D'Addario Varigrip Adjustable Hand Exerciser Review With Exercises

[@Robodarkvision32]

Exercises (Since I keep coming back) 2:05 - Simple Scale 2:40 - Full Squeeze 2:58 - Classical Scales 3:22 - Barre Chord 3:45 - Reverse Barre Chord 4:30 - Calus Builder

[@AlanRoyHocking]

Thank you! I'm going to pin your comment and add these to the description and time stamp 👍

[@Pipkins0263]

I got one 🎉 1:31

[@AlanRoyHocking]

@Pipkins0263 Thank you 😊

[@JMHardinMyTwoLives]

Thank you for this. I finally got one of these and wanted more of a how-to-use tutorial than what's on the back of the card, especially how many times to do each exercise. As someone just on the strong side of 60 and only playing for a year, your video is just what the doctor ordered.

[@AlanRoyHocking]

Thank you I'm glad it helped 👍

[@DaveTaste]

How can I get one from the doctor? Sorry for my English greetings from Tonga

[@AlanRoyHocking]

Hi Dave, You can't get them from the doctor you need to by them. I got mine from Amazon here's the link: amzn.to/2CZTVRB Let me know how you get on with it 👍

[@DaveTaste]

@@AlanRoyHocking thanks Alan.

[@AlanRoyHocking]

You're welcome anytime Dave 😊

[@LeylandR]

Love this! I used to have great calluses from playing violin, but that was long ago; I've recently bought a guitar and am trying to rebuild strength and those tough calluses again. This is the perfect tool! Better than I hoped or expected by a long shot! I use this constantly throughout the day - whenever I'm sitting not using my hands for anything else. Perfect for watching TV and still being proactive! And my grip and finger v strength is improving fast!

[@AlanRoyHocking]

Great to hear, thanks for your feedback. I appreciate it 👍

[@rayquackenbush4609]

Yes I am brand new to guitars and also 70 years old.Enjoyed your video very much.

[@AlanRoyHocking]

Welcome to the wonderful world of guitar Ray. The D'Addario Varigrip Adjustable Hand Exerciser will really help. Are you learning on a nylon string classical style guitar or a steel string acoustic?

[@frankthetechtank]

just started using it and I already love it. I went through an illness and it's exactly what I need to get back into playing.

[@AlanRoyHocking]

Great to hear that Frank. I suffer from arthritis in my fingers and it really helps me keep them nimble and builds strength around the knuckles and finger joints 👍

[@AlexBell1991]

I recently started playing bass and struggling with my pinky and ring finger. Ordered one of these. Good to know that I won't be regretting my purchase.

[@AlanRoyHocking]

Let me know how you get on with it Alex 👍

[@AlexBell1991]

@@AlanRoyHocking It has really helped, I have little issues with my ring and pinky now.

[@AlanRoyHocking]

@AlexBell1991 That's great Alex thanks for the feedback I appreciate it 👍

[@vincentmepstead6690]

I’ve just ordered mine ,Thankyou for the information on how to use it.Great and informative review.

[@AlanRoyHocking]

Thank you Vincent I'm glad you liked it 😊

[@allhopeisgone0826]

Thank you for this review. I just got an acoustic guitar this week. I can already tell my ring finger and pinkie are gonna need help. This’ll be perfect to get my strength up at work.

[@AlanRoyHocking]

You're welcome Brian I'm glad you found it useful. Let me know how you get on with it 👍

[@thisis4ever1]

i got one and my pinky felt stronger within the two days on my left hand! such a good tool. i use it everyday almost every second

[@AlanRoyHocking]

Great! I still use mine every day 👍

[@wellreadmonarchist]

I had no idea that I could adjust the resistance or use the pad to maintain the hardened skin. This is grand! Thanks a lot for the informative video.

[@AlanRoyHocking]

You're welcome Ralher I'm glad you found the video useful 👍

[@fadrian98]

I just got this in the mail today. I'm an intermediate pianist and I hate when I come back from a week hiatus of busyness that my fingers feel weak and soft. I am looking forward to using this while on breaks at work or drinking my morning coffee.

