Here are two more interesting emails I’ve got lately.
I hope you find the emails and my thoughts useful…
Email #1
“I am a 52-year-old man who has played guitar on and off for 30 odd years, but not any good I must confess, but your book Fingerstyle 101 made me understand a lot and I now play 3 hours every day.
30 years ago I served as a soldier in Lebanon and was diagnosed with PTSD and that has been a struggle for more than 20 years now but with the guitar, I get some free time from the PTSD, and it has helped me to get a lot better because I now have something to do (haven’t worked for 20 years because of the PTSD).
So thanks a million for your book and for inspiring me to pick up and dust off the Guitar.
Yours sincerely”
Ingar
Thanks a million to Ingar for the email.
It means a lot to hear.
I’ve used music to help heal in the past, and I think all musicians have at some point.
Life sometimes feels a little difficult (and I love my life) so I can only imagine what PTSD must be like.
I’m not saying the guitar is the answer to life’s problems, but anything that brings us joy and happiness each day is well worth pursuing, no matter what life throws at you.
Every one of us has to go through troubled times, but since picking up the guitar at age 15, I realised there is one constant in my life…
That is the fact, the guitar is always there for me when I need it.
That goes for good times, sad times, and everything in between.
It really is a wonderful instrument.
Okay, so let’s move on to something really practical…
Email #2
“Dan: I have a question outside of the normal questions you may receive or have received.
My question relates to the proper position your fretting hand should be. While forming various chords C, D, G, or others I am getting a sharp pain just above my left [fretting] wrist at around the wrist bone.
I’ve tried stretching exercises etc. but it’s still there. My guitar is a Taylor GS-Mini Mahogany.
Do you have any suggestions, they would be very much appreciated. I know it’s difficult not being able to see.”
Howard
PS: sorry to hear about the loss of your/our queen, we will miss her. I also enjoy your emails and tips. Keep up the good work and hello to Archie.
Stretching exercises are likely not the answer here.
To me, it sounds like Howard is bending his wrist too much.
I asked Howard if he has tried the classical position.
The classical position can be super useful as it positions the guitar so the neck is angled upward.
This means you do not have to bend your wrist as much to get the fretting hand fingers on their tips.
…And that can take a lot of the strain off the wrist.
If you’ve tried this position, and still find your wrist is under strain, it may be that you need to adjust the neck of the guitar upwards more.
There are other potential benefits to this position too.
It’s not for everyone, of course, and some people struggle to switch to this position.
…But in my eBook, Essential Guitar Technique, I take you through a technique called the “Sit and Stand” exercise (on page 8) which can really help you adjust to this position and/or find a better playing position in general.
You can find out more about the 7 eBook bundle here
Plus, until tomorrow night, you can get the bundle with a discount.
That’s because we’re celebrating the fact I’ve added a new eBook to it – a mini songbook where you can learn five really cool songs in unique ways.
Have a great day!
Dan Thorpe
Guitar Domination
P.S. This post was originally taken from Dan Thorpe’s private email list. To get blog posts like this sent to you which are full of great tips to make fingerpicking, strumming, and learning guitar more enjoyable (especially if you are over 40) join Dan’s list. It’s 100% free, HERE.
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