Essential Hand Stretches For Guitarists or Any Instrumentalist

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  • čas přidán 5. 09. 2024
  • Please help support my lessons on Patreon. / guitarlessons365
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    Please Rate, Comment, Favorite and Subscribe to help this lesson get more views. THANKS!!
    In this lesson we will focus on a few hand stretching exercises that I feel are essential to every guitarist's warm-up routine. These kind of exercises can really go a long way to keeping your hands healthy and in better playing form. I do them everyday before I pick up my guitar.
    If you like this lesson please go the main site at www.GuitarLesso... to watch TONS of Free HD video guitar lessons for guitarists of all levels.
    You support and donations at www.GuitarLesso... are what will enable me to continue these free lessons long into the future. Thanks!! Carl..
    Lesson Taught By: Carl Brown

Komentáře • 4,4K

  • @annanobert4562
    @annanobert4562 Před 3 lety +7309

    Notes for myself haha
    1:48 massage hand
    3:18 stretch fingers back and fourth
    6:43 separate fingers
    7:18 stretch all fingers side to side
    7:35 stretch fingers back and fourth
    7:54 massage tips of fingers
    8:13 expand hands

  • @kickk21
    @kickk21 Před 7 lety +11282

    Thanks man that was handy

  • @billmccready2038
    @billmccready2038 Před 4 lety +3343

    What a difference after a few days finger exorcises, it should be the first lesson in Guitar playing especially for the older brigade.

    • @A_Salted_Fishe
      @A_Salted_Fishe Před 4 lety +55

      Bill, have you noticed a significant difference after doing the exercises? I am struggling to do some chords because it feels like my hands/wrists/arms are too "stiff"

    • @A-Wa
      @A-Wa Před 4 lety +60

      Kevin I did the streches only for my left hand and I see a huge difference between my hands after two weeks! Now I regrett not starting with both hands..

    • @aquilino1984
      @aquilino1984 Před 3 lety +6

      Do you do these exercises once a day?

    • @businessbuilding1
      @businessbuilding1 Před 3 lety +17

      Agreed. I when I started get into using four fingers over four frets I was losing hope cause my pinky finger couldn’t reach as far until I started these stretches

    • @erojerisiz1571
      @erojerisiz1571 Před 3 lety +25

      Not just in guitar, this should be a mandatory first lesson for every musical instrument

  • @atharva_sabde
    @atharva_sabde Před rokem +734

    12years have passed and this video is still helping us.
    Yes! that's how quality content looks.

    • @sirspongadoodle
      @sirspongadoodle Před rokem +10

      thats why focusing on trends rather than ideas doesnt work long term..

    • @amyleah08
      @amyleah08 Před rokem +12

      I didn't even realize this video was that old until I read this comment, truly quality content.

    • @thepowersplanet9915
      @thepowersplanet9915 Před 10 měsíci +3

      @@sirspongadoodle Eh, videos focusing on trends is less helpful and more like, "this is trendy and funny or relatable (depending on what trend)" and the more people relate to it in different ways, the more likes and views the video gets most of the time. So following trends aren't even supposed to work out in the long run. It's more like a bunch of people trying to get more views, likes and money.

    • @agnidas5816
      @agnidas5816 Před 3 měsíci

      Except it is actually terrible way to stretch and leaves out important things.
      You think it is good because you are totally naive.
      Pick up a book on stretching by Phil Wharton.

  • @justflip351
    @justflip351 Před 4 lety +7811

    I stopped playing guitar for minutes to find some finger exercise. After watching this video, my guitar pick was taken by aliens.

    • @jackbailey3788
      @jackbailey3788 Před 4 lety +290

      I mean where else would they go to be fair

    • @SBJ84
      @SBJ84 Před 4 lety +411

      When they return it, it will be in the exact same spot you last saw it.

    • @Galilien_7
      @Galilien_7 Před 4 lety +86

      ify i placed my pick on one spot then after some time pass it's like it disappeared into thin air

    • @panicking7205
      @panicking7205 Před 4 lety +80

      I lost my pick a couple of days ago and I found it in the same spot I put it in

    • @Hamorich
      @Hamorich Před 4 lety +15

      I can relate

  • @arashsadeghinejad3124
    @arashsadeghinejad3124 Před 3 lety +1365

    Him: "My fingers are average length."
    Me: "Why is my middle finger shorter than his pinky?"

  • @dhaloh
    @dhaloh Před 4 lety +3501

    I'm really shocked that I didn't know this before. I've been having trouble with a couple of chords just cause my fingers are too short to reach. This really helped. More people should know about this!!!

