5 Tips for Fixing Finger Pain! 🖐️ (for the Beginner Guitar Player)

[@lauren808]

My biggest tip for finger pain is just, keep going! My fingers stopped hurting within a few days because I was practicing so often! You can do it!

[@JohnOhkumaThiel]

Same here. First ten minutes was a very long time, then thirty and my hands were screaming and stumbling over the fretboard. Eventually I got to the point I can play for hours without a break and at worst just feel tired. I purposely play physically hard though dumb chord changes though, literally to keep my hands strong enough to do anything.

[@karthigesusasikumar7431]

Hi

[@UnSF-1]

I'm not even able to type on keyboard ☹️

[@amalie.777]

Did you take any breaks?

[@thepolymorphicaris1939]

I thought you are taylor swift 🤣

[@saturn7404]

this used to be a problem when I was an absolute beginner! but the more i play i start to realize that i don't have to press the strings as hard as i thought(one of the main problems my fingers hurt) i wish this video existed when i was just learning. very informative!

[@JohnOhkumaThiel]

I think most guitar teachers have been playing so long that they’re out of touch with the total beginner experience. She’s one of the few exceptions because she really communicates with her audience. She also not afraid to show there is stuff that is completely outside her experience and expertise, like playing lead. Most people pick up guitar these days wanting to play lead but don’t learn rhythm until much later. They want to go straight to soloing. But she’s a singer / songwriter type player, so it’s all about playing those chord changes. After a year and change, I’m just starting to get good at rhythm, particularly Blues.

[@karthigesusasikumar7431]

Hi

[@OFFICIAL_FORSAKEN_TENDENCIES]

thanks for the reply i am a absolute beginner.

[@mmxdii]

same, i thought i had to make the string touch the wood lol

[@JohnOhkumaThiel]

I was a beginner on guitar not very long ago, though I was already a musician on another instrument. On TIP # 1: In the very beginning, I would say 10 minutes a day was the absolute limit. I didn’t have the muscle in my hands to do any more than that. That was probably about the first two months. When the callouses get too hard and start to crack, don’t try to cut them and particularly don’t pick at them. Instead get an emory board and keep them hard but smooth. You’re going to go through this all over again when you start to play barre chords. When you play chords, learn to relax. You don’t need a death grip on the neck. The string doesn’t need to be pressed down to the wood, just the frets. In fact, if you press too hard then you will play those notes out of tune because you’re bending the strings. And the better you are at playing relaxed, the faster you can do everything from chord transitions to playing heavy metal licks.

[@karthigesusasikumar7431]

Hi

[@tacoandurmom]

this is very helpful

[@tacoandurmom]

@@karthigesusasikumar7431 ello

[@kiillabytez]

I might add, practice as long as there is no discomfort. When you start to experience distress in your fingers hand or wrist, take a 10-15 minute break. Soon, the distress will lessen and you'll be able to play for longer periods of time.

[@livendie4457]

Thanks that was really helpful

[@mercurialalien5244]

I always wanted to play guitar just to ease my stressful day but every time I search for a tutorial I become more stressful and frustrated hahah. Yours was the easiest tutorial to follow I found here in yt. Thanks also for all the motivations huhu.

[@sudenazdemir2363]

Please do more Taylor Swift beginner guitar tutorials, you are best!

[@karthigesusasikumar7431]

Hi

[@Lafalot54]

This is one reason why I don't play guitar as much as piano! My fingers hurt too much, and when I do build a little callous, I stop playing and they come off after a hot shower. Thank you so much for these tips!

