Thumb / Wrist Pain In Barre Chords? Do THIS!

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  • Опубліковано 25 бер 2017
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 413

  • @jamescarroll6954
    @jamescarroll6954 Рік тому +93

    Hey, everybody-listen up! See it, learn it, live it. I dreamed of playing guitar every day for hours in retirement. But I was born way too early to learn what is taught here. I did it wrong for more than 50 years, and wound up with painful arthritis in the thumb of my fretting hand. Now, I can’t button a shirt without sharp pain-much less play a stringed instrument. A lifetime collection of guitars, mandolins, banjos and ukuleles was hauled away to dealers in used instruments, and at 75 years of age, surgery is the only alternative. Do it right, guys. It shouldn’t hurt.

    • @danthatguy9686
      @danthatguy9686 Рік тому +6

      So are all chords intended to be played this way with the arm pulling method or just barre chords?

    • @Jesse-cn2hn
      @Jesse-cn2hn 11 місяців тому +6

      ​@@danthatguy9686
      I personally give the guitar a pull whenever I find it necessary. It's overall a useful tip.

    • @yusnotyus
      @yusnotyus 11 місяців тому +2

      I bought my first guitar when I was 18 and only now realize 15 years later at 33 that I’ve been playing it wrong this whole time… I hope these tips help me adjust my playing so I can keep playing for the rest of my life. I hope your hand feels better and that maybe one day you can pick up a stringed instrument again

    • @__.Music.__
      @__.Music.__ 9 місяців тому

      My good man, I believe it is quite impossible to give yourself arthritis (in the thumb only no less!) from fretting a guitar in the ‘wrong’ way! As far as I am aware, arthritis is systemic and stems from lifestyle and diet choices first and foremost and is one hundred percent reversible! Look after yourself by eating the things you believe are healthy and keep all joints in the body moving by exercising their range of motion daily.
      Increasing the alkalinity of your diet and doing range of motion exercises with your thumbs (and all fingers really) will all be of great benefit too! All the very best!

  • @dmaikibujin
    @dmaikibujin Рік тому +74

    Notes:
    Be mindful of tension
    Fingers close to the frets
    Finger tips used for non barre notes - don't allow knuckles to flatten (middle)
    Don't squeeze with finger strength - pull with the weight of the arm - no bending of the strings
    Shoulder should be relaxed (check it) Elbow should be relaxed (able to wiggle)
    Focus on adjusting specifics - not just mindless repetition
    Great lesson! 😁

  • @SoulreaperBE
    @SoulreaperBE 4 роки тому +547

    You just tought me how to play a clean bar chord in under 9 minutes.I've been struggling with these for months! Great video, great teacher!

  •  4 роки тому +360

    The tip at 5:11 on rather pulling on the strings with the weight of the arm is diamonds and pearls!
    Amazing how a shift in thinking can change the whole game!

    • @goshu7009
      @goshu7009 Рік тому +2

      Indeed....

    • @NUKE-W.E.F.
      @NUKE-W.E.F. Рік тому +1

      Diamonds and pearls, indeed, you nailed it.

    • @lilvince9647
      @lilvince9647 Рік тому

      It can also change the whole PITCH

    • @willtogs
      @willtogs Рік тому +1

      tbh i just dont get the "pulling"? im so confused what he means tbh

    • @HarryGuit
      @HarryGuit Рік тому

      Pulling isn‘t quite the right word. Maybe you can understand it better if put this way: hang your arm to the guitar’s neck so it’s weight presses down the strings.

  • @BusinessPigeon
    @BusinessPigeon 4 місяці тому +4

    Holy crap, this is the first video that's actually been able to teach me how to play barre chords without the pain of arthritis, thank you

  • @marcospsoares
    @marcospsoares 4 роки тому +132

    I play guitar for seven years but still strugle with pain in my wrist and thumb. Just realized I've been doing everyting wrong you mentioned on this video. It was very helpful for me. Thank you!

