      @thatswhaturmomsaid9663 Рік тому +3

      @@nemesisy late reply: not longer fingers but can help your finger stretch further

  • @claudiaramosmonteiro
    @claudiaramosmonteiro 4 роки тому +20

    I used to do these exercises as a cellist, and am about to recommend them to guitarist friends. I think these are very important, not only if you play an instrument, but also if you use your fingers a lot, like on your computer. Thanks so much for posting this! Ten years and just as helpful xD

    • @RunicRazili
      @RunicRazili Рік тому +1

      Honestly, these exercises could even help with some styles of dance.

  • @aaronsmichael
    @aaronsmichael 11 років тому +20

    I am a professional guitarist for over 25 years. I only recently after all this time developed tendonitis and trigger finger. I am recovering from a cortisone shot and 6 weeks of PT. I'm getting back to my practice routine and still having lingering pain.
    The exercises in this video, after doing only once, has helped me more than the 6 weeks of PT; and all the stretching and exercises they showed me. This stretching routine has helped me feel better. Thanks Carl - this should be standard warm up for all guitarists - any level! Cheers!

  • @phillipvansant6368
    @phillipvansant6368 2 роки тому +3

    Dude, this is saving my life right now. I have chronic tendonitis and this is making it possible to play and heal at the same time.

    • @louieo.blevinsmusic4197
      @louieo.blevinsmusic4197 2 роки тому

      I broke my scaphoid in my wrist. I couldn’t play for a good 4 months which were a massive bummer but this exercise, along with another I found on UA-cam have helped me tremendously.

  • @bruceripepi867
    @bruceripepi867 10 місяців тому +2

    Thanks, Carl. I’m 68 years old and this has helped me so much. The best my hands have felt in years!

  • @annabellewagner8510
    @annabellewagner8510 3 роки тому +6

    OMG this is literally INSANE!!! i don’t usually comment but WOW!!! i tried doing a scale that i’ve had trouble with in the past before doing this, and then right after, i was easily able to hit all the notes!!! this is crazy thank you soooo much!!!

  • @ginawilson6055
    @ginawilson6055 4 роки тому +9

    I started playing the ukulele 6 months ago and have had 3 bouts of muscle injury, the latest being tendonitus which is taking ages to heal. I’m 61 and felt maybe I should give up. But having discovered these exercises I’m hoping that from now on I can avoid injury. Thank you so much!

  • @snakebitmgee
    @snakebitmgee 10 років тому +16

    Awesome! I just began taking guitar lessons, and I was so frustrated that my fingers could not reach the four highest frets at the same time. I am determined to learn the proper way. This is going to help me immensely. Thank you for teaching such a valuable lesson in keeping the fingers limber and healthy. I will be a guitar player.

  • @davidbaker4248
    @davidbaker4248 6 місяців тому +1

    Thank you - these are very helpful! I am now in my late 70s. I still play finger and pick styles on my acoustic guitar 3-4 times a week. I have noticed some difficulty and pain using my chord finger and wrist joints. I have only recently started doing these stretches and massages - I'll let you know how I get on. Thanks again.

  • @hotyogaauburn
    @hotyogaauburn 9 років тому +83

    Thank you very much for these videos, Carl.
    I am a yoga teacher.
    If a stretch is held in a static pose for about 20 seconds, the fascia releases, creating an even better, deeper stretch. These exercises are great... I would suggest doing the assisted finger stretch as Carl demonstrates, hold it for 20 seconds and then do the wave like motion that he suggests. Thank you very much.

    • @Acehan
      @Acehan 9 років тому +1

      That is true and really helpful. Thank you. :)

    • @phunluki3479
      @phunluki3479 7 років тому +2

      Thank you. Not sure what a fascia is but I felt a difference

    • @bluto212
      @bluto212 7 років тому +1

      Fascia is a thin, tough, elastic type of connective tissue that wraps most structures within the human body, including muscle. Fascia supports and protects these structures. Osteopathic theory proposes that this soft tissue can become restricted due to psychogenic disease, overuse, trauma, infectious agents, or inactivity, often resulting in pain, muscle tension, and corresponding diminished blood flow

    • @sschario60
      @sschario60 7 років тому +1

      Thanks for pitching in, Sam. Twenty seconds is amazing!