[@evasragova8335]

I can totally relate. I've been playing a piano for 10 years and a guitar for 3 days 😂 Yesterday I realized how much more comfortable is playing the piano and how much more I'm enjoying it - just because there's no pain 😀

[@karthigesusasikumar7431]

Hi

[@alaindelanay]

Here's my tip: to change guitar often, remember that Ellen's door is open ( I know you're so generous, Ellen)😂😂😂 we've all seen she has many guitar, if you don't, and 10 minutes every 3 hours is indeed a good rate😉 Seriously, Ellen's tips are very good, and I would have liked to know them when I started 🥰😍💗💞💗🙏🎄

[@karthigesusasikumar7431]

Hi

[@this_rishi]

wth

[@melissaclay8335]

First of all, you are an AMAZING teacher! I have always wanted to learn to play guitar and now at 57 yrs old I am attempting to learn. 🙇‍♀️ I am watching your series on learning guitar and finding it very helpful! In this video you answered so many of my questions and helped me so much. I am curious, at what point should I be concerned that I don’t read music?🤔 Or is that something I should have already done something about? Thanks again for sharing your talent and knowledge.

[@for3v3rfaithful]

Aww thank you so much for the sweet comment! 🥰 I'm really happy to hear that my channel has been helpful to you while learning so I hope I can keep making new videos that will be fun for you to play as well! 🎸 As far as your question goes, I'd say it's more helpful to be able to read music if you plan on going more towards lead guitar or classical guitar. 🤔 For rhythm guitar, which is largely what singer-songwriters use, it's not super important to read sheet music (in my opinion). If you have the chord shapes memorized, that should get you through 75% of most songs you'd want to learn. 👍 What may be helpful is learning how to read guitar tabs, which is very similar to classic music notation, but slightly different because it's specific to guitar. 🎶 I'm planning a video on how to read tablature soon, but overall I'd say for beginners, you're right on track with learning chord shapes and strumming patterns for now! 🤗

[@maximumplayz_0934]

Aww its true, Ur nice Keep Practicing God bless and stay safe, ☺️

[@sismusic5622]

I love how she does so much taylor swift songs

[@Ofc.jxlaaa]

Nah, it's not fair that Ellen still does not have 1 million subscribers... Like I love the way you explain, they never fail to teach me 😢❤

[@for3v3rfaithful]

Haha aww thank you so much for the sweet comment! 🥰 I'm working my way towards 1M but it really means a lot to have support from people like you too! 🫶 I'm glad you find my tutorials helpful, and thanks for watching them! 🎸

[@Ofc.jxlaaa]

@@for3v3rfaithful I was just telling the truth, this channel is the only one who can teach me successfully... Keep on going, please don't give up! 🥰 (In case you are planning to, lol 😆)

[@springs1976]

I love the way you teach guitar,what an amazing teacher,you’re one of the best teachers ever.

[@enby8167]

1:52 is it a good idea to press your fingers on the strings for long periods of time for the sole reason of building calluses so that playing will be easier? Also how often should we do this if it is a good idea?

[@madzster2008]

I remember i used to watch your videos back in 2016/2015. I didn't have a guitar at the time but i really wanted one after seeing sungha jung play pirates of the carribean when he was 5. I then found ur channel and used to watch ur tutorials all the time until i eventually got a guitar.

[@fredschell8051]

I adjusted all strings closest to the neck on each of my 8 electric guitars ...and that made playing do much easier !

[@karthigesusasikumar7431]

Hi

[@METALAFFLICTION]

Another great video Ellen thanks for the tips and encouragement. Popular and good saying no pain no gain. I have been playing almost every day for the past 2 months. I got blisters the first week but just kept on going. I refuse to skip a day even if I could benefit from it. I absolutely fell in love with this instrument from the 1st day and can't put it down.😀

[@LivAktig]

Thank you for explaining how much pressure to use. I grew up playing a classical string instrument, so I'm hardwired to just automatically press all the way down to the fingerboard, and didn't even realize that I've been strangling my strings. But your demonstration showing the difference between too much pressure, too little pressure, and the right amount of pressure makes a lot of sense. In addition to preventing blisters and unnecessary muscle strain, I imagine letting up on the fingerboard a bit also saves strings from extra wear and tear if you're not grinding them against the frets.

[@for3v3rfaithful]

You're totally right - using the right pressure and not pressing too hard helps keep your guitar in tune and your strings last longer because they're not being stretched more than they need to. 👍 Thanks so much for watching this video, and I'm really glad my visuals were helpful for you! 🤗

[@tylangton6974]

PRACTICE PRACTICE.....Your How To Practice/Play Barre Chords is one of the best videos ever...

