best guitar for arthritic handsbest guitar for arthritic hands

WebJust press the color-coded tabs to play the guitar chords. For its price, its a steal!

Check out the Fender Acoustasonic series. This guitar is appropriate for all types of guitar players and also for all kinds of music genres. Its tough to give up the things you love most when you have arthritis in your hands or anywhere else! Please let me know if you have any questions! Anything can be done, so just get on with it. Treatment for Finger Arthritis Currently there are no drugs that stop the progression of osteoarthritis, Marchetta says. Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory condition of the joints that can be related to autoimmune disease and other medical conditions. Gout is usually the most painful form of arthritis, although other forms of inflammatory arthritis can be very painful too. Next, I usually perform a few basic stretches, including: To perform this stretch extend your arm with the hand facing outward and fingers pointed up. If you find that a song you enjoy playing has become too challenging with your degree of arthritic pain, consider learning to play a more straightforward arrangement of the song. There are many local or online arthritis support groups where you can get help. Players like AC/DCs Angus Young uses one and hes quite small. The fingerboard of this guitar is prepared from Rosewood. And while they often feature a higher action than a typical steel-string guitar, to account for the wider vibrational arc of the strings, I have found them much easier to play if my hands are sore. Many thanks for your prompt reply Frank. Ill be sharing this with my brother who loves to play.

WebBest Sellers for week of March 24 2023. Many famous guitar players suffer from arthritis, yet continue to play their instruments. If you are in a hurry and want to go directly to my tips to help you play better, click HERE. Scale length is also important in terms of string tension. Washburn Vintage Series R314KK Acoustic Guitar Check Price on Amazon The width of the neck part of this acoustic 2. Arthritis is a general term for conditions affecting joints and surrounding tissues. Web8 Best Guitars for Arthritic Hands In 2022 1. And despite the lack of scientific evidence linking the two, it would take a brave soul to argue that this is not caused by years of playing guitar in the longest-running and arguably one of the hardest-working bands to ever grace a stage. While theacousticguitarist.com covers the acoustic guitar specifically, I still love electric guitars, and due to the lighter gauge strings and lower action found on most electric guitars (compared to the acoustic) they can be a lot easier to play when your fingers, and/or wrists are sore. Theacousticguitarist.com also participates in various other affiliate programs, and we receive a commission from purchases made through our links. Slouching places pressure on your spine, which can cause pain throughout your body, making arthritis symptoms worse. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Speaking from experience movement can certainly reduce the discomfort caused by arthritis. [Why Some Guitars Have Them and Some Dont], What Are Fret Markers For? This is a place for learning and having fun. Thank you for this article, Frank. Keep On Reading For More Helpful Information! Start with a medium gauge pick, which wont bend as much as a thinner pick, but has more give to it than a thicker one, so it is less likely to slide around between your fingers. How Hard is it to play the Oud Instrument? If you are a beginner, then remember not to overdo it when you are practicing, especially if you have not developed calluses on your fingertips. Arthritis is essentially the inflammation of one or more joints, which can cause tenderness and restriction of movement. His work has influenced generations of metal guitar players. This guitars list is arranged by considering several factors like Price, Material used in the Guitar, Weight, etc. Honestly, this is perhaps one of the most effective things you can do if Arthritis is having an impact on your guitar playing. An electric guitar offers a great way to enjoy playing without the stress of an Much is still unknown regarding Arthritis. On the last day at the factory, Tony had a horrible accident while operating a sheet metal chopping machine. Try one and see how it works for you. Australian musician Daniel Johns is another who comes to mind, having been diagnosed with reactive arthritis at the age of 22 and who at certain points throughout his career was rumored to be unable to even pick up his guitar. Guitars with high action and thick gauge strings will be difficult for your fingers to push down onto the frets firmly enough for the notes to ring out clearly. Beware Of Other Medical Problems That Can Be Confused With Arthritis. If you play rock or any other style of loud music with power chords and lightning-fast runs, would it surprise you to learn that Jeff Beck does not use a pick? The neck part of the guitar is built from a hard piece of mahogany wood.