  • @briansbrain426
    @briansbrain426 7 років тому +490

    This video was made for people like me. My electric is in the shop so I am using an acoustic to perform callous building and finger strength. Unfortunately, an acoustic guitar enhances my suck exponentially and barre chords are avoided for this reason. If I can get all six strings to ring correctly, my thumb is screaming like an Ibanez. The B string just doesn't want to sound no matter what technique I am using.

    • @lacymacdougall9660
      @lacymacdougall9660 2 роки тому +3

      Very relatable

    • @fth171
      @fth171 2 роки тому +18

      The B string always buzzing😭

    • @floydsmithjr7999
      @floydsmithjr7999 2 роки тому +1

      Im about ready to put my hand in a vice. The other day I was so frustrated I was looking around the house for something I could maybe wrap around my barre finger as a an indentable callous

    • @ponternal
      @ponternal 2 роки тому +11

      that b string is stupid

    • @caralho5237
      @caralho5237 2 роки тому +10

      For me its the G

  • @someoneonyoutube1993
    @someoneonyoutube1993 Рік тому +1

    Why 99% of guitar teachers are useless and clueless? You understand the problems and give easy. tips. So happy you are online for ALL to hear this.

  • @davidl.7747
    @davidl.7747 3 роки тому +36

    Best tutorial ever.
    Got my first bar chord after months of struggle.

  • @gururajchadaga
    @gururajchadaga 3 роки тому +19

    Pulling the strings with the weight of my arm.
    Oh my god. For the first time,
    All my notes of the F Major chord rung out crystal clear!
    You're a wizard! Thank you. Now I know what to work on while I practice.

  • @nuke8191
    @nuke8191 2 роки тому +4

    This feels like a cheat code!! The 'finger closer to the fret' tip is FANTASTIC thank you!

  • @StefanGBucher
    @StefanGBucher 3 роки тому +5

    The pulling thing is exploding my brain! THANK YOU!!!

  • @byromtaylor6482
    @byromtaylor6482 3 роки тому +60

    There are lots of people struggle with this including me and lots of guitar tutors tell you to do things to over come the difficulty all linked to adding more pressure on the hand .. For me this guy gives the best advice on the net ...Why? because he teaches you how to play a barr chord in a more relaxed way - others show how to get more pressure to the finger to barr... Result being like he said this leads to other problems - when changing chords and hand fatigue - I remember giving up guitar years ago because i thought my hands could never do this it was too painful etc And yeah we all get that moment when you play the F barr chord once perfectly for first time everything rings out right and you dont wanna move lol... Anyway gave up cos of this years ago... I decided to try again over covid out of bordom ...Again I was either just sticking to open chords or using capo .. I kept trying my hand hurt was about to give up again ...then I just came across this advice This guy gives the best advice i have ever heard on the subject - totally got in in under a two minutes or right away basically i relaxed and found i could play F G A barr chords etc and transition all down the neck without pain. Very very good advice and teacher this guy....subscribed ...A whole world just opened up .. thanks - my only regret is i never heard this years ago.

  • @ideitbawxproductions1880
    @ideitbawxproductions1880 Рік тому +10

    How has this video been up for 5 years? I've had issues with Barre chords for years, tried searching for videos & websites for tips, and only now do I come across this gem! Thank you for this, good sir! I'll have to try these out when I get home

  • @LKDelahunty
    @LKDelahunty Рік тому +15

    I've played guitar for over 20 years (self taught, not a great guitar player) and have always struggled with bar chords. I've always blamed it on my lack of hand strength. But I do every single one of the things he mentioned in this video. I can't wait to practice these tips and hopefully it will make my bar chords finally sound clear!! Thank you 😌

  • @AJGNW
    @AJGNW 7 років тому +136

    Your point about fretting as close to the actual fret is right on the money. I've actually seen very advanced guitar players struggle with this concept throughout my own teaching experience. Great video, Mike!

  • @hgk8864
    @hgk8864 3 роки тому +10

    Just discovered this video and I have to say, thanks a million for this small but so important hints and tips. Great job!