[@shanif]

Thanks!

[@samayashribabu9173]

Thank you soooo much for this video... I'm a beginner and this video realllyyyy helped me...💖

[@for3v3rfaithful]

Awesome! So glad I could help! 🤗 Now you'll be able to jam out to more songs! 🎸

[@sanchitamishra8730]

You are one of the best teachers in the world!!❤

[@karthigesusasikumar7431]

Hi

[@oraniabeloshi849]

That's what no one said

[@MoeshaVanSchalkwyk-c5z]

I love your classes it is so nice😘

[@for3v3rfaithful]

I'm really glad you like these vids! 🤗 Thanks for watching!

[@Dirty_Rambo]

You cracked the finger pressure concept👍👍. Now I got to know what mistake I was doing was forming bow all the time. Thank you for the advice.

[@dublinro8]

You look like my perfect friend 🤗 Love your lessons! I’m learning so much from you! Thank you so much !🙌🏻✨🌹

[@for3v3rfaithful]

I'm so glad you like my videos! 🤗 Thanks so much for watching them and happy to help! 💕

[@Dark__Thoughts]

Using the right pressure is kinda related to the callus building because without them your soft tips will dig so much into the strings that you have to press harder. When the skin starts to get harder you can actually much easier use lighter pressure, which just did not work for me in the beginning (and I can feel them lightly forming even after 1-2 weeks already). The worst strings on my electric guitar are definitely the 3 cheese wire cutters at the bottom, especially the one for the pinky is just brutally thin and really digs in.

[@shivamsharmacreationscover7553]

Thanks sister you are awesome 😺

[@benjamind7290]

Underappreciated guidance!

[@TrucNguyen-so7wt]

Great instructions! Love how you simplify things to make it easy to understand.

[@for3v3rfaithful]

So glad you like my teaching style! 🤗 Thanks so much for watching! 💕

[@kat.sings.8778]

Ohhh. This is extremely helpful because it turns out I was pressing way to hard, thank you so much!

[@miaflorgalang4741]

Very informative content. I nearly got to stop practicing, but thanks to this video! 🤗

[@for3v3rfaithful]

Thanks so much! I'm glad you found these tips helpful! 🤗

[@avosmash2121]

I love your channel! Very good teachings

[@MuserukaGuillaume]

i liked this video it was very helpful

[@lachimolalaxoxo6987]

This was needed 😭😭❤️

[@Californian1952]

Your channel is sooo thorough and such a perfect teaching site! Thank you soooo much❤❤❤🎉🎉

[@for3v3rfaithful]

Aww thank you so much for the super sweet comment! 🥰 I'm really glad you like my teaching style! 🙌

[@melodyomorogbe]

Thank you very much, it's really helpful

[@beccarodriguez77]

Thank you so much for this video bc I really don’t want to give up on learning to play my guitar especially since I would like to add to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ another talent from which he’s given me and play it in church for his glory. so again, thank you to had taken the time to make this really helpful video.

[@johnghadimi]

LOVE this video so much... fantastic tips and more importantly, your genuine interest in teaching this great instrument just comes through. Tip#4 on using the right pressure: gold mine. It's the aha moment for me. Thank you :)

[@for3v3rfaithful]

That's so awesome to hear you found these tips helpful! 🤗 Thanks for watching my videos and learning guitar with me! 🎸🎶

[@SUEROMANI]

So happy I found you!

