7 TIPS that WORK! For Finger/Hand ENERGY

[@bocampbell6735]

One of the greatest things about watching these videos is the joy and spirit that Tim plays with every time he plays even the shortest little riff.

[@Simeon_Harris]

all great advice. i used 10-46 for years and years, but arthritis forced me to switch. i went with 9-46, because i think i get the best of both worlds....slinky top strings for bending without fatigue and thicker bottom strings for fatter rhythm sounds and better tuning stability. taking rests during solos should really be as natural as breathing...in fact one way to practice it, is to pretend you're a sax player and only play while you're breathing out. one thing to pay attention to, is not to leave rests so that they're all in the same rhythmic spot. so practice leaving rests at the beginning, middle and end of bars. phrasing is one of the most important aspects of playing and i really don't think it gets discussed enough.

[@ransbarger]

Also great advice.

[@markearly5598]

Simeon Harris )

[@dariusliadon]

9-46 is what I use on my Strat and I really love it. The slinkier top helps with playability and minimizes fatigue on the longer scale length but I still get the fatness I want in the bottom.

[@sansocie]

Pain is no fun.

[@romainbertrand253]

Dear TIm, you're probably the best guitar player/teacher. Always interesting and orginal, always accurate. All your videos have high value. And it's always a great pleasure to hear you playing. Best from Paris / France.

[@dlux703]

As a 76 yr. old who's been playing since 12, I can relate to this one big time. My arthritis has been active for 30 yrs and I have adapted after playing hourlong sets that put my hands in "charliehorse" mode. I now play with 10's (once 13's) and I've tuned down a whole step. Some of my guitars like an 11 on them to get the slide sustain I like, but there are lots of other secrets we can learn as we age and can't stop our love of playing. I also use a short pinky slide almost all the time and play every double or triple stop, or bar chord I can with it to avoid the 'grip craw', as I call it. Young players need not worry till they hit this wall.

[@drsmith4582]

I remember way back in the 80’s when I used to press the strings too hard on my Strat to make chords. I had a good ear, so I always thought it was out of tune or something wasn’t right with the neck. One day it just hit me what was really going on. I had to form all new habits and that took a lot of time. However it was just part of the process we all go through to become a mature player. Later on I learned that pressing certain strings a bit harder can also help keep chords sounding in tune at times. After that came precise string bending and vibrato. Mastering the guitar is a lifelong journey for us all, so thank you Tim for sharing your knowledge.

[@davidcollins3906]

Life lessons. Thanks Tim. My hands get tired because I've been playing for 40 years. I get tired walking up the stairs. So now I take one stair and wait 7 seconds.

[@DavidJohnson-io9pl]

Thank you Tim! I'm always impressed by how generous you are with your knowledge. This video came right as I'm dealing with some left hand/forearm issues, so it couldn't be more helpful or timely.

[@ritupabankotoky]

Thank you Maestro for sharing your experience with this video.

[@ProbableCauseBluesBand]

I’m 53 with lots of hand pain. I went from 10 gauge to the Rev Willy 7’s (Billy Gibbons brand). It’s changing my playing but I’m learning to lighten up. My hands are feeling much better. I highly recommend them!

[@ChuckRiosGuitar]

Still the master! Thank you, Tim, I appreciate these videos, got me up and playing! I hope you and your wife are doing well!

[@AdAstraOnYafro]

Also, I have always battled wrist fatigue which only got worse with joint damage from an auto immune disease. I have to really concentrate in order to keep the touch light and phrase when I improvise. Tim. You are just the best, I really appreciate you.

[@tonymarinelli7304]

Tim I would love to see you do a video on wrist and hand issues not fatigue but discuss arthritis, tendinitis, people you may know in the industry that wrestle with this since I’ve been dealing with this for about 10 years now.

[@Darko.mp3]

Have you continued to work in the industry? Its been 6 months for me and its so awful

[@rhcpmd]

@@Darko.mp3 what do you have? I've been dealing with carpal tunnel since last week. First days were horrible and now pain is fading away.... though I'm afraid of picking up the guitar again and making it worse. It's very frustrating

[@ianfelchlin3215]

I've dealt with carpal tunnel, tendonitis, and now arthritis over the years. With the first two I went to physical therapy, and had to seriously manage my playing time vs rest time. Now with arthritis, there are some braces that I can wear while playing, but also doing doctor suggested exercises and taking care of myself in general. It's really hard, but the end goal is important. The mental weight of having what you love doing most is really heavy too. I hope y'all get better soon and get the treatment you need.

