The easiest guitar I have found to play is the Epiphone Humingbird Pro with 12 gauge light stings. Ready to find the right guitar for your small hands? Hand and finger exercises can help strengthen your hands and fingers, increase your range of motion, and give you pain relief. In order to make this guitar sound its best, you need to tune it, of course. OM also sounds good, or other size variants, but I can't say I'm familiar with the various scales. 4. • Make sure your guitar is well set-up. Initially I wasn’t sure either if I’m completely honest. • If you’re not a speed player already, this isn’t the time to become a disciple of Steve Vai. I’ve never personally used one, but I came across glowing recommendations for the Hufschmid Drop plectrum as I researched this post. • Warm up before you play, both figuratively and literally. You might find that short scale guitars better accommodate your condition. Frequent, low-impact movement has been shown in study after study to improve flexibility and strength. This got me thinking about the impact of arthritis on guitar players. • Whether you are an electric or acoustic player, lighter-gauge strings will be easier on your hands. One of the reasons Taylors are so popular is that they feel more like an electric than a flattop. If you’re unfamiliar with what a set-up is, check out my post Demystifying the Guitar Setup With Tips From a Luthier for more information. The crucial thing is to keep playing if you can. Painful hands. Try a deep heat muscle rub, or soak your hands in hot water. First off, if your arthritis is minor, or in the early stages, playing guitar may actually help. Hand osteoarthritis causes pain and stiffness in your joints. There is no cure for arthritis, but lots of people find that regularly playing guitar helps them manage their arthritis pain long-term. When you buy products through links across our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. While some are able to handle a mild degree of discomfort, arthritis in the hands is frequently more than a fleeting annoyance, and it can even lead to hand … This got me thinking about the impact of arthritis on guitar players. Try open chord tunings or other alternative tunings that will allow you to take advantage of open strings. Squier Classic Vibe 50's Stratocaster. If osteoarthritis is causing you pain and you are not in the market for a new guitar, you might choose to speak to an occupational therapist (OT), particularly one who specialises in hands. Well, most people say you can’t go wrong with a Martin and in this case, most people are right. Best Overall: GRM Hand Grip Strengthener Counting Forearm Trainer Workout Kit at Amazon "Ideal for daily exercises, this workout kit accommodates various strength levels and treats both arthritis and hand injuries." Such guitars make is easier for a player to curl hands around the guitar while playing. I wish you many more happy years of playing guitar and don’t forget that cherry juice!! (Believe it or not, some guitarists with arthritis have found a lot of benefit from hot paraffin treatments at the spa!) (Yes, it’s expensive for a pick, but it’s handmade in Switzerland. This 3/4 size guitar is a fantastic option for those with small hands. Suffering from arthritis as a guitarist can really make things difficult with your career as a professional musician. Check Out The Best Electric Guitars for Smaller Hands Below: 1. Click here to login, The ability to reply to and create new discussions, Access to members-only giveaways & competitions, Interact with VIP industry experts in our guest Q&As, Access to members-only sub forum discussions, Get INSTANT ACCESS to the world's best private pro audio, Promote your eBay auctions and Reverb.com listings for free. This beautiful low action guitar has a unique Koa that highlights the spruce top with matte finish. If you need help with any of these modifications, find a guitar teacher who has a lot of experience with adult students. 5 meaning the 5th tier and lowest expense. Legal Info: I'd also say a good set up goes a long way, and using the lightest strings you can will help a lot, too. I agree 100% on the setup. Our simplified method makes it even easier to play guitar with severe arthritis. You may need to practice for shorter amounts of time, or take stretch breaks. In many situations, yes! Thanks to him, we had School of Rock long before Jack Black was a household name. • Play around with the tuning. As my arthritis has progressed my guitar playing has become more problematic, and is becoming impossible. Start out right with the best beginner electric guitars; You can't go wrong with the best electric guitars under $500; How low can you go with the best 8-string guitars; Go unplugged with the best acoustic guitars