[@AlanRoyHocking]

Excellent Adrian, let me know how you get on with it 👍

[@kanavkohli794]

Im only 27 and my pimky is really weak i always fail to fret properly on guitar with pinky (in leads but not chords), this really is helping me play leads with my pinky on my guitar. Thank you for showing me how to use it, i was anxious to buy it but u convinced me and now its a regular part of my routine

[@AlanRoyHocking]

You're welcome Kanav I'm glad my video helped you 👍

[@enockmabberi8809]

hey Alan, here from Uganda. i really appreciate your effort and time you spent making and sharing this helpful and educative video. i just got my Hand Exercise 3 days ago but didnt know how to use it, but now i am good to go. Asante Sana..😃😃

[@AlanRoyHocking]

Thanks for your feedback Enock I appreciate it. I'm glad you liked the video and I hope it helped you get the best out of your D'addario Varigrip Adjustable Hand Exerciser. Don't forget to subscribe to my channel so you don't miss out on any new videos that I upload in the future. Let me know how you get on with the D'Addario Varigrip Adjustable Hand Exerciser 👍

[@dwaynecarter6881]

Sir. Thank you for this video. I bought one today. You were the first video I caught on the hand exercise. You mentioned arthritis. Sir. I had a fight with it not long ago. KZbin helped me with this also... Turmeric in my Green Tea!! My mom would have to open my water bottles; the pain was so bad. Now, no pain!!! So, I am trying to pick up the bass and guitar again. As I always say...Keep music alive!!!

[@AlanRoyHocking]

Thank you Dwyane I'm glad it helped and thank you for the tip about Turmeric I'm going to try it 👍

[@antautari]

I only just brought this what a great device and your video was very helpful. Thank you.

[@AlanRoyHocking]

You're welcome Antautari I'm glad you found it useful 👍

[@jamesmarchetti3286]

Thank you so much for this video. I couldn't figure out how to get the calluses part to work!!!

[@AlanRoyHocking]

You're welcome James I'm glad it helped 👍

[@BlackonBlack-]

I too have this gadget, and finger-resistance bands for an opposite muscle movement, pulling the fingers backwards. Also - acupressure rings and a Powerball could be something you want to consider too :) Even got sillicon grip ball and an acupunture massage ball with metal spikes on it... Still in my 30 but already preparing for an old age

[@AlanRoyHocking]

Excellent! Thanks for the tips I'll certainly try them out 👍

[@AlanRoyHocking]

I love my D'Addario Varigrip Adjustable Hand Exerciser! 😍

[@AlanRoyHocking]

The best!

[@SuperKeith13]

Your videos are delightful. Thank you for posting.

[@AlanRoyHocking]

Thank you Keith I'm glad you like them 😊

[@johnmanning3279]

Thank you sir, I just got one myself. Your review was very helpful. All the best!

[@AlanRoyHocking]

You're welcome John I'm glad you found my review helpful. Let me know how you get on with it 👍

[@JR-dilligaf]

Nice video. I have one coming and was glad to see exercises as I’m recovering from broken left radial at wrist. Using for PT.

[@AlanRoyHocking]

Excellent, let me know how you get on with it 👍

[@nt-authority-system666]

tried it, i play piano+violin first three fingers work wonderfully, then pinky is terrible thanks for showing how to adjust pressure

[@AlanRoyHocking]

You're welcome I'm glad you found it useful 😊

[@craggle_guitar]

Very helpful video, thank you Alan. I always thought these were a gimmick until mine arrived yesterday, I can already tell the benefits from using this. I will certainly be using ideas from this video.