[@ManaSong]

I legitimately never knew that you did not need to push the strings all the way down to the neck. No wonder I've never actually been able to manage to play! I've tried on several different guitars over the years and it never sounded quite right and it's always just destroyed my fingers and hand, not just hurting the tips but also the muscles because of how much force I had to use to get all of those strings held down so hard, it seemed impossible. Thank you so much for this video and ESPECIALLY that close up of showing how the strings should look! Honestly might have been the single most helpful bit of advice I have ever heard, and I've dabbled in trying to learn how to play off and on for like 20 years now. I don't know how I never knew that, unless it's just such common knowledge that it's rarely ever stated so explicitly and clearly? I've heard not to press "too hard" but didn't really know what that meant! I just picked up my guitar and tried the chords from your beginner episode 1 lesson that seemed so uncomfortable and awkward and did them while I looked at the neck from the side to see how much pressure I needed just to get the strings to touch the frets, and almost cried because they're so much easier to do than I realized (minus the awkwardness of getting my fingers into the right positions) not to mention they actually sound how they're supposed to sound now. This might be what I needed to actually help me stick with this and finally learn how to play after all these years THANK YOU SO MUCH OMG ❤

[@for3v3rfaithful]

Yay!! I'm so happy that tip helped you out and glad I included the close up. 🤗 I'm not sure why it's not stated more often... maybe because by the time a person gets good enough at guitar to teach it, they tend to forget about things that are just second nature? 🤔 Either way, I'm excited for you to continue on your journey now that the finger pain won't be as big of an issue! 🎸 You've got it this time around for sure!! 💪

[@yohankajayasuriya9900]

You my inspiration. Your the best. Thank you so very much. I really appreciate it. 😘😘

[@karthigesusasikumar7431]

Hi

[@julybiju5590]

I have experienced a lot of pain in the edge of my fingers when playing the guitar😢 and I had much pain when playing the strings in fred one because it is near to the neck of the guitar and it is so hard to press on it. Playing the frets after the first one is the easiest because I don't have to put much pressure on them than the first one.I usually play the strings on the first fret with my index finger and the pain lasted for like 15 or more than 15 minutes, and I think my index finger is developing calluses faster than the rest of my fingers. And thank you soo much❤❤ for sharing such great tips with us❤

[@ApexAshan]

I can literally feel the calluses coming after just one day

[@saxophool]

Another tip that I heard from the local music store guy: Instead of alcohol, like the other E.C. suggested, get a little bottle of Bactine liquid or any similar wound cleaner that advertises pain relief. Pour some in the cap and dip your fingertips before and after playing. Dry them before playing, obviously. So, you have the alcohol in it to quicken callus development and pain relief so you can practice more. All the best! 😎

[@learnfromfiction9657]

Thank you I really like her tutorials attention to details

[@natalieblack3903]

this was very helpfull and you really helped me become a better gutar player pluse these tips are amazing TYSM

[@for3v3rfaithful]

I'm really glad you found these tips helpful! 🙌 Thanks so much for watching! 💕

[@reign_bp7748]

1week after watching this, I already build my calluses 🤩

[@masteryoung7392]

Ive been doing the same thing☺️ If it hurts too much take a break..really🙄

[@xxcolorfulrsesxx6631]

Her: if your brand new to guitar You probably never had to use your fingers like this Me who plays another strings instrument: 😛

[@arielincredible4704]

Thank you! I really needed this, it's like you read my mind LOL

[@Sara-zp9wi]

You are the best teacher ever!

[@tapansikdar4043]

👍👍 Nice work Ellen 🥰

[@angkonsarkar8063]

Thanks for your advice thank you 😄😄❤❤

[@Ang3l_lune]

I like to play guitar as a hobby and you make it more easy thank you

[@rafi540]

Thank you, this help me a lot!

[@breenahopkins9051]

Thank youuuu

[@LitchfieldParkFamily]

Great ideas! Thanks for the advice! 🎄👍

[@darktsunami8313]

Just picked up guitar and had dropped cello a few years ago, here goes getting those calluses back :’)

[@for3v3rfaithful]

You've got this! 💪 Cello strings are way thicker than guitar strings so you should have no problem! 😉

[@melodyomorogbe]

I just got my guitar back finally and in less than 4 days i already have blisters for the fist time, it's so sad (I mean, I know I haven't been playing for 4 months) but it's still sad

[@jezzamae2328]

You're the best teacher!❤❤

[@Jadespiterioliva]

Look I started my guitar lessons today I would say nylon strings can be used as that's what my teacher told me to get they can hurt if you play for a long time but after some time it goes away❤