    • @th0scrum
      @th0scrum 6 років тому

      It's not just fascia but the muscle spindle fibers that control muscle tone that release muscle tone that allow progressive stretching.

  • @bigtiddiedrias9860
    @bigtiddiedrias9860 Рік тому +13

    The amount of improvement I had from just doing this stretch for the first time is Amazing! I guess my hands/fingers are very tense. I’m going to do this stretch everyday now, thank you!

  • @davemurray2592
    @davemurray2592 6 років тому +25

    Thank you, I’m a seasoned guitarist and although I have done stretches for years, I have not done this much. Very helpful I’ve been losing strength to.

  • @paulmarnell3749
    @paulmarnell3749 2 роки тому +1

    I never comment on videos. I’ve been playing for 30 years and being in my late 40’s has revealed mobility issues. It’s been taking me longer and longer to warm up. These exercises result in immediate success - my touch, timing and enjoyment levels went through the roof from the very first time. Thank you so very much for sharing!!

  • @germain3588
    @germain3588 5 років тому +19

    I tried these stretching exercises and I noticed a difference right away when fingerpicking a certain chord progression that I play everyday to help with stretching. Reaching some of these notes is now even easier. Thanks.

  • @chriskey7426
    @chriskey7426 3 роки тому +12

    I haven't played since my early 20s and I'm 37 now getting back into sadly ive lost everything so I'm having to relearn how to play again and I'm glad I found this video cause I couldn't do simple cords to save my life 😭 thank you so much!

  • @trunit770
    @trunit770 5 років тому +4

    been playing for 7 years now never thought to do this!!!! I have been playing classical songs all day and doing hard chords and now my hands feel 200% better
    thanks

  • @hellfire1520
    @hellfire1520 10 місяців тому +1

    hey thanks so much brother like while doing the last exercise i felt on how loose my left hand had gotten compared to my right hand thanks so much it helped a lot

  • @CruentusCruor
    @CruentusCruor Рік тому +4

    I was practicing my guitar for almost 6 hours straight today - and my hands were aching like hell - thanks to your video, my hands feel ok again

    • @adrianburridge2378
      @adrianburridge2378 10 місяців тому

      Six hours straight!....not surprised that your hand
      aches!

  • @pcmccarthy56
    @pcmccarthy56 10 років тому +6

    It just makes so much common sense. Athletes do warm ups and cool downs but I was just warming up with scales without the physiology. Been doing this for a month or so now and it has really helped with some stiffness and tendonitis I was struggling with. Been playing 30 + years. Thank you for the stretches. Improved quality of life and music.

    • @hik4217
      @hik4217 4 роки тому

      do you mean this stretches help to cure tendinitis?

  • @AlbertoAmoni
    @AlbertoAmoni 5 років тому +36

    Thanks man, I wish I had a started doing these before the hand pain kicked in! I'm an artist and it's quite frustrating to draw while feeling pain in the hand. I'll sure add this one's to my mourning stretches!

  • @97GibsonsgOhyeah
    @97GibsonsgOhyeah 11 місяців тому

    This makes a massive difference for me. In the 52 yrs I've played, I've never done this before a warm up. No more forearm, and hand cramps! Thank-you so much!

  • @brainpilot2997
    @brainpilot2997 9 років тому +15

    One thing I wanted to point out, having treated many guitarists during my career, is that spending too much time running dexterity exercises and running scales, day after day can cause inflammation of the extensor tendons of the muscles that control extending the fingers (lifting the finger off the fret) resulting in a condition known in sports as 'tennis elbow' a very painful condition that is very resistant to treatment. If someone that reads this post has this condition, I will be happy to describe the most effective treatment for this condition. I'll be reading the posts here and will probably notice reference to the condition.

    • @manymiles104
      @manymiles104 9 років тому

      +Thomas Kelly just started playing but suffer very bad tennis elbow from years of plastering sooo painful

    • @thanksforreading33
      @thanksforreading33 6 років тому

      brainpilot How do you treat it?