    • @AyushRaj
      @AyushRaj Před 3 lety +35

      @@johnnyparsnips7641 How will my fingers grow once I have stopped growing :(

    • @PrincessOffInsomnia
      @PrincessOffInsomnia Před 3 lety +60

      @@AyushRaj maybe you need a smaller guitar for your hands? That‘s also a possibility

    • @dazfach9101
      @dazfach9101 Před 3 lety +6

      holy shit me too bro

    • @candosrandom4609
      @candosrandom4609 Před 3 lety +2

      400th lile

    • @enderliq1818
      @enderliq1818 Před 3 lety +2

      Same this video was really helpful

  • @geoburgenstacken
    @geoburgenstacken Před 3 lety +679

    "For any instrumentalist"
    *laughs in kazoo*

    • @Sonicbro-xx6sg
      @Sonicbro-xx6sg Před 3 lety +32

      *laughs in **_broke_*

    • @DrkStmpunkr
      @DrkStmpunkr Před 2 lety +3

      @@Sonicbro-xx6sg there is still aire

    • @royalcoyote15
      @royalcoyote15 Před 2 lety +3

      This guy sounds almost like Kermit is it just me?

    • @aeea3306
      @aeea3306 Před 7 měsíci +3

      ​@@Sonicbro-xx6sg stretching you throat using your arms 👍

    • @Unmustache1
      @Unmustache1 Před 5 měsíci +2

      ⁠@@aeea3306Otherwise known as strangulation

  • @jimmarandola5096
    @jimmarandola5096 Před 4 lety +1513

    I broke my neck and literally had to relearn how to play guitar after 40 Plus years. My hands have nerve and muscle damage and very poor circulation PLUS I am only 5' 4" tall.....so my fingers are very short to begin with. The stiffness of my fingers and hands has made it difficult for me to play for more than 45 minutes max, and nothing more than basic chords. but after doing these stretches, my hands seem more flexible and less swollen and stiff. i can't wait to try playing after another session tonight. Thanks so very much.

    • @SitPls
      @SitPls Před 4 lety +104

      I hope you heal quick and well, I hope everything clicks into place for you.

    • @khushinegi2066
      @khushinegi2066 Před 4 lety +51

      I am just 4'11" and my fingers are like a baby's and it's so difficult for me too learn to play guitar😔

    • @neriomao4314
      @neriomao4314 Před 4 lety +41

      @@khushinegi2066 that's ok don't give up nothing is impossible..

    • @neriomao4314
      @neriomao4314 Před 4 lety +21

      My ring finger's dislocated too in a bike accident and I couldn't play what I cud play anymore.. But I still play sometimes.

    • @khushinegi2066
      @khushinegi2066 Před 4 lety +11

      @@neriomao4314 ohh I am so sorry...but I know you are still much better than many

  • @vladlutsenko5081
    @vladlutsenko5081 Před 4 lety +688

    Instructions unclear, I now have 6 fingers.

  • @soartrinsic9757
    @soartrinsic9757 Před 8 lety +1462

    10 minutes ago, I could not play power cords. My ring finger just wouldn't go 2 frets over.
    Now I can reach that 2nd fret wire with ease. Instant results.
    Why is this not taught in the first lesson by every guitar teacher on the planet?
    Thanks mate!

    • @f7744dread388
      @f7744dread388 Před 7 lety +109

      Lol I read this in those infomercial voices.

    • @vidiac2012
      @vidiac2012 Před 7 lety +10

      Soar Trinsic I make power chords with my index and pinky finger, but if it's at the 15th fret or higher I would use my ring finger

    • @Nayradharma
      @Nayradharma Před 7 lety

      Soar Trinsic the way i learned to stretch was playing over and over on frets 1 3 5 of strings one and two. If you cant reach that far i first started on 5 7 and 9. Not i could play... uhh idk what the chord is called... if you want to know, 7 on first string and 11 on strings 1 2 3 and 4.

    • @Nayradharma
      @Nayradharma Před 7 lety +1

      *now i could play

    • @O0onboardRacing
      @O0onboardRacing Před 7 lety +7

      I just did it on my left hand and compared both hands, how far i could spread my fingers. Insane results instantly, i am amazed!

  • @anthonysteele8932
    @anthonysteele8932 Před 3 lety +682

    Another very important aspect of finger stretching that was left out of this video has to do with moisturizing! Skin elasticity is predicated on the level of moisture the skin has in it. What helped me a ton is not only being hydrated but applying lotion regularly on top of doing these stretches!

    • @ZeroMilk
      @ZeroMilk Před 3 lety +76

      I will chime in as additional support for this suggestion. Your entire body requires moisture, much more than I think most of us realize. Moisturize daily, dudes. At night, right after a nice shower? Perfect time to apply losh and let your skin slurp it up overnight. Makes a crazy difference over the long term.