[@themonster6112]

I need u so much Ellen Please attention with the beginner.. u are the best And ur T-shirts are so beautiful I always look to them😂❤

[@HackintoshMasta]

A friend of mine has been playing guitar for 15 years and he recommended that i put super glue on my fingertips. it actually helps and feels like it is a cornea. i was able to play for almost 2 hours without pain 😛

[@lilitaznauryan3218]

my hand also hurts it feels like my fingers are kinda short to reach to the necessary place

[@giftp1703]

Really useful!! Thank you

[@saad_b]

Great video 🙏🏻

[@abubakr_15_4]

we need a video about bar-chords and bending the strings thank u for your efforts 🙏❤

[@JohnOhkumaThiel]

Barre chords, I finally got it by just diving in. I first tried a suggestion I heard which was to learn a tune with just one or two barre chords, but I genuinely think-coming from experience-it’s better to learn a tune that is all barre chords, like a basic A minor 12 bar Blues progression.

[@karthigesusasikumar7431]

Hi

[@CyclingM1867DubbysMama]

I can attest to how quickly it can take to lose the calluses from guitar playing. So don't quit playing and keep practicing so that you keep up with your calluses, but, even more so, to keep playing and to build on your skills. You won't regret it! 🥰🤗

[@franciscabelanger7200]

Helpful helpful tips! Thank you

[@breenahopkins9051]

Just started today and going to be posting on my channel

[@karthigesusasikumar7431]

Hi

[@breenahopkins9051]

@@karthigesusasikumar7431 Hi!

[@tylangton6974]

Another GREAT Video!!!!

[@giovannaravone1044]

I now play the ukulele, guitar and do gymnastics, calluses are my best friends

[@shurok84]

Great video.. thanks ♥️♥️♥️♥️

[@kyangyaw499]

Thanks for everything 🤗🤗💗

[@kissguy2]

Thank you Ellen ❤️🎸

[@ElanoraC]

yes thank you Ellen

[@at68250]

I love Using The D'addario Guitar Strings 😍😍✌️

[@for3v3rfaithful]

Same!! I think they sound the best straight out of the box. 👍

[@at68250]

@@for3v3rfaithful to me D'Addario Strings are my favorite too Get , because how Great They Sound Yeah I'm a Big fan of Them 😍😍

[@christinelee9984]

Good tips thanks 😄

[@mikehelbert761]

You are a Good Teacher, Thank you for all your Time , Your a Really good player also . Looking forward to your next session, for me I always start with you first session and move through them everyday, every couple hour I practice for at least 20 minutes or longer. Thanks again. The only problem I have is fingers are to big for some Cords , I’m trying to bar with 1 finger , but it doesn’t always work. Give me some feedback on this issue, Please

[@starplayzreadbio373]

15:41 When I'm thinking Guitar is here. Lemme be here again

[@juanlabbe9236]

Great tips!

[@for3v3rfaithful]

Thanks so much! I hope they help! 🤗

[@widow_sonwidow_son2397]

I love your lessons of guitar Taylor swift 🎵

[@for3v3rfaithful]

Thanks so much! 🥰 I actually started a second channel dedicated 100% to teaching Taylor songs! 🎸🎶 youtube.com/@taylortutorials13

[@bhumiarya2468]

I needed this only

[@RihamAkrou]

I have a question Iam a beginner wanting to learn guitar yesterday i went to buy one,when i did the guy selling them gave me some advice and said to buy a guitar with plastic strings to get started and said that metal string guitars are not safe for beginners due to finger pain i decided not to buy one until i asked you Please respond 🙏🏻😭 Btw i love your videos❤️

[@henriquesineiro1108]

As a harpist who already had to form calluses... OUCH When playimg the harp you have to form calluses in the "side" of the finger but this is something else!

[@es_naik]

Great. God bless you.

[@charnekieser9179]

Please do one on nuckle pain

[@Brenda-yn5zf]

Hi, I have a classical guitar with nylon strings, you mentioned that you shouldn’t press so hard (only to the point where it touches the fret) but if I do that it makes a buzzing sound. I find myself having to press all the way down to make it sound good. Is that normal on classical guitars or should i get it checked out?