    • @franklasa
      @franklasa 6 років тому

      Hello Brian, im a guitar player. For over 3 weeks im getting inboluntary movements on my infex finger right hand, it comes and go everyday, is not painful at all. Although i do have pains that resemble tendinitis somehow i guess. Any ideas?

    • @mr.t1791
      @mr.t1791 5 років тому

      How do you treat it?

    • @blammmed
      @blammmed 5 років тому +2

      define "too much time" because now im paranoid

  • @Kineticartist
    @Kineticartist 11 років тому +4

    Excellent video really is helping my old 51-year-old hands be more limber & flexible even helping my son who has very flexible fingers anyways even more flexible and safe keep up the good work

  • @ozankara4915
    @ozankara4915 2 роки тому +6

    This is insane, I wasn't really expecting that to make a difference but after doing it one time the difference was huge now I'm going to do this everyday

  • @robertklewis2572
    @robertklewis2572 Рік тому +2

    An excellent video. This should help anyone wanting to play well. Thanks.

  • @UncleJams
    @UncleJams 10 років тому +11

    I've been massaging my hands to warm them up for years. But this is much better and starting now I will tell you if it helps with my playing. Thanks because it feels great.

    • @jammelsf
      @jammelsf 10 років тому +4

      That does feels good.

  • @PatagluKadolle
    @PatagluKadolle 3 роки тому +12

    Great tip, thank you !
    I broke my hand some years ago but weirdly, never really found out the proper method to loose the pain and get back my flexibility. Finally, after practicing your exercices, I felt a real progress. I am excited to do this on a very daily basis ! Thanks again :)

  • @mrbsred1
    @mrbsred1 10 років тому +398

    I wish to have discovered this video earlier. Been playing for over 10 years and my ring finger and pinky have no strength. I can barely play properly. It's the most soul destroying thing and it has really set my music career back. So much time spent training my fingers, all for nothing. Take note aspiring guitarists! I wouldn't wish this on anyone

    • @manishasharma5080
      @manishasharma5080 10 років тому +3

      was this video helpful for you?

    • @johncassar2923
      @johncassar2923 10 років тому +1

      try using a hair-tie, I use a small rubber band, behind the knuckels of yr three fingers while practicing.

    • @6Metal6militA6
      @6Metal6militA6 9 років тому +1

      mrbsred1 Same here bud. Even gave up after a while since I wasnt progressing anywhere because I couldn't stretch for shit. It's been 10 years for me too. Going to pick the guitar back up now and do these stretches every day.

    • @JeighNeither
      @JeighNeither 9 років тому +22

      mrbsred1 I was struck with Psoriatic Arthritis at 30 years old...right at my peak. It was devastating. It causes incredible pain, cartilage destruction, and your joints to swell up, as well as tendons and other auxiliaries. In the hands it causes "sausage fingers" were they get fat and cumbersome. Other parts of your body like ankles, spine and feet, can leave you completely disabled. There is no cure. It hit my entire body hard, and I ended up in a wheel chair. Now five years later, I've gotten out of that F'ing thing, and have begun to built strength stamina and speed again; though I'll never play anywhere near as fast as before. I focus on tone now, and play more gilmoresque solos. Alex Lifeson, the guitarist for RUSH, has had it for ten years now. It's one of the reason after 40+ years, they aren't doing major tours any longer. It's serious shit, but I am fighting it with all I've got. I hope you are able to find that strength as well, and can regain some of your former self. Best of luck!

    • @r.katiekane252
      @r.katiekane252 9 років тому +7

      +mrbsred1 Ironically the same situation here. My hands are very small, and some chords seem almost impossible to reach, yet I see girls/women playing perfectly with the same hand size. I'd already started the last of the stretches on this video, but will work on the others too now. Thanks for the video!

  • @jimmaculate5
    @jimmaculate5 3 роки тому +1

    I did it; and shared to one of my students. thanks!

  • @NICKHAM16
    @NICKHAM16 9 років тому +6

    Such a helpful video! This helped me a lot because my hand would cramp and get sore while playing and it became really hard keep playing sometimes. But these stretches have really helped a lot and my hand doesn't cramp anymore

  • @aniahbutler8932
    @aniahbutler8932 4 роки тому +1234

    Am I the only one that's afraid of breaking their finger....

