Subject:      Re: Guitar Injuries

> hI
>
> Hi I am a finger picker and have found that one problem is that I need to
> rest the palm of my picking hand on the strings in order to damp them.
> Im sure this is a partial cause of my tendinitis because the tendons need to
> be
> tense to hold this postion. Anyone know an alternative damping method ??
>

I understand what you mean.  I think a contributor to the problems
I developed was the same situation, esp. when I would damp the
strings and then pluck chords by snapping my right wrist backwards.

With this as with some other aspects of guitar, it may not be
possible to *entirely* avoid positions or techniques that are
potentially a problem.  Much of ergonomic guitar technique
seems to be the art of compromise, trying to give each part
of the body a break when possible.  I try to alter my guitar
position a lot instead of sticking with one "right" posture.
If my right hand bothers me, I may end up rolling my guitar'ss
to edge back towards me to ease picking: this makes the left
hand reach around farther, so if that's giving me grief I
may do something else.

In regard to the fingerpicking, I encourage you to pursue a
more "classical" approach where, when possible, your right hand
is at least two or three inches out from the strings and you
pick by pulling your fingers in towards the palm of your hand.
This, as opposed to having your hand always tight to the
strings and having to use both your finger extensors and
flexors to pluck.  Having said that, there are things I
play where I've *got* to mute with my palm, especially when
I flat pick.  In this latter case it can be trouble because
it makes you pick with your wrist rather than with your
whole arm.  As I said, trying to mix it up and not stay
glued into a certain position is the least you can do.

Also: see if you can reduce the force you use.  I used to
really grab those strings and yank 'em hard, as well as
fretting with the Fist of Steel.  Not necessary.