[@spetersonmusic]

There's a LOT of information here that normally takes decades to learn. Love the 'tune the acoustic a step down' tip... I never thought of that. Brilliant!

[@WickBeavers]

Scott Peterson right. And it goes right along with your voice dropping as you age.

[@clgmafnas]

Your humility and generosity continue to inspire and amaze me Tim. You are a true gift to guitarists like myself. Thanks for all you do.

[@fromoutofuniverse]

Value of this masterclass is priceless.

[@martygraw1406]

I’m in a band that plays 3 one hour sets at a steakhouse. I am the main soloist. By the end of the night my hands are fried. Beer seems to help.

[@OriginalOldSkoolFunk]

🍻

[@OriginalOldSkoolFunk]

Cheers...! 🍺🍻

[@MrPlooky]

I used to do 3 hours sets at a steakhouse, LOL!

[@SuperEdge67]

Do they give you a free steak!

[@martygraw1406]

SuperEdge67 yes

[@andrewdenine1685]

It's blown my mind how many tunes I've looked up and said wonder if Tim played on this and sure enough there you are. You've gotta be one of the most recorded musicians ever. If you ever stopped the world would be missing out. Also if you stop these videos a lot of people like me will be screwed lol. Thanks so much

[@bayareablues2255]

As someone who always has a death grip on my guitar's neck, it's a good reminder to be a little more gentle. Playful choking instead of trying to kill it!! ;-)

[@RC32Smiths01]

Endurance is by far one of the most important factors to playing, especially when in a live context! Really appreciate your work!

[@mikegreenguitar]

4:02 "Be Yourself!" well, yeah, everyone else is already taken!

[@billducas]

I've been playing 8-38 for normal tuning, and 9-42 for a half step down for years. I still get a very thick sound with minimal fret buzz. It's all in the setup. Also play with a light touch with .60 Ultex picks (the same that Ronnie Montrose used to use) and haven't broken a string in years. Fingers never hurt. Been doing this since the 70's. I get teased about using "Girly Man" strings. Lol. On acoustic guitars, I use 10's, or 11's when tuning down a half step.

[@guillermodelnoche]

Thank you for always delivering us very accurate inspirational information! You Rock!

[@DaleBoyle]

Nice video Tim! VERY important topic :) Years ago, I started getting SERIOUS hand cramps! My fretting hand would literally lock up while performing! Scary! So I re-evaluated neck shape, string gauge, applying a lighter touch, etc. Issue fixed...Knock on wood!

[@MartinMillerGuitar]

So much wisdom in this single video!

[@TheElectricfishmusic]

Tim your tips are really useful great information. I've been playing nonstop for over forty years, but I learn something every time I watch one of your videos. Thanks!

[@anderson.ziemmer]

Great channel, great tips! After almost 20 years playing guitar constantly, I can say that controlling the left hand pressure is one of my main concerns nowadays. Not gripping the neck nor the fretboard.

[@camillephilippon9594]

Man, these 40 first seconds made my day! This guy has such a blast playing, with such technique, such legato and feel, you don't have the time to wonder where's that sound's comin', what happens to his HSS's strat middle pickup; you're hitting the like button. Good day to you sir!

[@BKRMON]

I put 9.5-44 D'Addario on my PRS many years ago. Still my favorite string & guitar.

[@barneycarparts]

I read Santanna uses GHS 9.5s I use 9.5 on my PRS too.

[@L.Scott_Music]

Back in the late eighties I had one good guitar and I scalloped the neck. I didn't know at the time but it taught me to have a light touch that translates to regular guitars.

[@666Eddie123321]

the first solo...my oh my, so good!

[@aushiomar3567]

Holy wow!!what a solo on the intro!!

[@dudleybonton223]

Great advice, I started soaking my hands in hot water and Epsom salt for a few minutes try it. And to get my hands back in shape I play my acoustic guitar to warm up on a couple of days before a gig if I'm playing my electric guitar, works for me,but I also play violin, more hand muscle groups involved. Violinist Joshua Bell travels with a massage therapist. I understand as I've gotten older !

[@thomasmcgill6918]

Again, I am blow away from your intro playing. Amazing. Great video

[@bmoraski]

Thanks Tim. Loving the Master Class by the way.

[@wilgreene8927]

Thanks for the great vid, Tim! I'm right now, at the stage in my playing where this video is spot-on in it's relevance for me!

[@jitsroller]

Awesome Tim Pierce, thanks for your content.