    • @ryannoder7589
      @ryannoder7589 4 роки тому +163

      Instructions unclear foot stuck in door frame

    • @OrangeFreeman
      @OrangeFreeman 4 роки тому +81

      It would take an immense force to break a finger. A pinkie, maybe, but otherwise you'll be fine.

    • @molekyyli
      @molekyyli 4 роки тому +56

      You're not supposed to stretch to the point of possible injury. Just enough tension but not real pain.

    • @theguitarangels
      @theguitarangels 4 роки тому +6

      I am scared too

    • @zeynepuslu100
      @zeynepuslu100 4 роки тому

      You're not alone!! Lol

  • @rockngpa5094
    @rockngpa5094 4 роки тому +10

    This hand warmups is huge for all guitarists!!!
    I’ve tried this besides other ideas and this warmup is thee best , thank you so much!!!👍

  • @JackyClor
    @JackyClor 8 днів тому

    I know I'm late but. This really helped. I practice A LOT for many years and get stiff thumbs. To add on to this fill your sink up with hot water before hand. soak your hands and splay them out and stretch in the hot water before and after your stretches for amplified effect. Assists in healing too.

  • @cindyray8887
    @cindyray8887 2 роки тому +4

    I play the guitar but the main reason I loved this video is because I have rhumatoid arthritis. Although painful, I was amazed at the relief I received. Definitely making it a part of my practice. Thank you.

  • @bossboy191919
    @bossboy191919 2 роки тому +14

    My fingers became way more flexible after just a few times stretching! Also, the wrist-side stretches helped me to finally be able to play barre chords. Still a little difficult, but I could play them. Gonna continue stretching to make them easier for me, at least I know know that I will be able to use these barred chords 🥳

  • @fitinamark7660
    @fitinamark7660 5 років тому +10

    This is amazing! I’ve been looking for violin videos for strengthening my fingers (mainly my third and fourth) and this one is the best one yet! Even though this video is mainly for guitar, it makes sense it would be perfect for violin since other string instruments have harder and thicker strings as well as more strings to reach than violin. So if a cellist or guitarist can do it then so can a violinist. In just one go I was able to lift my third finger independently pretty high. I’ve tried so many exercises but felt discouraged since a lot of the way your fingers function is genetics, but this helped soo much! Thank you for lifting my spirits! I’ll study hard to become a violinist now, knowing I have a chance.

  • @xionno
    @xionno 2 роки тому +1

    Thanks, this exercises help me to practice acoustic guitar! (tomorrow is achievements day on my school and i gonna play guitar with my group :) )

  • @Froggy-Frogs
    @Froggy-Frogs 5 років тому +104

    This is gold for illustrators aswell 🤩

  • @eog5217
    @eog5217 4 роки тому +5

    This is an old video, but I hope you see this comment. Just started doing this, I can play well, but I want to be able to play more Dimebag like stuff and thanks to this great all around exercise I should be able to make those crazy stretches now soon!!!! Thank you Carl!!!!!!

    • @sciree
      @sciree 2 роки тому

      how did it age

  • @abcdefg1729
    @abcdefg1729 4 роки тому +34

    These stretches are f****** incredible and make a huggge night and day difference. thank you so much!

  • @RainFarrlz
    @RainFarrlz 6 днів тому +1

    FINALLY A TUTORIAL THAT ACTUALLY HELPS 😭🙏
    ngl its also really fun

  • @tbyang95
    @tbyang95 5 років тому +4

    Wow. Thank you so much! this is great for preventing long term problems as well. I've been playing guitar for almost 13 years and wish I knew this.

  • @CamilleonProductions
    @CamilleonProductions 8 років тому +16

    These are insanely good! I'm a novice player, there's a song I'm trying to master which is almost entirely Am and C chords with the occasional F and G, suddenly after doing these my changes were much easier and cleaner and I was able to get the F first go! Thank you!