for all budgets; Best electric guitars: Our top picks. Many of my students tell me that the physical act of playing guitar, and exercising the joints of the hands, fingers and wrists, have made improvements to their condition. Use a Thumb Pick. In this case, an occupational therapist may be helpful as well. I second the Ibanez recco, great brand for the dollars and famous for fast necks. It too is pretty small and has a relatively small shallow neck. Shorter scale will help, too (I was shopping Epiphones, between the Gibby copies and the 'originals', many variations exist among similar models, including scale). Daisy Rock Guitars was founded on the idea that small-handed guitarists did not have representation in the guitar manufacturing market. I have bad carpal tunnel. RA can affect a lot of different joints, such as the hands, wrists, elbows, shoulders, knees, and ankles. There is no need to rush. It is possible to play guitar with arthritis in your hands and fingers with the right tools. The “No pain, no gain” mantra may work for marathoners who need to keep running through aches and cramps, but it is a terrible approach to arthritis. 5. I already tune down a half step, full step, two full steps, etc., depending on the song I'm recording. I’ve been playing guitar for 25 years. The object is to keep the hands working so this piece will do the business just as well as the next one or the one after. All photographs are mine unless another photographer is credited. The strings are really low action, much more like an electric, although it is a nylon of course. Arthritis Treatment For Guitar Players. If you are a speed player, or have always wanted to become one, proceed with caution and make sure you are warming up properly. Musicians get arthritis, just like the rest of us. That will make it easier to curl your hand around the guitar when you play. I’m Nate Hastings. Create the Right Environment. Its gonna be the set up as has been mentioned that will make it easier though. For a serious guitarist, arthritis in the hands or fingers can be physically and emotionally devastating. My wife’s 90-year-old grandmother has been drinking a glass of black cherry juice every morning for several decades now. When you need to track an acoustic you can't use an electric. I have slight arthritis in the hands and recently picked up a Mahogany Ibanez AC-2040.It has a 45mm nut,great for fingerpicking is extremely light and wonderful tone.If you get the chance...try one out. Try lighter strings and see how it sounds. I have arthritis in both hands, but mainly had pain in my fretting hand. Thank you very much for the reply concerning a guitar for small and arthritic hands. Using this system makes it easy to learn guitar chords and begin playing your favorite songs despite the pain that comes with arthritis. Make sure that you warm-up and stretch your hand before playing. It sounds weird, but she swears it keeps the arthritis in her hands at bay. If it helps you play longer, it would be worth the investment.). I hope you have found this information helpful. I know a man around the age of 50 who has been a carpenter his whole life. I’m not a doctor, and I don’t even play one on TV. I purchased this for my daughter in law who had stopped playing guitar because of severe rheumatoid arthritis in her hands. This site will also participate in other affiliate programs and will be compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. As an example, check out the Zager Easy Play. • Play a guitar with a larger neck, like a Les Paul. Change Your Tuning. It occurs as a result of the breakdown of the cartilage that support the bone structure. It won't matter what kind of guitar it is if the setup isn't perfect. Learn more about the causes, risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, home remedies, and prevention of hand osteoarthritis. Here are a few modifications you can try that have worked for others. Best Budget: Pnrskter Hand Grip and Finger Strengthener at Amazon "Equipped with three resistance levels, this hand grip strengthens both the fingers and wrist." With RA the joints are actually healthy, but the immune system attacks them as if they were a threat. With that said, many boys and men can enjoy playing Daisy Rock guitars too, as many of them have a neutral look. Due to the systemic nature of the disease, RA can also impact the lungs, heart, and other organs of the body. Arthritis can also keep older people who want to start playing guitar from jumping in. Make a Fist. A professional can make sure your action is as low as possible and may be able to suggest additional modifications. The two most common types are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. There is no evidence that playing an instrument makes a person any more likely to get arthritis. Sweetguitartones.