[@for3v3rfaithful]

You may want to get it checked out to make sure there isn't any significant bowing in your guitar neck. You shouldn't have to press any harder than it takes to get the strings touching the fret wires for them to sound out. 🤔

[@yuu_0731]

Why do I Feel like Crying QWQ (for real) You're Amazing QwQ💠💠

[@karthigesusasikumar7431]

Hi

[@yuu_0731]

@@karthigesusasikumar7431 Hewwo💠

[@jitakshisolanki3401]

My problem is that when i play with a capo it's easy to press the strings and without the capo the first 2 strings like the thinnest strings are really hard to press with my 3rd and 4th finger. (when I am playing the G or Em7 or Cadd9) Is that normal? I have just started learning guitar 2 days ago so is that normal or do I need it to get checked?

[@sugiuesakusen2584]

Thanks so much 🙏🙏🙏

[@basenjipoppy]

Great advice and encouragement. My go to is rubbing alcohol and an ICE PACK, the ones that have the hard plastic cover that fit in a lunch bag or a cooler.....really really helps with the pain. Peace

[@for3v3rfaithful]

I could totally see that - numbing the pain! 💯 Thanks for watching 💕

[@benjiepintor3926]

Strumming and plucking

[@CrossRoadsMusicCollabs]

You are a very good teacher. Clarity and ease at its best, but there truly is no other way than nasty calloses? ewhhh. Looks like I am going to have to quit before I get started. Darnet.

[@for3v3rfaithful]

Unfortunately, building up calluses on your fingertips goes hand in hand with learning any sort of stringed instrument, but it's not as bad as you might think! 🤗 You can gently file them a little so they stay rough but don't look ghastly and after the initial pain of developing them, they'll last as long as you keep practicing and make learning the guitar a lot more fun! 🎸 Either way, thanks for watching! 💕

[@CrossRoadsMusicCollabs]

@@for3v3rfaithful really ? Any stringed instrument? Chello? Violin?

[@alexasheerasaputra1205]

please make a tutorial on how to play turning page by sleeping at last

[@karthigesusasikumar7431]

Hi

[@zoobajade7341]

@@karthigesusasikumar7431 hey what are you doing

[@r.jlovely]

How I stretch my fingers make some video on finger stretching exercise like between middle finger ring finger

[@JohnOhkumaThiel]

I’ve been a musician my whole life, though I’m new on guitar as of a year and change ago. It’s good to do hand stretches to avoid injury and treat achy muscles, but you’re not going to be able to make your fingers reach significantly more than they already do. On guitar it’s more about your whole body position. The two main things to think about are your thumb and your elbow. Sometimes the thumb is behind the neck and a lot of instructors will tell you wrongly that it must always be straight up, center of the back of the neck (this is called the Classical Grip), but you’re going to see a lot of your guitar heroes with the thumb at an angle, or even hooked over the neck (this is called the Rock Grip). The important thing to know is that you can and should move. Don’t worry about perfect posture and all that; feel free to do the whole Keith Richards or Prince, who are both amazing guitarists who break all ‘the rules.’ Ultimately it’s about what works for you.

[@suhanikang3945]

Hi Ellen, Can you please make a tutorial on Pink Lemonade by Johnny Stimson. I love your tutorials and you have helped me become a better guitarist!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!🤗🤗

[@squawky2008]

you could also once you are home grab your guitar and push down on the strings

[@CampfireGuitarHero]

A great list Ellen. No.5, keep going sums it up nicely. If guitar was easy everybody would be playing one. PS: how’s the electric playing going? Nailed Sweet Child o Mine yet?🤘🏼

[@reduchiha1038]

Could u plse tell if we could use a scale to do the pressing?? I really luv ur videos nd efforts

[@MutewetiTomokaMusic]

I have already built my calluses. I have been playing guitar for 8 months

[@bryan270]

thank youuuuuuuu