  • @gordoncarscadden3363
    @gordoncarscadden3363 8 років тому +5

    This was great. I have played for several years but just started really getting back into guitar and never thought to do this. Can definitely feel a difference right away.
    Thanks

  • @Missy-nz9xd
    @Missy-nz9xd Рік тому

    Carl, this video helped so much. I am going to begin guitar lessons in a couple of weeks. I am 59 , I had Carple tunnel surgery on both hands over a year ago. My doctor didn't see any value in PT. My hands have been so stiff. After the first time doing these stretches my hands felt so much better! Thank you for sharing this video. I'll be visiting your web site soon!!

  • @juliaf4017
    @juliaf4017 4 роки тому +5

    This video was really helpful, I feel much more relaxed after stretching! I'm gonna start stretching daily :D

  • @getawaydriver8304
    @getawaydriver8304 3 роки тому +6

    Great video man. I come back and watch it all the time. I feel like it’s improved my guitar skills alot ❤️

    • @nemesisy
      @nemesisy 2 роки тому

      did your finger get longer?

  • @rraheel.31
    @rraheel.31 4 роки тому +11

    1:48 massage hand
    3:18 stretch fingers back and fourth
    6:43 separate fingers
    7:18 stretch all fingers side to side
    7:35 stretch fingers back and fourth
    7:54 massage tips of fingers
    8:13 expand hands

  • @kimfarmer4274
    @kimfarmer4274 Місяць тому +1

    My progress is slow like a snail but getting there. I'm finding that getting the length of time to practice is now the hardest thing to arrange. Not ever going to give up. 😊

  • @youtubeuniversity3660
    @youtubeuniversity3660 5 років тому +10

    Carl! Thank you! I thought something was seriously wrong with my hand. I've been a bartender 20+ years so they get a ton of use. My fretting hand was getting numb. This exercise has already helped. Wish I had seen this a long time ago. The info you share for free is amazing bro.

  • @browlickwax3585
    @browlickwax3585 3 роки тому +3

    Thank you so much Carl for this physical warm up! My hands feel so much better. I have been following for awhile learning all my favorites and just joined the academy today. I love your style of teaching. Applied, practical, fun and good tips and can't wait to become more a better player!

  • @Ears14U
    @Ears14U 8 років тому +5

    Incredible for Fibromyalgia in your hands. Thanks for the upload.

  • @rossnoone9368
    @rossnoone9368 Рік тому +1

    Another great excerise for the hands

  • @321Ronen
    @321Ronen 8 років тому +12

    Thanks for sharing this. I've been doing those stretches every day for the last 3 weeks and it improved my playing and flexibility. It really makes a big difference.

  • @skeletoninyourbody9896
    @skeletoninyourbody9896 4 роки тому +296

    When you've been already doing all of this because of ADHD >.>

  • @Violetacampuz
    @Violetacampuz 4 роки тому +46

    I've never realized how crooked my fingers were until trying to stretch them out lol

  • @vallor8322
    @vallor8322 Рік тому

    This video is 13 years old and may be the most helpful one I've gotten to help me figure out how to protect and prepare my hands for eventually managing the fretboard and strings properly.
    I can feel the difference, big time!

  • @mauriliozamora6627
    @mauriliozamora6627 8 років тому +63

    Hands feel great after this stretch. Thank you very much !

  • @tacoman9707
    @tacoman9707 4 роки тому +194

    *_Treat Your Own Hand and Thumb Arthritis_** at Amazon is also worth checking out.*

  • @richardjagger6920
    @richardjagger6920 9 років тому +25

    Very good advice for guitar playing. I am 65 played when I was younger this makes my hands feel youngerand supple.Thanks
    .

  • @wildaussielast7139
    @wildaussielast7139 3 місяці тому

    A big thanks for this...for years I've loved fingerstyle acoustic guitar...then I had surgery a year ago to correct Dupuytren's Contracture (some Neanderthal ancestors I suspect!). This is not going to be a nasty 'surgery gone wrong' story, but because I already had a broken left little finger and moderate arthritis, it didn't go well. Six months of splints and constant therapy with a specialist, trying all sorts of exercises and tools, but the hands were still stiff sore and cramped. After four months I could just manage a ukulele (closer frets) and a guitar capoed at the fifth fret. Then I came across your exercises, and they were SO much more effective than what the specialist hand therapist was using - made a massive difference to my flexibility. A year after surgery and I'm almost back to normal. Very grateful that you took the time to demo these stretches - thank you!