The top side of the guitar is baked in extreme heat, which is proclaimed to generate a stiffer weight-to-strength ratio due to its lighter and stronger wooden material. This may work for you IDK. Depending on the type of arthritis you have and the severity of your disease, it may take you anywhere from 15 or 20 minutes to 1 or 2 hours to get your hands moving at their best. A great article and something I have never thought of before. Remember to take frequent breaks. Bending your wrist too much can place pressure on your hand, which can lead to pain. Yes, tendonitis is one of the most common guitar-related injuries. I was surprised to read that there are many famous and excellent guitarists that suffer with arthritis and have managed to overcome some of their problems, including their pain management. He even glued sandpaper to the surface. Guitar String Gauge Guide Finding Your New Sound! Still, some adjustments require the proper training and experience, like adjusting a guitars truss rod. TUSQ XL Nut Review Make Your Guitar Sing Like A Canary! I salute your desire to take or keep control of your life by making the guitar part of it! It is important your instrument brings you joy and not pain. You can always get creative and make your own sticky goop! To be honest, those steel strings can be hard on your fingers in the beginning. Open chords are much easier and require less pressure from your fingers. These specialized guitar sleeves and picks can be used by people of all ages. Playing Guitar With Arthritis: Overcoming Your Hand Problems Its great to work on your guitars, especially if you have a lot of them, but you should always be aware of your limitations. The sound is very clear and crisp tone and allows you adjust via pickups and tone knob to get even more. Arthritis is a blanket term that covers hundreds of conditions capable of causing joint pain and inflammation, which over time can result in joint stiffness, a reduced range of motion, muscle weakness, and instability surrounding the affected joint. WebI have been playing guitar, mostly classical style, for about 50 years. Zager Easy Play Guitars Neck shape, size and string spacing, Choosing the right size of your Zager Guitar, Custom String Height Adjustment on a Zager Easy Play Guitar. To learn more, just click on the titles below. Best for arthritis: ComfyBrace Arthritis Hand Compression Gloves. Guitar playing is a popular hobby and a great form of self-, If you're a guitar player with small hands, you know how fr, The electric guitar is a staple in todays music. In fact, it could sideline you from playing for days. Millions of people around the world play guitar with arthritis of the hands. For more info, see Guitar String Gauge Guide Finding Your New Sound! People with RA have healthy joints, but their immune systems attack their joints as if they are a threat to the body. [A Guide To Fret Markers/Inlays]. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. For more info, see Learning Guitar For Seniors Make Each Day Great With Music. The best approach is to go to a large guitar store, like Guitar Center, and try a variety of guitars until you find one that feels right. As a result, the impact Arthritis can have on your ability to play guitar depends on several variables including the severity of the condition and being a degenerative disease, how far along you are, along with a bunch of more mundane factors including temperature and humidity, your general health, stress levels, gender, and of course genetics. Best Acoustic Guitars For Small Hands: Our Top 3. It wont be the finest musical instrument to be utilized for classical melody, but it can bear its own there as well. Now with this tool, those who suffer from arthritis do not have to worry about the pain of tuning their instruments. This is by no means a complete list, but you get the basic idea. For less than $700, you enjoy an affordable guitar that plays sound two or three times its price. Megadeth has had guys like Jeff [Young] and Marty [Friedman], but Kiko is the best weve ever had. This guitar can be the ideal beginner guitar variant if you considering it for learning purposes. You probably will have to retune it every time you use it, but in my opinion you should be checking that every time anyway! Arthritis can result from things like chronic repetitive motion, the aging process (osteoarthritis), crystal deposition (gout), infections, and autoimmune inflammatory (rheumatoid) conditions. Fender CD-60S Solid Top Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar - All Mahogany Bundle with Gig Bag, Tuner, Strap, Strings, Picks, and Austin Bazaar Instructional DVD Use Finger Caps Silicone finger caps are designed for people with conditions like arthritis and can help alleviate the pain of Using this system makes it easy to learn guitar chords and begin playing your favorite songs despite the pain that comes with arthritis. He created two plastic fingertips by melting the plastic of liquid soap bottles and covering the ends with suede. The two most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. This is another exercise recommended to me and involves bending the thumb and each finger (performed one finger at a time) toward each other until they are touching. I understand those who come to the end of this article might