[@allanwilson8878]

Great idea on the tuning down. Never thought of it. Thanks Tim.

[@RobertSaxy]

I recently tuned my acoustic down a whole step to make the hand work easier and I like it alot

[@butterflywing61]

Nothing delivers like the real goods. Thanks Tim.

[@gambooyt]

Great, as always. Oh and I just wanted to mention in passing that I've subscribed to Tim's master class! Guess what, it's awesome. It's loaded with hours of great contents that will teach you how to play in many styles very well-but be warned: there's a lot of challenging stuff in it! Lead, rhythm, blues-it's all good, fun and inspiring. The rigorous tabs and cool baking tracks also really help. Anyways, I'm very happy with my decision. Already taking my guitar playing up to a higher level.

[@mikeroadblock]

You kind sir are simply amazing. Thank you. Cheers!

[@frollixz3773]

Omg I feel like this vid was made for me! I’ve been unable to play for the best part of 4 weeks because I injured myself over playing. Thanks so much Tim! Awesome vids as usual!

[@richardgreen6857]

Tim, for years, all I owned was an acoustic. Really just the past five or six years I've played electric guitar...I found at first I was strangling them. I've since learned to release a lot of pressure and found it makes me a better acoustic player as well! A good set up on everything you play makes a huge difference as well...

[@sgd5k292]

How about using light 9xx for 123 strings for bending ease and heavier for 456 strings. I prefer flat wound to get a fatter sound on my Jazzmaster. I am 73 years old. Thanks for the advice!

[@libertyshooter]

Thanks Tim! 1 year under my belt and this was very beneficial.

[@eliaspap8708]

Great advice! I can see why Satriani and Steve Vai use Ibanez. Makes a lot of sense now, they fly around the neck like with ease and flouncy.

[@DavidDiMuzio]

Lots of great wisdom in this video. Thanks for sharing with us Tim 😁

[@jamesmurphy915]

Great tips. Thanks, Tim.

[@Bad_Phil]

Tim, Very good insight, thanks so much! (Especially that acoustic solo tip) I’ve been playing 9-46 for a few decades for many of the same reasons you outlined, and have been actively working at a softer touch. Doing 3 x 1hour sets as the main guitarist, I’ve employed everything I could think of: Fast Fret coating to my strings before each set, that talc powder on my hands before each set... using one of those finger strength trainers before each set to get the blood flowing... even using a ZOOM9002 to go through the hard solos before a set. And I agree, it’s always more interesting to pull back on a solo at points to build tension and then bring it home 🤘🏻

[@brianlebrun2382]

Great video Tim. The phrasing is something I've been doing for a long time. Sure, it rests the hand if only for a second but musically, there IS intensity in the silence.

[@MrSmokingstrings]

I got to try one of those at Namm this year. Great guitar and Floyd was an absolute gentleman.....even complimented my playing when I nerded out and played some EVH licks!

[@jeffmansfield914]

After years of playing 9.5s or 10s, I finally decided a change was needed. Now I use 11s, and I’m loving it.

[@johnroberts838]

Hi Tim, Excellent Video 👍👍👍. Brilliant advice, you are spot on about different Guitars, they really do make you play differently. I have recently been Tuning my Guitars down 1/2 step and some at 432Hz, particularly on my Strat's, it does help in ease of playing. Take care ♥️👍. Melbourne, Australia.

[@kungstu22]

9:50. Killer LP tone. I want that.

[@martinandersson5833]

Man this was another good video by Tim! Answered a lot of questions for me 👍👏

[@IAmattadams]

One of my FAVORITE "ensemble" bands, ever, was the Dan Reed Network. I would recommend a re-listen to anybody.

[@ReSourceEnergetics]

You are the real deal. Thanks for doing these! Alan.

[@johnmac8084]

String gauges, I always go 1 gauge heavier on a Gibson or PRS scale length than a Fender. So, for example, 9s on a Fender and 10s on a Gibson or PRS. The shorter scale length means less string tension, which means you can go higher gauge.

[@antma9028]

I do the same, but im gunna try 9s on the lp next.

[@ForeverDownByLaw]

I find that a tight grip on the neck usually means a tight grip on the pick. I I loosen my pick grip, my fretting grip naturally follows.

[@aushiomar3567]

Patrick M this is pure gold advice!!

[@CoachDave12]

Tim this was incredibly helpful!