[@AlanRoyHocking]

Thank you Craig I'm glad you found my video useful. Let me know how you get on with it 👍

[@rustyshackleford691]

I don’t know if it’s supposed to be used this way but I find taking off the finger pads and trying to press down alternating buttons with my finger tips has helped a ton with hand posture

[@AlanRoyHocking]

Thanks for the tip Rusty, very useful 👍

[@carmentang9109]

Thanks for your video, I have just bought one of those and began exercising ☺️

[@AlanRoyHocking]

Have fun! 😊

[@dwaynesmith5029]

Thank you for your video, Alan. Very informative and easy to watch. Just ordered one from your link. Thank you🙂

[@AlanRoyHocking]

Thank you Dwyane I appreciate it. Let me know how you get on with it 👍

[@AquaFreak]

Thanks for the review, I've got one and really love it. Hands are strong enough from work but don't have callus on my finger tips so this tool really helps get this faster

[@AlanRoyHocking]

Thank you AquaFreak I'm glad you liked the video and hope you found it useful 👍

[@slingshotcrazy]

Cheers Alan, mine arrived from Amazon yesterday, just in time for Christmas when sat round watching the same films as last year, can use this to exercise at the meantime!! Great video and all the best for Christmas and the New Year!!!

[@AlanRoyHocking]

Great! and a very Happy Christmas and New Year to you and yours Richard 🎅 Stay safe!

[@crescentfreshsongs]

Just bought one to help me to use my pinkie more when fretting (and to help with thumb positioning), and the moment I squeezed it for the first time, it was painfully obvious that I made a smart purchase, lol. Love this thing already. Only downside is that it's an addictive little fidget device, and so I've gotta be careful not to mindlessly mess with it and blow out my fingers, haha.

[@AlanRoyHocking]

Ha ha! Yes it can get addictive. 😂😂

[@AruiceTFA]

Thanks for the review and tips!!!

[@AlanRoyHocking]

You're welcome, Aruice. I'm glad you liked the review and found it useful 😀

[@markmiller9354]

Just ordered this. Thanks for the great info 💯

[@AlanRoyHocking]

You're welcome Mark I'm glad it helped. Let me know how you get on with it 👍

[@marleneruel9623]

Very useful review. Thank you ! 😊

[@AlanRoyHocking]

I'm glad you liked it Marlene thank you 😊

[@paulbeharrell]

Great video Alan! I love my Gripmasters. Cheers!

[@AlanRoyHocking]

Thanks Paul I'm glad you liked it 👍

[@arvoarbos]

Thank you very much for this review and extensive demonstration. I am taking up the ‘cello after a break and can see how this will come in handy (pun not intended!😛)

[@AlanRoyHocking]

You're welcome I'm glad you found it useful 😊

[@AbhinavaMukherjee]

Thank you so much for the detailed explanation video

[@AlanRoyHocking]

You're welcome 😊

[@AbhinavaMukherjee]

@@AlanRoyHocking Placed the order in Amazon, awaiting to get my fingers on it.

[@AlanRoyHocking]

Let me know how you get on with it 👍

[@AbhinavaMukherjee]

​@@AlanRoyHocking Sure thing

[@AlanRoyHocking]

@@AbhinavaMukherjee Thank you 😊

[@bcain5823]

I had rotor cuff surgery on my left should a few weeks ago. Been squeezing a rubber ball to keep up the strength but realized I’m starting to lose my calluses. Looks like I will be in this sling for another 4 weeks and may need therapy even after that before I can get back on the frets. I will look into getting one of these and see how it goes.

[@AlanRoyHocking]

Sorry to hear about your operation hope it all works out well and you're back to normal in no time. Let me know how you get on with the D'Addario Varigrip Adjustable Hand Exerciser 👍

[@dominicbarbucci9349]

100% accurate. Have it use it religiously.

[@AlanRoyHocking]

Thanks for taking the time to leave me a comment Dominic I appreciate it! 👍

[@dominicbarbucci9349]

@@AlanRoyHocking No problem, it is a great little gadget . Cheers from Canada. Keep on rocking.

[@AlanRoyHocking]

Right back at you Dominic from the sunny Costa del Sol 🌞

[@renetilinski6438]

Very nice and informative Video. Thank you very much :)

[@AlanRoyHocking]

You're welcome Rene I'm glad you found it useful 😊

[@yvettelearnshowtoshred]

great video and good to see, I am not the only one, whom pinky is the weakest ;-)

[@AlanRoyHocking]

Thank you Yvette I'm glad you liked the video and hope you found it useful 😊

[@BlakeSpohn]

wonder if the forearm excercise will be useful for down picking, what do you think?