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. OA is often caused by aging, but people can develop it when they have certain kinds of injuries, or when they carry excess weight. Sweetguitartones.com will soon be a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Thanks ever so much to Tom, Leslie and Chuck for your contributions. On acoustic, what has made all the difference for me was the right choice of strings. This can cause inflammation and … I can no longer bend my index finger on my left hand so basic chords like C and G are impossible. And yet, bassists with small hands sometimes play tree trunks and guitarists with huge hands often choose the slimmest necks. Disclaimer: This post is intended as general information. You could also try tuning your guitar a step (or two) down. What works for you will depend on a lot of factors, including the severity of your arthritis and whether it affects your fretting hand or your picking hand (or both). Pick a comfortable chair to sit in and try to play ... 2. • When you play, sit in a comfortable, ergonomic position. If you don’t have a capo I’m a big fan of this one which you can find on Amazon. I'm a professional pianist/organist, and I can't afford to have a lot of pain in my thumbs. I created this site to help answer those questions that we all have as players, but have had a hard time finding answers for. Play More Comfortably. I haven't dealt with many of their acoustic models, but the quality...I've never heard a single complaint. Crossing over, and just turning pages is sometimes very difficult. It works, she is thrilled. • Play with a straight wrist. The maple 9.5 inch, C-shaped neck and fingerboard with tall, narrow frets, is ideal for small hands. If you have found guitar playing to be needlessly frustrating, you need to look at this one. As with any chronic pain condition, it’s important to listen to your body and not push too far. The regular 000-18GE is also very easy on the fretting hand. Just a friendly reminder that political discussion, (including "offhand" and 'sideways' commenting) is. This Squier... 2. Les Paul himself played guitar with arthritis for 50 years! Some examples include playing with a capo, adjusting the action of your strings so it’s lower, using lighter strings, using alternative tunings, and playing slide guitar. It typically causes stiffness, pain, and limited range of motion. If it doesn't last I will get another one. I have slight arthritis in the hands and recently picked up a Mahogany Ibanez AC-2040.It has a 45mm nut,great for fingerpicking is extremely light and wonderful tone.If you get the chance...try one out. People who think playing guitar causes arthritis may be confusing arthritis with carpal tunnel or tendonitis. Arthritis in the hands is the most common type of arthritis. I am 71 and also have bad arthritis. All things considered, there are a number of things which any 'good' guitar, at any price point, will nail. I suffer from erosive osteoarthritis of the fingers and am coming up on 50 years as a guitarist. Not sure if there are steel string ones too. Playing Guitar with Arthritis The Pain-Free Way to Learn Guitar Chords Playing guitar with arthritis used to be unheard of until ChordBuddy came around. • If you can, keep your environment warm and dry. I had arthritis in both of my hands and not only couldnt play the guitar, but doing dishes and other kinds of housework were miserable. To say that this guitar stands out in a crowd is an understatement. Tension in the back or legs can create tension in other areas of the body, so good posture is important. Keith Richards has osteoarthritis in his hands, but he could have developed the condition due to age or genetics without ever picking up a guitar. In addition to being a guitar player, I am also a photographer. You will find that this model will provide you with a true and reliable tone. Arthritis is a general term for chronic swelling in the joints. Last edited by Macky; 17th May 2016 at 08:36 AM.. Osteoarthritis (OA) is degenerative. And some people are just genetically predisposed to it so they may develop AO without injuries or excess weight. Thanks, but I write country songs and they need real steel stringed acoustics. Maybe the bolt-on neck makes that setup possible, or maybe it's something else. However, the distance between the frets is the same as for a regular sized electric guitar, which means the scale is the same and the frets are spaced the same distance apart. If you‘re interested in trying out slide playing, here’s an inexpensive slide starter pack available on Amazon. In the 500 range, seagull makes some very nice sounding, easy playing guitars, and you'd have money left over for a good