Thubstruck

[johnbguitar]

Okay, I am mildly addicted to Flamenco and play about 5 hours each and every day. I also ride a Harley and use my left hand for the clutch. Problem is it is getting almost to painful to play anymore as my thumb on the left hand and the tendons around it are killing me. Has anyone else had this problem and got any comments or advice? (I may not play as much as I'd like to but I am addicted and do not really want to stop even for a short time unless that is the only way). It started a few years ago and has steadily gotten worse.

[Dave Tate]

What are you playing when it starts hurting? If it's barre chords, you're squeezing the neck harder than you need to - I have the same issue. Otherwise, keep an eye on the angle of your wrist, it should basically be straight. Also make sure your thumb stays near the middle of the back of the neck, don't let it creep too far up or down.

Hope that helps...

~DT

[NGiorgio]

If the pain is severe, you should stop playing and seek some medical advice. The longer that you keep playing in pain, the worse it may get. Not something to take lightly.

[at_leo_87]

i agree with both of these guys. you're probably squeezing too hard. you should be able to play without using the thumb at all. use the weight of your arm instead.

and if the pain is bad, it might be a very good idea to go see a doctor before it gets worse.

[Sandra]

It started a few years ago and has steadily gotten worse.
How old are you? Arthritis is part of the aging process and for some it starts sooner than for others, unfortunately.

Playing five hours a day is a lot. You might need to cut back a bit, or at least break your playing sessions into shorter spurts with longer rest breaks between if overplaying is an issue.

That, or you could give up riding your Harley. Naw, I know you ain't gonna do that. :p