[@AlanRoyHocking]

Hi Blake, I think that you should try to balance all your exercises for optimum speed, strength and agility but most importantly you should concentrate on what will help you produce the best sound for your style of playing. If down picking is what you do most of look for the exercises that will benefit you're style of playing the best 👍

[@BlakeSpohn]

@@AlanRoyHocking Thanks for the advice man!

[@AlanRoyHocking]

@@BlakeSpohn You're welcome 😊

[@tricolorro4213]

Very good instructional video.

[@AlanRoyHocking]

Thank you Trico I'm glad you liked it and hope you found it useful 👍

[@I_0..0_I]

On the wrong side of sixty, you got to love that definition :D

[@AlanRoyHocking]

😊

[@TheDandyGuitarist-rv5dt]

i use this and the fiddilink i just got them in today i have been using a more cheap version of this but the dd'dario is much better let me tell you that fiddlink can be taken anywhere

[@AlanRoyHocking]

Thanks for the feedback. I appreciate it, I'll have to check the fiddilink out

[@TheDandyGuitarist-rv5dt]

@@AlanRoyHocking no problem good to see people keeping up with things they love doing

[@ASMRPANDAS]

Great video thanks for the upload ❤🐼❤️

[@AlanRoyHocking]

Thank you! I'm glad you liked it and hope you found it useful 👍

[@ASMRPANDAS]

@@AlanRoyHocking absolutely🐼👍thank you

[@AlanRoyHocking]

@@ASMRPANDAS 😊

[@marcush2461]

How often do you do these exercises, considering you are also regularly playing the guitar? I’m coming back from a pinky overuse injury and need to balance practice with strengthening.

[@AlanRoyHocking]

Hi Marcus, I started daily when I first got it, but now I just use it when I don't play, which isn't very often, to be honest. I certainly wouldn't recommend you overdo it if you have any injuries. You might even want to ask your doctor for proper professional advice before using it.

[@Pipkins0263]

Good hand grip 🎉

[@Pahrump]

It's been 11 months now. How are you getting along with this thing?

[@AlanRoyHocking]

Great James, don't use it so much now that my fingers are stronger again but it really helped me

[@przemysawwaowski4606]

Thank you for the video, Sir! Would you choose this D'Addario or Planet Waves Varigrip? I can see that D'Addario has more profiled cover, do you think that it is more comfortable to use?

[@AlanRoyHocking]

Hi Przemyslaw, I haven't tried the Planet waves Varigrip so can't give you an educated opinion but as far as I know they are the same. The D'addario Varigrip is actually made by Planet Waves and just branded as D'addario If you click the link in the description you'll see that it actually says D'addario/Planet Waves in the description on Amazon 👍

[@przemysawwaowski4606]

@@AlanRoyHocking Thank you! 😊

[@AlanRoyHocking]

You're welcome 😊

[@Craigdhouston]

I’ve just got one, and am finding that my ring finger and pinkie are struggling to even move the springs on their own. Is it better to do the whole hand exercise first before moving on to the individual fingers?

[@AlanRoyHocking]

Hi Craig. You need to build up slowly without overdoing it, so just start with the whole hand exercises and slowly add the individual finger exercises bit by bit. It doesn't matter if they don't move at first. Just squeeze gently without straining at first, and you should start to get some movement over a couple of weeks.

[@Craigdhouston]

@@AlanRoyHocking thanks Alan! Here’s hoping they are as tough as nails by the end of the summer!

[@AlanRoyHocking]

@Craigdhouston Ha Ha! I'm sure they will be. Let me know how you get on with them 👍

[@handrm]

Very helpful; thanks.

[@AlanRoyHocking]

You're welcome Bob I'm glad you found it useful 😊

[@Chris14421]

Hi Alan, great informative video! You said that you done each exercise with 10 repetitions each, I was just wondering if you run through each exercise once or do you do several sets of each exercise? Also, how many times a day do you use it? Thanks in advance!