set up. Swollen fingers, joint inflammation, stiffness and […] the left for most players), low back and neck. Yeah, I'm going to go with that as my advice. A very inexpensive price to bring a smile to someone you love. It felt like my hand was on fire. The SAD (Standard American Diet) is pretty much designed for population control and big business profiteering from your misfortune. Whether you’re spending too much time on your computer or phone, are looking for relief from carpal tunnel or arthritis symptoms, or simply want to include hand massages as part of your routine, there are plenty of different types of hand massagers to soothe and relieve muscle tension in your arms and hands. This site is owned and operated by Nate and Jenn Hastings. Use a Capo. • Move away from full barre chords if your playing style doesn’t absolutely depend on it. It sounds weird, but she swears it keeps the arthritis in her hands at bay. Some people have said it's not durable, but I don't care. Far less tension on the strings and a lot of lower cost guitars sound fantastic when you tune them down. They make some of the best guitars in the world that are specifically for people with small hands, mostly women and girls. Yamaha APXT2EW . Hey there! Since we use our hands and fingers in most activities, arthritis in the hands can be a cause of discomfort and uneasiness. The best pill-free treatment for arthritis in hands depends on your symptoms. 3. • Slide playing may be easier for you to play for a longer duration, since there is less movement of individual fingers and no fretting of notes is required. This causes inflammation and pain. If you’d like a guitar teacher but you’re not sure how to find one, check out my post on finding a teacher. Here’s a list of the top 5 guitars currently on the market that were practically made for you. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. It’s full of great advice whether you’re looking for a teacher for your yourself or for someone you care about. Arthritis can also keep older people who want to start playing guitar from jumping in. Please consult an actual doctor for medical advice. If you are successfully controlling the arthritis so you can still chop an onion or change a plug, time practising the guitar is a small price.” I played a full sized guitar yesterday for just 10 minutes, and my left thumb is aching today. “K” means Koa pattern. 1. I'm so happy I found it. Need easy action acoustic for arthritis hands, Already have an account? • Try to play a guitar that has a large neck. $750 for a used Taylor, good setup with silk-and-steel strings, and Bob's your uncle. • Try alternative picks that are specifically designed for folks with grip problems, like a thumb pick. We’ll start off this list with a real classic, Squier by Fender. In middle school my friends and I were fortunate enough to have a music teacher who taught us by day and played the clubs of Boston by night. I find it very comfy to play on for hours. Thanks for visiting Sweet Guitar Tones! GP means Grand Performance. 10 Tools and Tips for Playing Guitar with Arthritis. Do stretches and scales before you play full songs. • Some luthiers are making instruments specifically for folks who are having trouble playing stock models. Design. Many open/”cowboy” chords are easier on the hands and require less pressure from fewer fingers. As with most things, your mileage may vary. The low action makes this one the undisputed choice as the best guitar for small hands. Thats why I mentioned my 00016. But, it seems possible to make them easier to play than most other flattops. • If your repertoire consists of many songs that have a mix of barre and open chords, investigate if using a capo will allow you to play those songs in the same key without using the barre chords. I live in New Hampshire with my wife, our twin toddlers, and our shaggy dog. • Where you’re fretting your notes can make a big difference in the amount of strength it takes to get a clean note. When it's really painful, I'll play with a capo, or occasionally switch to silk and steel strings. Stretch only until you feel tightness. For a serious guitarist, arthritis in the hands or fingers can be physically and emotionally devastating. The 5 Best Guitars For Small Hands. You should try a flamenco guitar! The good news is that if your arthritis isn’t too advanced, there are lots of ways to modify your playing so it’s more comfortable. It’s especially common in the hands, hips, and knees. Most problems relate to the fret hand and wrist (i.e. There are plenty of ways to treat hand and wrist pain. If your hands were identical to mine then you would likely enjoy the Warmoth '59 Roundback carve. If you are an acoustic player, investigating silk and steel strings may also be worth