Pain While Playing Guitar | Dozens of Tips and Technique Advice to Fix the Root of the Problem

As a professional guitarist, I struggled with Thoracic Outlet Syndrome from 2009-2022. In that time, I still had to play and teach full time to support my family. I went on an exhaustive search to find the best way to reduce pain, inflammation, focusing on economy of motion and learning about the physiology of the guitar.
Here, I share dozens of things that I learned that eliminated the horrors of playing in pain.
It is my great hope that this helps someone out there!
If you have found this content helpful, please like, share and subscribe. If you like, you can support me on Patreon at this link below. Thank you!
patreon.com/KoreyHicksGuitar?...

[@guitargolfguy]

Great walk-through, Korey! For those of us who enjoy sitting down to unwind while playing, I've found that having the guitar sit on my left knee (I play right-handed) gives me much better posture and allows me to play any of my guitars longer and much more comfortably. Subscribed!

[@FRANKCHRONICLE135]

You are spot on! I recently got a American Vintage II “51 Telecaster” 7.25 radius is much more noticeable after playing for 4 years on a 9.5 radius fretboard.

[@mateomarin4775]

Thank you

[@KoreyHicksGuitar]

Welcome!

[@skipperherman5766]

Your first suggestion is very true. As a life time luthier I must say, if you use suntan lotion wash before playing. The lotion will ruin your guitar finish. I also use double sided tape on my picks.

[@KoreyHicksGuitar]

Good tip!

[@charlescarlin2803]

@@KoreyHicksGuitarFantastic video and sage advice. You mention playing in front of a mirror, standing. Many of the lessons I consume are online. Any advice for how to do both standing in front of a mirror and watching instructional videos?

[@charlescarlin2803]

@@KoreyHicksGuitarAlso, I find I pinch the fretboard too hard To get a clean note, especially on Low E and A string barre chords. My fret thumb kills after practice, and I’m not that good to begin with. Any advice there?

[@KoreyHicksGuitar]

@@charlescarlin2803 have you tried a short scale guitar with light strings? Like a mustang?

[@charlescarlin2803]

@@KoreyHicksGuitarI have not. I recently tried the Sterling Cutlass and Mariposa, and prefer the neck shape to the PRS SE Santana I was gifted. I’m going to try the Mustang, while also trying lighter gauge strings on the PRS, and adjusting the action. I’m not sure if it is something in my technique also. Probably would do well with an in-person lesson with a pro in my area. Appreciate the suggestions!

[@CaptJAdams1]

I'm 65 and have arthritis in my basal joint on my left hand. I have problems doing E shape barr chords. It hurts. Thanks for the good video. This all applies to the older guitarist. No way I can do the full G shape and even full C shape. I'm down to just little triads.

[@KoreyHicksGuitar]

Sorry to hear that - have you tried a short scale guitar with light strings like a Mustang?

[@CaptJAdams1]

@@KoreyHicksGuitar No. The shortest scale guitar I have is Les Paul. I use 9 gauge strings on my Strat and Gretsch, 10's on my Les Paul and 12's on my Taylor.

[@MyLifEcademy-sr4hy]

Billy Gibbons has .007's...try some?