  • @MarcoGT117
    @MarcoGT117 Рік тому +5

    Been playing for years (self taught) and I've always complained of how my whole palm hurts while pleying these chords, you just fixed it with one video, thank you, for real : )

  • @jonnyb2532
    @jonnyb2532 7 років тому +37

    WOW! This was really a *revelation*. Thanks much Mike!

  • @OneDrunkWizard
    @OneDrunkWizard Рік тому +1

    Exactly what I was looking for. Thank you! I knew all the wrist pain couldn't be right. Subscribed

  • @somarriba333
    @somarriba333 Рік тому +2

    This is a GREAT video. I remind my students of this all the time. A lot of it is being aware when playing and being efficient. I LOVE how you said "pulling". I can feel the difference by just thinking it that way. You pretty much said everything I tell my students about practice. Awesome.

  • @williamallred7749
    @williamallred7749 3 роки тому +2

    Thank you! These tips helped alleviate pain in my thumb.

  • @emmasky6467
    @emmasky6467 Рік тому +6

    Great video! You addressed the exact issue that I've been having - tension and fatigue in thumb and wrist from squeezing too hard on barre chords. I am excited to implement those tips. Especially, thinking less about squeezing and more about using the weight to pull the strings to the neck. Really well articulated and demonstrated. Thank you!

  • @timotheaevans
    @timotheaevans Рік тому

    This, with building hand strength, is helping so much!!

  • @yusuke5717
    @yusuke5717 3 роки тому +1

    bro you are so awesome ive been playing guitar self taught for 14 years and i learned so much from this video. thanks for this!

  • @larry668cheng6
    @larry668cheng6 Рік тому

    The video explains guitar playing skills in a clear, simple and effective way. Very HELPFUL! Thanks a lot!

  • @robertgreen3702
    @robertgreen3702 2 роки тому +6

    Thank you for this most valuable lesson. I've been playing wrongly for decades. ☺️🎸

  • @whitneymacdonald4396
    @whitneymacdonald4396 Рік тому

    Thank you for sharing these subtle techniques. Excellent instructions!

  • @bob28952
    @bob28952 Рік тому +1

    Excellent video, thanks. Good points made, good pace, well delivered. Been playing for 40 years and this has helped me. Never too old to learn........

  • @johnelkvillarin8754
    @johnelkvillarin8754 7 місяців тому

    been strugling for some months now this man saved me time to learn barre your a life saver thank you soo much!

  • @user-ph3mr2jo6d
    @user-ph3mr2jo6d 4 роки тому +10

    wow. Bet it's the best explanation out here. U gave me a lot of help. Thanks

  • @soulvaccination8679
    @soulvaccination8679 5 років тому +2

    Got it..Now becoming more accurate when going from one bar chord to another without fumbling my fingers around to get them on the right string

  • @tofokyo
    @tofokyo Рік тому

    dude you’re a lifesaver, I quite literally was able to bar chords properly after this, thanks so much for the info!

  • @timevaporwave
    @timevaporwave Рік тому

    The pulling on the strings trick makes a huge difference. Thank you!

  • @SeanKoondial
    @SeanKoondial 7 місяців тому

    You've just saved me from the pain I've been causing myself trying to play barre chords, been using the vice grip method for so long, thank you there is another way.

  • @stevestan6525
    @stevestan6525 Рік тому

    Wow, this video is pure gold! Thanks!

  • @keithcourneyea1609
    @keithcourneyea1609 7 років тому +5

    Excellent explanation. Thanks Mike.

  • @calekeene7998
    @calekeene7998 Рік тому

    I’ve been playing for about 3 years now, all self-taught. This was very eye-opening and extremely helpful.