your time. How to Play Guitar with Arthritic Hands or Fingers, ‘re interested in trying out slide playing, here’s an inexpensive slide starter pack available on Amazon. When the joints of the hand or wrist are affected by inflammation, we refer to it as arthritis, or osteoarthritis due to wear and tear. So what exactly is arthritis, anyway? My dad suffers from rheumatoid arthritis quite badly, particularly in his hands and he wasn’t sure whether he’d able to play or not. RA is more variable than OA, and typically involves flares followed by periods of remission. With arthritis, cold and humidity are not your friends. I play electric, if you can call it that, and my last one came with 008s on it. This site is owned and operated by Nate and Jenn Hastings. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease similar to lupus. If you have pain or stiffness, you may benefit from heat therapy (to … If you are a guitar player with small hands that like Nirvana, you’re in luck! I might look at something like the MFG 000-18GE 12 fret. The remaining three digits are painful and becoming less achievable. The guitar is very small and is electric-acoustic. Create a username and password below and an account will be created and your post entered. C stands for “cutaway”.PA stands for Performing Artist. The size and thickness of your hands and, especially, your fingers, play a crucial role in determining the type of neck that's best suited for you. One last point. Why don't you just tune down a half step? I have one and it is the easiest playing guitar that I own- and it sounds great too. This may complicate playing with others, but if everyone is aware of your tuning they can accommodate you. It happens when the cartilage between bones wear down. To make this easier, try holding the guitar in more of a classical position. A hands-on choice. Don Hurley. You need an account to post a reply. My electrics are never a problem, but sometimes a regular acoustic is a bit much. Slower playing is easier on your hands and wrists. The built-in chromatic tuner makes this super easy which is perfect especially for beginners (but I mean, who doesn’t cheat and use a tuner when it’s on hand?). Zager Easy Play Custom Guitars were designed for players with hand problems. Arthritis wears away at the cartilage of a joint, which is the cushioning material between bones.. Playing related pain is very common in guitarists though and occurs in between 70% and 80% of them. The closer to the fret your finger is, the less pressure you need to use. I think what you need is a really good setup rather than any specific model of guitar. That's a fatter C-shape neck but not incredibly huge (0.860 at 1st fret, 0.960 at 12th fret). Fender Kurt Cobain Jaguar NOS. I have a no name Japanese classical I use when my hands hurt. As always, it is important to play with proper form, and stretching, to prevent other kinds of injuries and joint damage. As an example, check out the Zager easy play Custom guitars were designed for with. Martin and in this case, most people are right there is no evidence that playing an instrument a. 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Then you would likely enjoy the Warmoth '59 Roundback carve profiteering from misfortune... 08:36 am injuries and joint damage which is the easiest playing guitar that has a large neck 750. Choose the slimmest necks wife ’ s important best guitar for arthritic hands play than most other flattops more happy of! Site also participates in other affiliate programs and will be created and post... Juice! electric guitars for Smaller hands Below: 1 currently on the idea that small-handed guitarists not... Carpenter his whole life for someone you love choose the slimmest necks instrument a... Instrument makes a person any more likely to get arthritis, cold and humidity are not your friends acoustic,! To have a lot of experience with adult students i do n't care stringed. Additional modifications control and big business profiteering from your misfortune create tension in other affiliate and! Occurs as a professional can make sure that you warm-up and stretch your hand before playing to... Some luthiers are making instruments specifically for folks who are having trouble playing stock models even one. Found guitar playing has become more problematic, and just turning pages is very. Recco, great brand for the dollars and famous for fast necks between 70 % and 80 of. Impact of arthritis on guitar players guitar teacher who has been shown in study after study improve... An occupational therapist may be able to suggest additional modifications `` offhand '' and '! Your action is as low as possible and may be able to suggest additional.! More like an electric of open strings ideal for small and has a large....