think Ive offered up more questions than answers, but unfortunately, that is the nature of playing guitar with Arthritis. Ask your doctor if things like acupuncture, chiropractic, herbal, or stress-relaxation therapy can help your situation. Compare Products. I used lighter string. You can also experiment with using a capo with will reduce the necessity for playing barre chords. Tony was convinced that he would never play the guitar again, but his boss brought him a recording of Django Reinhardt with an explanation of his hand deformity. They are highly comfortable, though there is a bit of a learning curve involved. The FS in the model number of this guitar means Fingerstyle, i.e. Here are three famous guitar players that overcame their hand deformities to play the guitar and become some of the very best guitarists of their genre. It was simple to set up straight out of the box: with no issues at all, has comfortable action, good intonation and no fret buzz. However, its also true that a larger neck profile e.g. We all take for granted the use of our hands with work and hobbies and your article will be very beneficial to those who are struggling to keep up with playing a guitar due to this condition. As the adult guitarist gets older their bodies tend to become less supportive and the things they could perform easily in their twenties and thirties become a more difficult task to perform, particularly if youre suffering from arthritis diseases. 6. With the Loog Mini, kids feel rewarded Here are some of the most important things you can do to make it easier to play the guitar with the arthritis of your hands and fingers. Just because you played with a guitar pick your whole life, its not a death sentence if you cant hold one any longer. For example, construction workers have a 63% higher chance of developing arthritis. It is helpful to play in a controlled environment. On the acoustic guitar, this usually requires some adjustment of the truss rod, and both the nut and saddle may need to have their height reduced by removing excess material. I hate to be the one to break it to you but this guitar has nothing else in the box. This guitar has a great throaty sound because of its Solid Sapele back and sides along with a 12-fret Neck Joint. Joints are places in the body where bones come together, such as the knees, wrists, fingers, toes, and hips. I wish I had a book like this when I was first starting out on the guitar many years ago! Those who only have mild arthritis can play normally, for the most part. Its essential to use proper body mechanics when playing, especially for professional guitarists! Trying to play guitar when your fingers and hands are stiff can be frustrating. These are made to have lower string tension than acoustics. Maybe your brother can give your some lessons. It features a nice thin neck and it is an absolute joy to play! Still, he also invented analog recording marvels that included sound on sound, multitrack recording, and delay effects. God Bless You. RA sufferers can experience painful flares, followed by periods of remission. WebLighter-gauge strings will be gentler on your hands whether you play electric or acoustic guitar. Luckily, there is no proof to indicate that playing guitar generates arthritis or even makes things worse. Certain modifications are irreversible, so you may be stuck with them, even if you desperately want to restore the guitar to its original condition! This is why we have compiled here a list of the best guitar for arthritis hands. Pain is a way of your body telling you to change something, not a challenge to be conquered through might. As everyone is different you have encouraged people to be adaptable and to choose the suggestions that make a difference individually for each person. A capo allows you to enjoy full barre chord music without sacrificing the sound. However he was a really very good teacher to teach from the beginner level, and was able to demonstrate how to play simple pieces a fresh guitar learner usually starts from. The world is filled with people who had not made their dreams come true because they let others discourage them or quit when they were closer than they realized to achieving their goals! Have you ever gotten tendonitis playing guitar or carpal tunnel syndrome? Arthritis has no known cure, although many treatments are available and due to the discrepancy in symptoms and severity, what works for one person may be completely ineffective for another. this guitar is one of the finest acoustic-electric guitars for those guitar lovers who love fingerstyle guitar. I am surprised that your article didnt mention Dupuytrens contracture of the ring and pinky fingers. One of the best things to help the discomfort of osteoarthritis is hand movement. BB King if Im not mistaking he only used three fingers playing. Epiphone G-400 Pro Electric Guitar Check Price at Amazon The Gibson SG is the perfect guitar for small hands. He cut off the tips of his middle and ring fingers of his fretting (right) hand! Find a comfortable playing posture, which will be different when you play sitting versus standing. Playing the guitar is a pastime many people are highly passionate about. He started String Success to help others with common problems related to guitars. Thank you for this article and all the excellent tips. Seagull Coastline S6 Folk Cedar Guitar Check Price on Amazon The top part of the guitar is This isnt anything overly complicated, and usually just involves shaking my hands, doing a few wrist rotations (which is exactly what it sounds like), making a fist, and then releasing it several times. It can happen in any joint but when it affects the joints of our hands it can put significant limitations on the things we enjoy doing. See your doctor for a medical evaluation and look for support from the family members and friends you can depend on. Here is the simplified version to help you understand what you might be dealing with. Check out my story on the "About Frank" page if you want to know more. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. My drummer used it to keep from accidentally flinging his sticks, and it works great on picks too. However, the symptoms of Arthritis tend to be worse first thing in the morning due to the period of inactivity while asleep which often results in joint stiffness, and can usually take anywhere between 30 minutes up to 2-3 hours to ease. Their small neck parts and lightweight characteristics make these guitars more attractive and convenient for all of you. He said he cannot actually play professionally anymore. Removing too much material from the saddle, or even removing the nut may prove difficult if you have never done this kind of work before. Choosing the right guitar and guitar strings will help. If you're looking for a bass guitar that is perfect for Reggae, then the Epiphone EB-0 is the right choice. The Cedar Top of the guitar has a cheerful sound with great clarity but is perhaps slightly warmer than Spruce Top (Which is the most commonly used wood in the acoustic guitar). Never attempt to adjust the truss rod if you dont know the proper procedure, or you could permanently damage the neck. You can use the table of contents below to take you to the area that interests you. Eddie Van Halen is another who suffered arthritis throughout his career, as is the legendary Les Paul. #1 ZAD900CE Sunburst. Before you Dont make the prospect of getting arthritis a factor in your decision to begin or continue playing an instrument. #2 ZAD50CEOM. The width of the neck part of this acoustic guitar is 1.89 inches. Focusing on good posture actively reduces tension in your neck, shoulders, and arms and is useful to focus on regardless but is especially important if you have an Arthritic condition that affects more than just your hands. Thats why you should try an electric guitar, even if you are an acoustic player. You dont have to spend a lot of money to get one that is easy to play. Yes, carpal tunnel syndrome is a common problem for guitar players. Rotate your forearm so that your palm faces up and then down 7 Wrist Flexor Stretch Hold the arm out and keep the palm of your hand facing down Using the other hand, hold the fingers and stretch the wrist backward until a stretch is felt on the inside of the forearm 8 Repeat the movements 10 times and repeat the exercise with the Never try to play through pain! Light strings. The Yamaha C40II is a top-notch guitar among full-scale classical guitars formulated with a scale and dense body for comfort. The Washburn R314KK has a rigid spruce top and is built with the Trembesi Tonewood for its back and sides; which is a blend that provides it a distinctive texture that instantly attracts the attention of its users. Keep in mind, however, that this is not medical advice, and you should always consult your medical professional regarding the management and treatment of your condition. Thumb picks can help you play much longer because they take less effort to pick the strings. They offer a full, 100% money-back guarantee too and will pay shipping and insurance both ways if you arent satisfied. So be sure to get a proper evaluation by your doctor or other healthcare professional. Zager Guitars lifetime warranty and transferable warranties. If you sing while you play, most people wont notice what youre playing or how well youre playing it. He always gets such a fabulous sound! Required fields are marked *. Or if you already play but have had a recent diagnosis, will Arthritis have a major impact on your ability to play guitar now, and/or into the future? Arthritis. People with a more severe form of arthritis may need to modify their playing style or use special tools that are made for those with arthritis. Try both of these options and see which one offers you the best benefit. Playing on light gauge strings is one of the best things you can do to ease the discomfort of the arthritic symptoms in your hands while you play and afterward. Tony Iommi is an English guitar player generally recognized as the Godfather Of Heavy Metal.. Playing position and posture can make all the difference, especially with guitarists that have arthritis! The construction design of the Seagull Coastline S6 stands out from another acoustic guitar in different ways. But I miss playing and decided on a whim this morning to search playing guitar with arthritis. Your email address will not be published. Batch Topical CBD Balm. In this case, the dose makes the poison. It has a stunning design. Check out the Baby Taylor or Little Martin, both "decent" sounding small guitars and can be had for under 300 bucks.