  • @alexandermakielski7848
    @alexandermakielski7848 2 роки тому

    Thank you! Super helpful video - I've been playing (amateur) with a sore thumb/hand/arm for over 20 years...over half my life now...you helped me fix that in less than 10 minutes 👏👏👏

  • @andrescarrizo5204
    @andrescarrizo5204 2 роки тому +3

    Thank you very much for your tips. There are not that many barre chord tutorials oriented towards the classical Spanish guitars (most are for acoustic metallic strings). I would like to add my humble opinion and experience to this topic. I am at a beginner level, took some lesson when younger and then took the guitar again on my own during the "lock down". I used youtube tutorials and dominated open chords within a few months and basic rhythms as well. However managing the F Chord was extremely painful, frustrating and even depressing. I`ve pretty much looked up every youtube tutorial and blog regarding this matter and this is what helped me: all those techniques regarding using gravity and the weight of your hand, pulling with your biceps towards you or just using brute force with the "clamp" really don`t come in very handy if the action height and the height of the saddle/nut are not properly adjusted. I watched another ton of videos regarding this guitar set up procedure and by a lot of trial and error did it myself. I damaged a lot of saddles and nuts along the way (thank God they are cheap to replace), however I managed to set up the guitar as per the string heights recommended on google and without the guitar buzzing. After this, I was still having problems getting a clear ring on the high E and B strings and still felt very disappointed, my F chord was only being successful about an 80% of the time and I still had to apply too much pressure. My last resource was to very carefully file the nut grooves of these two strings just a little bit. Then, I tried my F chord and both strings rang perfectly and the guitar did not experience buzzing along the neck. I can now do the F chord with a minimum of effort at about a 95% success rate. I previously almost injured my thumb, index finger, left shoulder, right shoulder and lower back, attempting to apply all these techniques without success. I own two entry level guitars, the Yamaha C40 and the Valencia VC304 and both were adjusted this same way and now I feel it`s so easy to play the F Chord. As I mentioned before, I`m still at a beginners level and have only been learning guitar on my own via youtube for about a year and a half. I love the instrument and I don`t want anyone to go through such level of frustration as I did. Bottom line: take your instrument to a guitar specialist and have it properly set up and if you can buy an instrument of a premium level then do so as I have been told these are even easier to play with their default factory set up. This whole learning process made me quit the guitar several times until I finally found a solution that worked for me. I had been practicing consistently and after a year and a half I could not believe that I still had not developed enough strength to do a barre chord. So the next time you feel frustrated with the F chord, before thinking about quitting, take it to the Guitar Shop and have it set up. Good luck to everyone and please let me know about your thoughts.

  • @wyatthayes3706
    @wyatthayes3706 Рік тому

    Incredible explanation. The idea of pulling against the neck with your entire arm instead of clamping with the hand is perfect. Learned how to play an F chord in 1 day with this tip. Thank you

  • @brazilgriller6073
    @brazilgriller6073 Рік тому

    OMG!!!! I watched this video last night. First thing this morning picked up guitar, and immediately played my first bar chords correctly ever!!!!! Many years of struggling. AMAZING and so thankful. Relax that shoulder folks!!!!

  • @JayTheLane
    @JayTheLane 5 років тому +12

    Seriously this was a eye opener. Especially the bit about the weight of the arm and elbow 👍

  • @freezillanocopyrightmusic2844
    @freezillanocopyrightmusic2844 3 роки тому +5

    Love this!..also do one for strumming techniques on acoustic guitar..something I have been struggling with for many years...your tips and explanation are spot-on! Thanks

  • @johnzurek1900
    @johnzurek1900 3 роки тому +1

    These are great tips, they have helped me out so much already! Thank you.

  • @williamholzman8600
    @williamholzman8600 Рік тому +1

    Thank you buddy very much. I’m in my gray hairs and am concerned about being able to continue playing until I leave this world.
    With arthritis and pain in my hands along with joint deformity and all. I don’t want to get tendinitis. Your kind showing has helped this old boy. Keep those strings ringing!❤️🎸

  • @alongcamepolly11
    @alongcamepolly11 2 роки тому

    Man, thanks sooooo much for this Video! Its so easy when you are relaxing and using the „Gravity“!!! Have been practicing for so long, watching several videos but this one really helped me!! Greeetings from Germany!

  • @johghurt9863
    @johghurt9863 Рік тому

    As many before me stated, your explanation worked for me. Now bar chords are a lot easier and sound better on my acoustic. Thank you.

  • @strummercash5601
    @strummercash5601 Рік тому

    “That comes back to hurt you. Literally.”
    One of those insights that makes me chuckle while also melting my brain with its simple truth.
    Thank you.