[@AlanRoyHocking]

Thanks Chris I'm glad you liked the video and found it useful. I just do 10 reps of each excersise once a day while I'm having a coffee or watching television because I play my guitars daily as well.

[@Chris14421]

@@AlanRoyHocking Thanks for the reply Alan! Did you find just doing it once per day was sufficient enough in building the finger muscles? I play my guitar daily as well when I’m not working away, and just started using the hand exerciser the other day!

[@AlanRoyHocking]

If you're playing daily then once or twice a day should be enough when you first start. You don't want to do over do it and damage your fingers. Don't forget that you have the tension adjusters to add more tension individually to each finger if you need to. 👍

[@Chris14421]

@@AlanRoyHocking Thats grand, I’ll keep that in mind! Thanks for the advice mate 🙂

[@AlanRoyHocking]

You're welcome Chris, let me know how you get on with it 👍

[@PietervanHecke]

Does this help for a flying pinky?

[@AlanRoyHocking]

It might do

[@bubbajeph]

It looks like the device does not help with calluses on the tips of the fingers where you need to develop them. Tips not pads of the fingers, right?

[@AlanRoyHocking]

Hi Bubbajeph, yes you can build up callouses on the tips of your fingers with the D'Addario Varigrip Adjustable Hand Exerciser by using the tips of your fingers on the top part with the rubber part removed as shown in the video. You would need to use it a lot to build up callouses on soft fingertips but it will work. It's really designed to keep the callouses hard that you have already built up from playing your guitar when you are away from your guitar and can't play it.

[@davehumphreys1725]

Thanks for the video. But, can't you do the same exercises with a tennis ball???

[@AlanRoyHocking]

You wouldn't get the same effect or be able to exercise individual fingers properly just squeezing a tennis ball Dave it would just strengthen your overall grip The advantage of using the D'Addario Varigrip Finger Excersiser is that you can adjust the resistance individually for each finger 👍

[@mutebmg]

I have too, It's awsome

[@AlanRoyHocking]

Yep great little finger excersiser. I always have mine close by 👍

[@maetrohak-rekve2406]

Thanks so much!!

[@AlanRoyHocking]

You're welcome Mae I'm glad you liked it and hope you found it useful 😊

[@theresaturner5193]

Can it help,with forearm pain 😊

[@AlanRoyHocking]

Hi Theresa, the squeezing action will also work the muscles of the forearm but if you're experiencing pain then you should really see your doctor and get proper medical advice before using it as you could be doing yourself more harm than good

[@theresaturner5193]

@@AlanRoyHocking 🥰Thank you

[@AlanRoyHocking]

@@theresaturner5193 You're welcome 😊

[@DebashisDhibar]

Can i use this to improve my calisthenics?

[@AlanRoyHocking]

It's a finger excersiser.

[@DarshMusicfp]

Can this be used for piano too?

[@AlanRoyHocking]

It's a finger exerciser for building strength and flexibility in your hands and fingers so I don't see why not.

[@UbikKaotikOrkestra]

Hi, I bought one, I find it difficult to use and above all, they say that it is adjustable finger by finger, but I can't find at all how to adjust it, and nothing indicates it on the package. Do you know how we do it? THANKS.

[@AlanRoyHocking]

Hi Ubik, there's a little wheel at the bottom of each plunger that will adjust the tension of the spring to make pressing them harder or softer. I'm sure I pointed it out in my review. Hope that helps 😊

[@UbikKaotikOrkestra]

@@AlanRoyHocking Thanks, in fact, I must have missed this passage. Well, mine is set to minimum, and yet I have difficulty using it, I am a pianist, I wanted to use it to strengthen my ring finger, we know that it is closely attached to the pinky and that it It's difficult to get him to move... Maybe I should insist, the first days are probably a little hard...

[@UbikKaotikOrkestra]

Do you think I should insist, or if I find it too difficult at first, it's because this model is not made for me? Did you have this difficulty at the start, too?

