Forums > Tone and Technique > my wrist, WTF?
Jump:
Original message:138 days 5 hours 44 minutes ago
0  
Member: Damarae
35
WebCred
whenever i play and have to stretch my fingers just a little bit like my index is on the 1st fret and my 3rd finger is on the 3rd fret, my wrist bends and i know my should stay straight, how should i fix this?
My music recommendations:
My gear recommendations:
Reply:138 days 2 hours 36 minutes ago
Member: JTC
    + 1  
659
WebCred
Not sure I understand completely but try to relax at the sholder. If your guitar is slung too low it may cause problems like this. Also, try moving your elbow to a differen't position.

Practice difficult stretches further up the neck then move down to the frets by the nut. Your fingers eventually get acquainted to what they are supposed to be doing.
My music recommendations:
My gear recommendations:
  
Reply:137 days 21 hours 34 minutes ago
Member: dcunning30
    + 1  
773
WebCred
Your wrist does not have to stay straight. Like JTC said, a low slung guitar may look cool but it is detrimental to your technique. Notice many uber-shredders may have their guitar slung low when they're just slamming out chords, but when they have to do something more advance, they often put a leg on the monitor to lift the guitar up, or they tilt the neck way up to lift the neck. But I wouldn't worry about the wrist too much, unless you're experiencing pain.
My music recommendations:
Reply:137 days 17 hours 44 minutes ago
Member: Damarae
    + 1  
35
WebCred
well like 2 months ago i had a cast on it so it does hurt but thats most likely cause i broke it somewhat recently
My music recommendations:
My gear recommendations:
  
Reply:137 days 14 hours 50 minutes ago
Member: dcunning30
    0  
773
WebCred
In that case, take it easy then. My recommendation, tighten up on your guitar strap so your guitar sits higher, that'll be easier on your wrist until things heal up well.
My music recommendations:
Reply:116 days 17 hours 35 minutes ago
Member: Grensley
    0  
128
WebCred
i agree with dcunning, tighten the straps. health before looks
My music recommendations:
My gear recommendations:
  
Reply:116 days 15 hours 26 minutes ago
Member: bachmirage
    0  
349
WebCred
if at all possible, try to position you hand far away from the neck,like you are stretching to reach the fret board. also try to avoid gripping the bottom part of the neckwith your palm. allow some room there. this will allow the bottom strings to ring out clearly when you play...say...an E major chord. the idea is to allow the open strings to ring. as for the power chord stretch(1 and 3) you could also try using your index and pinky(more span to work with)...a little more comfortable on the hand.
My gear recommendations:
  
Reply:91 days 16 hours 53 minutes ago
Member: Zhille
    0  
20
WebCred
Definitely raise your guitar...do not risk your writs for coolness :) especially if you hurt it recently.

Another thing, don't bother yourself much with wrist position for now, it all depends of your guitar's neck, your posture, your thumb's ability to bend(I can bend my thumb almost in a 90 degrees angle it the opposite direction, and it's kinda impossible to play in a good posture on some guitars).

The position of your hand and wrist is important, but for now - take it easy and relax :) :)

B.T.W. I do my power-chords with my index and ring finger, sometimes with pinkie.
My music recommendations:
My gear recommendations:
  
A lick that you can't repeat or don't understand is not a lick!
Reply:91 days 15 hours 44 minutes ago
Member: kRem Osle
    0  
5
WebCred
I agree with many of the guys here. If you hurt you wrist recently, then the wisest choice would be to take it easy. You rock n' roller soul is making you grab the guitar and play. I understand that. However, keep in mind that the more you don't take of the injury, the worst it'll get in the future, and the longer the pain and recovery. Please, you are the only one that really know if it hurts or not, and to what degree. I would work on some easy exercises to keep the strength and elasticity to the highest degree possible without compromising your health.

Keep it up!

kRem
My music recommendations:
My gear recommendations:
  
kRem Osle
Jump:
Contact us   |   Spread the word   |   Work with us   |   Provide Content
© 2008 Guitar.com, Inc. All rights reserved.
Guitar.com, Guitardotcom and the logo, are service marks of Guitar.com, LLC.