    • @instrumentsmrti
      @instrumentsmrti Před 2 lety +10

      @@ZeroMilk :) have a nice day, SamueL!

    • @barryweeks6229
      @barryweeks6229 Před 2 lety +16

      Interesting comment! I'm a strong believer also in lotion for guitar hands - especially a good natural ingredient lotion that dissapears into your skin and isn't greasy. Found one I liked almost 50 years ago, and stuck with it: Mill Creek Aloe Vera and PABA Moisturizing Lotion.

    • @ravirr8407
      @ravirr8407 Před 2 lety +4

      Any kind of particular lotion you would recommend

    • @kiksmello3878
      @kiksmello3878 Před 2 lety +3

      I thought that you should wash your hands before playing to prevent the strings from getting dirty?

  • @turnleftaticeland
    @turnleftaticeland Před 7 lety +915

    perhaps it's a bit over-the-top but i'm actually in tears right now. i've spent years being so depressed because even the simplest chords were too difficult for me, but after just ten minutes of these stretches i can do it no problem. thank you so much man, i'm so much more optimistic about my future as a musician now

    • @soulvaccination8679
      @soulvaccination8679 Před 6 lety +53

      Wow.That comment made my year.

    • @jeremybabin7435
      @jeremybabin7435 Před 4 lety +76

      i don't think that's over the top, i feel like that's an appropriate response to feeling like you just unlocked the door to a great musical future.

    • @HansLandaOfficial
      @HansLandaOfficial Před 4 lety +43

      You sound like a guy from a simply piano commercial lol

    • @nukmanub8117
      @nukmanub8117 Před 4 lety

      @@HansLandaOfficial wkakak

    • @barackobama3788
      @barackobama3788 Před 4 lety +4

      turnleftaticeland can you give us a update in how you’re doing

  • @daffamansoor3669
    @daffamansoor3669 Před 4 lety +177

    this is the only guitar video without a guitar i can find

  • @SuperSlartibartfast
    @SuperSlartibartfast Před 8 lety +3664

    Why don't all beginners videos start with this. It makes a huge difference.

    • @rocknroll7261
      @rocknroll7261 Před 8 lety +102

      +SuperSlartibartfast Exactly. When I started, with lots of excitement I learnt a few chords, humming some songs, but then I found I was walking my fingers instead of moving them together while changing chords. Then looked up videos about how to do that, which eventually led me to this exercise!

    • @saifmalik8006
      @saifmalik8006 Před 8 lety +1

      2

    • @andrewmartin1829
      @andrewmartin1829 Před 7 lety +21

      r we just saying random words? if so-fajod;bn wjfpvnok

    • @GuitarsAndSynths
      @GuitarsAndSynths Před 7 lety +10

      I had two guitar teachers and neither spent time on this which surprises me as both have been teaching for a long time.

    • @noodle8027
      @noodle8027 Před 7 lety +5

      Renaissance Man pretty much what happened to me too

  • @kimfarmer4274
    @kimfarmer4274 Před 2 lety +219

    Hi, I just discovered this lesson and though I'm 75 this year it's never too late to learn something new. My hands have been through a lot of hard work and I didn't realize how bad they were until now. I will try hard to develope more flexibility. Thanks very much. Cheers from Kim in Australia

  • @erginbarredo3460
    @erginbarredo3460 Před rokem +28

    Hand Stretches
    1:46
    - Thumb Pressing Palm
    - Thumb Pressing Fingers and Sides of the Fingers (all 5)
    - Repeat to the Front Hand (Darker Tone)
    - Back and Front of the Forearm to Elbow
    - Shake the hand
    2:56 Single-Finger Bending
    - Lock the elbow straight
    - Stretch up the index finger (next to thumb) slowly
    - Take the other 4 fingers then move them up and down
    - Shake the hand
    - Repeat to other 3 fingers (for pinky, stretch sideward over third finger)
    - Repeat but downwards
    - Stretch the thumb up-sideward, then other fingers up and down, last the down-sideward
    - Shake the hand
    6:40 Finger Widening
    7:10
    - Group-Finger Bending Sideward (thumb direction)
    - Shake the hand
    - Group-Finger Bending Sideward (hand down, pinky direction)
    - Group-finger Bending Front then down
    - Shake the hand
    7:53 Fingertip Massage
    *repeat to the other hand
    8:11 Expand Hands

  • @waldalwahsh7833
    @waldalwahsh7833 Před 4 lety +210

    As i am a teenager with minimal finger movements prior to playing guitar,my fingers were mighty stiff and real hard to move,thanks to you sir i’ve learned to be able to free myself from my disability and the eternal feeling of stiffness in my fingers,thank you for all you’ve done for this community.
    -Saifo Wahsh

    • @kenzosuzukii
      @kenzosuzukii Před 9 měsíci +2

      im trying to work on my fingers mobility i cant even give people the middle finger it literally just stays like not even half way thats how immobile my fingers are 💀💀💀
      its annoying especially for power chords

    • @Aydenkaye
      @Aydenkaye Před 9 měsíci +1

      @@kenzosuzukiisame i do boxing so their even worse now

  • @minoosh2480
    @minoosh2480 Před 6 lety +93

    I'm a left handed guitar player for almost 35 years, and I had an accident on right hand wrist 4 years ago, even after a recovery it was hard for me to play even simple chords, forget about solos. This video was really life changing, I am telling this after 1 year of practice.