[@AlanRoyHocking]

@UbikKaotikOrkestra Yes, like all new exercises, it takes time to build up strength at first, but it will get easier if you stick with it, but don't overdo it 😉

[@AlanRoyHocking]

Yes but go gently and don't try to force your fingers or overdo it

[@buddhikayapa7941]

Thanks a lot

[@AlanRoyHocking]

You're welcome Buddhika I hope you found it useful 😊

[@brianmatthey3976]

Sent you a Facebook message-Brian in Canada-thnaks for the tip as I am also having arthritis issues-ordered it

[@AlanRoyHocking]

Thanks Brian I'll check it out 👍

[@darrylcarpenter903]

Thank you

[@AlanRoyHocking]

You're welcome Darryl I hope you found it useful 👍

[@darrylcarpenter903]

@@AlanRoyHocking I did, thanks very much

[@AlanRoyHocking]

👍

[@MrCADDYC]

So now I'm more interested in the brand of drink you first advertise

[@AlanRoyHocking]

I don't think D'Addario do drinks 🤣🤣

[@muratkaya881]

Do you still use it ? Is it still in good condition ?

[@AlanRoyHocking]

Yes I still use it Murat and it's still working perfectly! I tend to use it in the evenings while I'm watching television and always have it handy on the table beside my sofa 👍

[@muratkaya881]

@@AlanRoyHocking but sir isn’t overtraining muscles is a bas thing ? I have a hand gripper and it is recomended to use twice a week

[@AlanRoyHocking]

Yes over training muscles is a bad thing I suffer from arthritis in my fingers so I use it for flexibility rather than building strength 😊

[@muratkaya881]

@@AlanRoyHocking but after some time you get used to playing guitar because it dosen’t get harder on strings usually but training you always train harder and harder

[@AlanRoyHocking]

@@muratkaya881 Yes very true 👍

[@maycoed7874]

Is it really worth?

[@AlanRoyHocking]

I think so yes

[@maycoed7874]

@@AlanRoyHocking Do you think this thing could develop a tendinitis if used to much/improperly?

[@AlanRoyHocking]

Yes, of course. As with any type of exercise, you should never overdo things

[@GR_Guitar]

Why should one use this instead of practicing directly on guitar? This will not help you to develop your musicality nor any theory knowledge neither the knowlege of your instrument. It's pure wasted time and money. Sorry for being negative, but this is my honest opinion.

[@AlanRoyHocking]

It's not meant to replace practising on the guitar or developing your knowledge and musicianship. It's meant to compliment it and be used as an additional tool to strengthen your fingers. You're not being negative. You're expressing your personal opinion, and I appreciate it. Thank you. 😊

[@GR_Guitar]

@AlanRoyHocking What I meant is that the time somebody wouId spend using that gadget could be used with more benefit practicing and strenghtening the fingers directly on the guitar. That tool should be used eventuality only at times when normally one would not be allowed to play guitar. When watching TV or even at the workplace (if possible) for instance. 😄

[@AlanRoyHocking]

@GR_Guitar Exactly! 💯

[@user-iv5wn1su4c]

Disagree

[@AlanRoyHocking]

Why?

[@a.abeyta6237]

....Or you could just practise guitar to exercise your fingers. Useless gizmo, buy a monkey grip instead.

[@AlanRoyHocking]

Yes, of course you can. But it's handy if you're away from your guitar for a while

[@a.abeyta6237]

@@AlanRoyHocking That I agree with. It is helpful to take a break from your instrument ...and the news.

[@AlanRoyHocking]

@a.abeyta6237 Yes, absolutely! 💯

[@RitchieCollins]

These items are just gimmicks, there are lots of examples of young girls with skinny fingers who play fluently. The secret is not mu

[@RitchieCollins]

Muscle power but practice and persistence, but don’t believe me , check out other videos. Incidentally I do own one of these, but didn’t do me any good.

[@AlanRoyHocking]

Thanks for your input. I appreciate it 👍