[@stevedouglas7375]

Good video! Very meaningful and useful information. Myself, I've always been drawn to players such as Steve Cropper who believes --- less is more. I'm all for anyone who can play really fast and shred like crazy, but sometimes it's just too many notes filling up meaningless space. It's all about the music and the making of it. It's not about showing off.

[@rockinroyle]

Nice vid. I took my 25yo Jackson Strat wannabe to a luthier who pretty much told me it wasn't worth his or my time. It was cheap even in the 90's and needs a refret or new neck. It is harder to play by far than my Epi Les Paul from 2019 but as Tim mentioned, this makes me play different and more aggressive. It could be it's the ONLY guitar I owned besides an acoustic since 1997? It could also be that I only really ever played strat type guitars. The Les Paul I play cleaner for sure. The strat I have to wail on to coax that sweet sound from the ssl2's I put in it. Needless to say, I am going to repair it myself and keep rocking! Thanks for the vid!

[@jerrystephenson1172]

Power through can be iffy if you're having pain. I did it & my arthritis stopped all playing for months, I had a flare up & couldn't play for the pain in my l. index finger. Now, I have to aware & not push it too much. Likely I will try the 9s or 9.5s over the 10s I've ben playing for years. Thx for the suggestion.

[@michaelmattson3515]

Thanks. I learned something today. Guitars do have personalities. My Wife says my ES135 is a stubborn feisty redhead. I’ve change string gauges from 9s to flat wounds, put on a roller bridge to accommodate the Bigsby. Someone put locking tuners & the vibrato on her. We call her Big Red. Just plays stiff & sounds like banjo. She doesn’t like her strings bent, especially her G string. She makes me work for it. Put 9s back on her. Found another one at a music go round in Houston with Humbuckers with the original tuners,bridge & string trapeze. Still stiff action & sounds like banjo. Now with a slide she opens up. George Thorogood anyone?

[@picksalot1]

I play 10-46 tuned down 1/2 step, and also replace the 10 with a 9 on a Strat. That 9 makes all the difference, as it helps even out the force needed tho bend the strings. I like a slinky 1st string.

[@luigicannizzo2669]

Tim Pierce. .. The " Master " Forever. .. ☺😊😉/👍👌👏

[@nellayema2455]

Great info, as always! I had the 12-string version of the Epiphone Wilshire. Aside from the fact that it was a 12-string and the inherent playing difficulties with that, it was hard to play because the neck was so narrow at the nut. It did sound great, though. I loved the mini-hums with which it was equipped!

[@michaelgrove3595]

Tim, one of my all-time favorite records is Toy Matinee! Great record and was inspired by your playing on it!!

[@kenster865]

I like the idea of tuning an acoustic guitar down to make the strings easier to play. I need to do more of that. As to string gauges, For years I've used 9.5 sets as a compromise. They are my Goldilocks string sets... often 9's are too light, 10's too heavy.... 9.5's... just right!! 😉

[@JackRainfield]

Or go to 8's or 7's like Billy Gibbons. It takes some getting used to but it's a whole new world. Awesome advice and playing Tim!

[@JimhawthorneNet]

Very good points. Also when you use lighter gauge strings or tune down, there is more of a micro-instance of sharpness that occurs on the attack which actually sounds good, and makes you sound more aggressive. When using heavier or tighter strings it can be too in-tune, making you slightly wonder if it was recorded on a Keyboard. Everyone loves a nice wide but in control vibrato, and a very quick slight instance of sharpness on the attack.

[@Rayarlar]

I had to find this intro again!! So sweet 🤘

[@mr.smithgnrsmith7808]

I played acoustic for a couple yrs, got into soloing etc...then went and played an electric for the first time and it was effortless...barre chords were very easy etc...glad I picked up the acoustic first...built up hand strength and worked a lot on fingerstyle, which I probably wouldn’t have done if I went right to an electric...now I have 12 guitars...help, I can’t stop buying them...

[@matthewbankert8537]

Hi Tim. Appreciate all you do for aspiring musicians. Was really hoping you could do an entire episode on your Toy Matinee work. An album which I consider to be perfection. My friends and I, at first listening, thought the Ballad Of Jenny Ledge was Steely Dan in some sort of resurgence. The production quality was amazing and still is to this day. Thanks for teaching!

[@ChristianMartinTM]

Thanks Tim!!!...I learn a lot of you .Sir!

[@BobbyLaneProductions]

as always: great advice.. from a true pro.. thanks Tim!