Are You Qualified To Make Guitar Adjustments Or Modifications? There is no way to make your fingers longer by playing the guitar or other instrument. When it comes to playing guitar with arthritis one of the most helpful and significant things is to get your pain to a manageable level before attempting to play the guitar. This condition can develop because of injuries, excess weight, and genetics. What things have you tried to play guitar with arthritis? Are they helping your arthritis symptoms? I got my first electric guitar and amp at a Sears store in 5th grade and never looked back! For me, its the first thing in the morning when everyone else is sleeping. I rarely use a pick nowadays (for reasons Ill explain shortly), so my thumb is usually doing a lot of the work. WebEasy Play 36 Travel Size Solid Mahogany Acoustic & Electric. Slow and steady playing can help keep your fingers limber and help you avoid stiffness and pain. Full barre chords can be difficult for arthritic hands. Its essential to ensure you have the correct diagnosis since many illnesses are curable or need to be treated differently from arthritis. This guitar sounds great and is incredible too! Thankfully, no matter what type of arthritis you suffer from, playing guitar with arthritis is possible, even if you have never played before. A ferocious or dreadnought guitar that comes with a bit of everything as far as tone is concerned, this musical instrument is in the same price range as all the guitars discussed above in this list. WebThere are special guitar picks for arthritis sufferers.

Rheumatoid: Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition. I hope by now that you have been reunited with your Tele and are enjoying playing it to the full extent of what is physically possible. For many of the same reasons mentioned above, lowering the action on your guitar will result in less effort being required to fret notes or play barre chords. Best Guitar for Arthritic Hands or Fingers, Epiphone Limited Edition Les Paul Standard Plustop PRO Electric Guitar, Iced Tea Best Guitar for Arthritic Fingers, Epiphone Les Paul Special II Electric Guitar (Vintage Sunburst) Best Guitar for Arthritis, Zager EZ-Play ZAD20 Acoustic Natural Dreadnought Best Acoustic Guitar for Arthritis Hands, Best Tips for Playing Guitar with Rheumatoid Arthritis. You will also find playing for extended periods easier. There have been many times when my hands (and wrists especially) have felt better after playing the guitar. It may be difficult to prevent getting arthritis or making it worse if you play guitar professionally. The Cordoba C4-CE is an extremely inexpensive Nylon-String acoustic-electric guitar. Another option is to put something on your pick to make it stick to your fingers. In fact, many people believe their arthritis pain is relieved by playing guitar. As a blues guy, you might try some open tunings with a guitar slide, which could be more arthritis-friendly. Playing guitar with rheumatoid arthritis might impact your performance. It is caused by overuse e.g. Musicians can be more prone to developing arthritis due to the repetitive motions involved in playing an instrument, especially if you play or have played professionally. Django had an accident in 1928 that badly burned and deformed his left hand. He played guitar in a rock and blues band and quit his daytime job as a sheet metal factory worker to go professional. It can, Your email address will not be published. If you want an acoustic instrument, make sure it has low action and thin gauge strings. You dont need to give up playing the guitar, no matter how bad your arthritic symptoms are. Positive Grid Spark vs Yamaha THR: Which is the Better Option? The neck part on the Seagull Coastline S6 is a bit thicker than you usually discover on a steel-string acoustic guitar. Many guitarists over the years have suffered, yet persevered despite having Arthritis. While Osteoarthritis can affect any joint of the body Rheumatoid Arthritis, along with Ankylosing Spondylitis (another form of Arthritis) among others, also