ralius18

When I play power chords, the 3 finger version, I tend to block the other strings with my index finger. The trouble is that when I keep playing them for too long, my left hand fingers get extremely sore. This also happens with regular barre chords, but never happens when I play classical stuff.

How can I stop this from happening?

oneblackened

Be more precise with your picking.

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Junior#1

...........that has nothing to do with TS's question.


What part of your fingers hurts? If it's the tips, that's just your fingers building up calluses and getting used to the strings. Nothing you can do about that. Just keep playing and eventually it will get easier.

If it's your hand itself that's hurting, and it feels like a muscle cramp, you are using too much pressure and are probably applying that pressure with your thumb. All the force needed to fret the strings should come from your fingers. The thumb is only there to support the neck.

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oneblackened

Let me explain. He's muting strings with his first finger for power chords. That tells me he's having trouble not hitting other strings when doing power chords, which tells me he should clean up his strumming.

Otherwise, you're right.

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grungelive72

I had the same problem when I played on a Les Paul, and then I moved to an Ibanez. I don't have that problem anymore. Go to a guitar store and try a guitar with a thinner neck or lower action and see if that changes anything. Either that, or try putting lighter strings on your guitar.

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Junior#1

Or he's just using proper technique. If possible, you're supposed to use your first finger to mute all the strings higher (in pitch) than the one you're playing on, as well as one string lower. Regardless, there's no way that left hand muting should cause any pain, unless you're like 90 years old with extremely severe arthritis.

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ZILtoid_1991

I also have this then I try other guitars. I think after you get used to playing on that neck, it'll go away.

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astholkohtz

how can you block the other notes with the index? the index is behind the other 2 fingers, you can do whatever you want to do with your index finger, as long as you press the first string!

ralius18

But you got to mute the other strings unless you want them strummed every now and again.

It's mostly my index finger that hurts, and this also happens with regular barre chords.
I've tried it on all my different guitars (and ukes ) but the same thing still happens.

Any help?

wench38

Pressing too hard? If your muting in a power chord you only need press just hard enough to make that first string sound and it simply lays over the others lightly.

Try using just that finger with the minimum pressure needed to make the note sound of the power chord. It doesn't take much at all. If it does take much pressure you may need a good setup/action adjustment.

Zoomyrs1

Out of curiosity where are you holding the guitar at?

Do you have the issue sitting standing or both?

astholkohtz

i misunderstood the problem. why don't you post a video?

Zaphod_Beeblebr

He means that the process of holding a power chord for an extended period of time is causing his hand to ache, by blocking the other strings he means muting the ones that aren't being played. I think we can all agree that's a good thing

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astholkohtz

it is, indeed, and lol

ralius18

It's both sitting and standing. Yes, that is the problem, and it's getting extremely annoying.
I've tried the 'pressing lightly' thing and it doesn't work :/