  • @Waechter_im_All
    @Waechter_im_All Рік тому

    Most useful video I've seen for a long time!

  • @brichiger
    @brichiger Рік тому

    Thank you so much!!! Best information about playing barre chords I ever received. It helped me massively! Great, great, great!!!

  • @tylerbrown9797
    @tylerbrown9797 2 роки тому

    Bending the middle finger was something I never thought about in reducing strain on barre chords!! Wow, that immediately made a difference.

  • @michaelcollins8933
    @michaelcollins8933 Рік тому

    I've struggled for years playing bar chords and hated them due to the pain in my index finger. I would always squeeze it so hard to get all the strings to sound clear. You have taught me how to bar in 5 minutes that does not hurt my index finger at all. Thank you.

  • @NUKE-W.E.F.
    @NUKE-W.E.F. Рік тому

    Great tips, and I have learned over time that the more a person loves their trade, the more they try to share it with others. Of course, there are always exceptions, but I can tell that you truly enjoy what you are doing. I can't thank you enough.

  • @peterjensen5001
    @peterjensen5001 Рік тому +2

    Great video. I got rid of the tension in my arm and the pain in my thumb 😀 Thanks a lot for sharing.

  • @MustyUnderboob
    @MustyUnderboob Рік тому

    This information is invaluable!! Thank you!!

  • @shashinigam007
    @shashinigam007 3 роки тому +1

    Thanks ....Very practical tips ....Not heard on any other teachers vdos ...I highly recommend newcomers like me who struggle in the lack of these Practical guidelines .... Looking forward to taking ur course ...

  • @BiomechanicalGorilla
    @BiomechanicalGorilla Рік тому

    Superb tips. Big leap forward for me. Thank you!

  • @fineshmaker7847
    @fineshmaker7847 3 роки тому +2

    king, helped a lot! thank you

  • @MoovesMusic
    @MoovesMusic 2 роки тому

    Amazing video - so well explained and got me playing with much greater ease immediately

  • @drakehawken
    @drakehawken Рік тому

    Thank you so much! been struggling with this didnt know if it was the frets or the way I was playing but now I know

  • @anitazuck
    @anitazuck Рік тому

    Tremendously helpful ! Thanks !

  • @GollyVids
    @GollyVids 2 роки тому

    This video is amazing. In the passed I've watched videos on this subject that didn't help and it out me off looking at other videos on the subject. A few years later and I find this video woo. Thanks for the help. Straight off the bat I'm so much better

  • @Joniwima1
    @Joniwima1 Рік тому

    Thanks for the helpful tips!

  • @vateok6840
    @vateok6840 3 роки тому +4

    Wth, I have watched at least 10 barre chord tutorial videos to no avail, and u make my first attempt successful, my mistake all this time is that my barre isnt close enough to the frets, thx sir!

  • @maximedumas175
    @maximedumas175 Рік тому

    It s insane how HARD the "just relax your hand" tips helped me ! I don t realy get why it works so well, but it does ! Thank you

  • @hitzaz8
    @hitzaz8 7 років тому +8

    Hey, you are the best teacher out there !!!
    Thanks a lot !!!

  • @gewarren
    @gewarren 3 роки тому +1

    Very nice! Thanks for the tips.

  • @ogurlz
    @ogurlz Рік тому

    this was SUPER helpful thank you! been playing with such thumb pain lately and this helps a lot!

  • @shorterm8801
    @shorterm8801 Рік тому

    The "pulling" advice is goddam amazing

  • @17Jody2012
    @17Jody2012 Рік тому +2

    Crazy how you can do something right but so wrong at the same time. This video is exactly what I needed. Thank you!!!

  • @leeow3n
    @leeow3n Рік тому

    great advice i haven't heard elsewhere

  • @suzannesigurdson9000
    @suzannesigurdson9000 Рік тому

    Amazing....thank you so much...I needed to hear this!!

  • @theresewalters1696
    @theresewalters1696 Рік тому

    Thanks. I have not heard this before. It truly helps!