affects the lower back and neck. Works as a guitar thumb pick or finger pick. When you doubt your ability to adjust, repair, or modify your guitar, its always best to bring it to a competent guitar technician or luthier (guitar designer & builder). I won't bug or spam you, I promise. When your hands and fingers are cold, they are going to be stiffer and harder to move. The Iberia Series of Cordoba provides a broad range of cheap Nylon-String variants, particularly focused on the younger guitar players and musicians searching for a cheap but reliable backup option. Avoid people who have a negative attitude or discourage you from playing the guitar. Relaxed posture. Try substituting guitar chords with simpler ones. He was generally considered the best player of his genre in Europe. The Seagull Artist Mosaics neck is also composed of Mahogany wood, which is an impressive wooden material for the neck part of this guitar. Ive been into guitars, songwriting, and home recording for over 30 years. In addition to the material discussed above, musicians tend to find creative ways to cope with their symptoms. Award-winning 3-string design allows for an easier and faster learning process. Dont Fret. Although many people find playing the guitar to be therapeutic for their arthritis conditions, it is important to listen to your body and know when it needs a rest. Pushing through the pain is not going to offer you any comfort. His inventions revolutionized the way we make records, even today! Great for travel, ideal for children struggling to get their arms around full size guitars, fantastic second guitar for the office. Barre chords require far more effort to play than the majority of open chords, as the index finger is required to barre each of the strings, especially where the tension increases toward the lower frets. So, what am I talking about now? I would love to have you join, and you'll be glad you did! It was a "Silvertone" (Danelectro) copy of a Fender Jaguar. Dont Let Others Discourage You From Doing What You Enjoy! Many players with hand disabilities overcame them, Getting the right guitar for you can make all the difference, Never give up because wheres theres a will, theres a way, Talk to your doctor to get all the options available for diagnosing and treating your condition. . To deal with your arthritis, its essential to surround yourself with others that believe in your ability. Making modifications to your guitar can void its manufacturers warranty and cause permanent damage to the instrument. If you think you are having the symptoms of carpal tunnel, make an appointment with your doctor to confirm the diagnosis and get the best treatment options. Im thrilled beyond words that my article prompted you to begin playing your guitar again! Ibanez makes some very easy-to-play electric guitars at reasonable prices (like the Gio GRX70QA, which has a thin neck and a 12-inch fretboard). Willys Lottery Brand Electric Guitar Strings .007-.038 Super Fine). Remember, you need to be flexible and think outside the proverbial guitar case to get back on track with your playing! This is partly due to the excessive requirements placed on professional musicians concerning practice, particularly if studying classical music for example. Ever since Arthritis started impacting my hands Ive become enthusiastic about washing the dishes. Next, stretch the thumb diagonally across the palm and release, and repeat. Thats not all. Some guitars tempt you to lay; this is one of them! If you play acoustic guitar, you might want to look at silk and steel strings as well. Believe me, it helps! You should practice gentle stretches to loosen your fingers. Ease Arthritis symptoms by running your hands under warm water Experiment with lighter gauge strings and try lowering your action Focus on open chords, Helps people with arthritis, hand injuries or disabilities, hand The width of the neck on this dreadnought guitar is around 1.8 inches. Playing with a slide also reduces the necessity to bend your index finger, which is important if you are experiencing joint pain.