[@generationomega2633]

If anyone wants to take an endurance test, throw on the Pat Travers Band "Go For What You Know..." ... If you can keep up with Travers and Thrall until the end - your gold. Me, I get the "barber's claw" after 4 songs. 😰 Tim, LOVE your videos. Keep 'em coming, brother!

[@SteveSchuffert]

Floyd Rose! Funny, after 30+ years I just bought the Charvel San dimas style 1 guitar. Return to the 80’s. Really high quality guitar by the way. Lovin it. Go Tim👍👍👍

[@Syncop8rNZ]

After mucking around a lot on acoustic guitar, including lots of bending (I think I put a light gauge set on to make it easier), I'm now getting into electric guitar and finding the 10-46 strings VERY light in comparison. Being a bass player probably has a lot to do with it as well. ;-)

[@davidhoxit4274]

Many thanks Tim!!

[@christianmueller5157]

Thank you, Tim!

[@scottakam]

Love it. Distasteful=tired hands!

[@waynehicks1969]

Thanks for this. Recently, I have been battling the onset of trigger finger in my left hand. I recently acquired a Les Paul gold top 50 with P90's (love this thing). It has 11s on it and the action is kind of high. I was just playing a bit while watching this video (yeah stealing some riffs) and now my hand is throbbing. I am going to restring it with 10s and lower the action. Hopefully, this will help my hand recover so I don't have to go for weeks without playing.

[@TheSammyreynolds]

Great stuff Tim. SRV had catcher mitts for hands.

[@pinkrocko5040]

Cool cap where do I get one?? Oh, great lesson!

[@johnrogers001]

Great advice, Tim!

[@GetawaysandGuitars]

Your playing never ceases to amaze me, brilliant tips as usual. BTW, I use 9 - 46 light top heavy bottom have you tried them? The best of both worlds ;0)

[@drsimple]

Love your videos, Tim. If you ever want to do one about the parts you played on the Toy Matinee album I’m sure more than a few of us would be thrilled.

[@limpindug]

Whoo hoo! slow hand Tim, also a sophisticated way to get back in the pocket? Great tips again thanks. Be safe to stay well to all.

[@simontemplar3359]

Hey Tim! Thanks for sharing the knowledge and some savagely tasty riffs! I appreciate great players like you who are also so kind as to share what you know. I never realized that 10s held tune better. Usually I use 9s, but I'll have to give 10s a shot. Majorly important point about economy of motion and tasteful playing. Like anything else, its part art and science, but working through it and finding that balance is part of discovering yourself as a player. Thanks again! Cheers

[@dmike03]

I played a Les Paul for a long time cuz, well, my guitar hero has always been Slash! But trying to play his stuff or things like him, my hands would fatigue so fast. Then one day I picked up my buddies SG and was amazed how much easier I could play with much less fatigue. So I went and bought one. I still have my Les Paul and love it, but I end up play the SG 90% of the time!

[@jamesortiz5388]

Nice. Give the thunderbird a try.

[@johnmac8084]

@@jamesortiz5388 Do you mean Firebird?

[@jamesortiz5388]

lol. Yes firebird. :)

[@Addicted2Guitar]

Dude those Floyd Rose guitars are so awesome.

[@PeteThorn]

Great vid Tim! Miss you. That Epi sounds great

[@vicloher6986]

Great stuff. Thanks Tim

[@AliKiani7887]

Super thin C shape neck guitars with standard fret ( not jumbo ) will help you to play with more speed and comfort

[@johndukeoneill]

Thanks for the video, Tim. I’ve been playing chord melodies/solos ala Joe Pass and I don’t understand how his hands don’t get tired fast... my hand is killing me after playing a couple tunes

[@markbaum9615]

Ol' passalaqua ....just watching Joe makes my hands tired...what an icon

[@fenderbender3478]

I read somewhere Clapton taught Harrison to use a banjo top string for the high E and then fit a set of 10 to 46 discarding the low 46 E. What do you think, have you ever heard or tried this?

[@mcmillanalex]

I've set up a Takamine acoustic with Martin Silk and Steel strings. It's almost as effortlessly playable as my Strat. I'd recommend trying those strings on an acoustic.

[@tommynoble3428]

It's amazing to me that Greg Howe is as good as he is. He looks like he's trying to press straight through the neck with his left hand - like he's trying to murder the guitar with his fingertips. MY hands cramp after watching Greg. He's an absolute legend though, and a helluva nice guy. Just looks like he's got the jaws of life for a left hand as he plays.

[@andreadt3971]

Thanks! Great advice!