  • @liveair4208
    @liveair4208 2 роки тому

    Best Class For Barre Chords. Thanks bro!!

  • @henrynavarra7540
    @henrynavarra7540 Рік тому

    a very instructive guitar lesson!!!!

  • @labhanshchaurasia2735
    @labhanshchaurasia2735 2 роки тому

    Thank you so much sir! This has been a great help to my sore thumb!

  • @robertq8412
    @robertq8412 Рік тому

    excellent tips. Had not seen anything like this before!!

  • @titaneer1367
    @titaneer1367 3 роки тому

    thank you for the tips, helped a lot with fret placement.

  • @deniadlertopuzoglu559
    @deniadlertopuzoglu559 Рік тому

    Really Thank you I felt as if I was doing it virtually in right way yet even before playing it physically because I got the right mental preparation about the challenges and so that I avoid hours of wrong repeatings and frustrations

  • @Masnadaa
    @Masnadaa Рік тому

    This what I needed to know. I just started to self learn classical guitar with the Christopher Parkening method and my arm and thumb hurt. This video is amazing. Thank you!

  • @juliecordero5272
    @juliecordero5272 4 місяці тому

    this makes sm more sense thank uuuu 😊

  • @bertbotha6370
    @bertbotha6370 Рік тому

    Thanks for these useful tips, great.

  • @syzneyp17
    @syzneyp17 Рік тому

    Great vid really opened my eyes

  • @borissirobjones7960
    @borissirobjones7960 Рік тому

    Thanks buddy. Great advice.

  • @JJacob
    @JJacob Рік тому

    Thank you! I've been hoping for some solutions!

  • @JamieR
    @JamieR Рік тому

    This makes so much sense. Been squeeezing with my thumb and hand... after trying some high neck bar chords my hand feels like it's about to fall off. Will practice this. Thanks for the video!

  • @nenadmilenkovic-panic6079
    @nenadmilenkovic-panic6079 Рік тому

    Excellent explanation 👌👏👏👏

  • @rqualls25
    @rqualls25 8 місяців тому

    I understand that you didn't come up with this, but this just changed my life. I was hurting in my left hand, but as soon as I tried this, it had immediate results. Much less fatigue to my thumb and fingers. Thank you for this!

  • @emc5678
    @emc5678 Рік тому

    Ok. Best Barre Chords lesson on UA-cam. This is real technique.

  • @riffmondo9733
    @riffmondo9733 Рік тому

    This was a great lesson. Works nicely

  • @aanchaldogra
    @aanchaldogra Рік тому

    Wow . I was struggling since years
    Thank you so much 🎉❤

  • @user-gf5fe6fl1s
    @user-gf5fe6fl1s Рік тому

    Perfect lesson, it made a difference for me. Thank you!

  • @frankiefrankie9973
    @frankiefrankie9973 3 роки тому +1

    Thanks a lot! This truly helped me!

  • @AnthonysTrends
    @AnthonysTrends Рік тому

    Well said, clear instruction, step by step technique, Thank you very much🤗🙏🙏🙏

  • @thy44
    @thy44 3 роки тому +1

    This is a really helpful and informative video thanks!

  • @ppccmd1
    @ppccmd1 Рік тому

    Thank you! Some people teach us to pull the arm down when it shoud be, as you suggest, simply relaxing the arm. I noticed my shoulder up when playing barre, so now I will relax it and it will drop naturally.

  • @tammieschiller397
    @tammieschiller397 Рік тому +1

    So, i've been playing barre chords cleanly for months, however until my recent wrist fracture (recovered, but still discomfort) and subsequent thumb issues i researched how to lessen thumb pain while playing and realized i've been putting way too much pressure all along on my thumb and especially while playing barre chords, i;m beyond THANKFUL!!! to you and this video

  • @stevemcqueen9760
    @stevemcqueen9760 Рік тому

    thank you very much for that tip, this is savaing me lot of pain et buzzing noise

  • @johnmarlin7269
    @johnmarlin7269 Рік тому

    Wow, this was really helpful, thanks!