  • @NighttimeDaydreams
    @NighttimeDaydreams Před 3 lety +123

    Oh wow, I am so glad I found this while I'm still in the early stages of learning guitar. I'm definitely going to be using this in the future, thanks.

    • @xotilweoverdoxe
      @xotilweoverdoxe Před rokem +6

      hows ur guitar progression??

    • @Pootiiinnn
      @Pootiiinnn Před měsícem +2

      Yo mate post some guitar progress on your CZcams channel ❤

    • @NighttimeDaydreams
      @NighttimeDaydreams Před 25 dny +2

      Ah! You guys, I'm grateful for your interest, but I am sorry to say my progress has been very little, seeing as I've been trying to teach myself without an instructor, and the last years of highschool have been very chaotic. Not to mention these cursed screens offer endless distractions and steal time and experiences away, and I wish I had known that sooner. They're like a drug, and addiction to them is real. I've finally started actively trying to battle it, but the point is, between my many commitments and my human tendencies to seek instant gratification over real progress have led to me not practicing much at all. It's a miserable reality, really, but it's necessary to admit things like that if one wants them to change...

    • @Pootiiinnn
      @Pootiiinnn Před 25 dny +1

      @@NighttimeDaydreams not only to admit but you must adhere to it also. Now please start Posting on your channel and grow with each video. Take a challenge of 30 days and post each day's progress. Raw no edit. It will surely be a good start to build a habit. I am up broo.

    • @NighttimeDaydreams
      @NighttimeDaydreams Před 24 dny

      ​@@Pootiiinnn You know what? I just might take you up on that challenge. My days are packed, now, so it might not be daily, but I can make time, I'm sure. Either way, thanks for the encouragement!

  • @fribiesdi
    @fribiesdi Před 4 lety +394

    this exercise at one time - I will start doing everyday as from now - instantly increased my struggling 85wpm speed to about 104wpm while typing, with about 97% accuracy.

    • @prisonmike1658
      @prisonmike1658 Před 4 lety +17

      Wow amazing dude

    • @stuckfart
      @stuckfart Před 4 lety +37

      i never thought that this could improve wpm. that’s pretty clever

    • @andreashenriksen1485
      @andreashenriksen1485 Před 4 lety +9

      I just reached 102wpm today! have been struggling alot with getting there. Might wanna try doing this for some time and see if i'll get even faster

    • @fribiesdi
      @fribiesdi Před 4 lety +6

      @@andreashenriksen1485 don't you ever give up, don't you ever give in.

    • @andreashenriksen1485
      @andreashenriksen1485 Před 4 lety +4

      @@fribiesdi Thanks man! I will not give up

  • @tehprsn8381
    @tehprsn8381 Před 5 lety +214

    Something in my hand, shoulder, and elbow popped
    This is amazing

  • @brokenpickjohnbrokenpickjo354
    @brokenpickjohnbrokenpickjo354 Před 7 lety +1315

    01:10 Ex 1 - Hand & Forearm massage
    03:01 Ex 2 - Strechin fingers
    06:40 Ex 3 - Separate fingers
    07:11 Ex 4 - Final strech
    08:06 Extra Ex

  • @t2jhkt3b8adb5
    @t2jhkt3b8adb5 Před 7 měsíci +25

    never planning on touching any instrument in my life, this helped my fingers after drawing for long hours everyday 😭 love you man

    • @raghavbhutani5153
      @raghavbhutani5153 Před 6 měsíci +1

      Did your size of fingers grow

    • @t2jhkt3b8adb5
      @t2jhkt3b8adb5 Před 6 měsíci

      @@raghavbhutani5153 no my hand stopped growing since i became an adult lmao but they are more flexible and dont get stiff as much as they used to (+ i found that using some kind of hand cream makes these easier to do if you have really dry/sweaty hands)

    • @luxianolee7497
      @luxianolee7497 Před 3 měsíci

      Same I draw too (also play guitar though) so it's like extra helpful

  • @wbotti
    @wbotti Před 4 lety +54

    been playing 25 years and this is something i never took seriously enough.
    thank you sir.

  • @terrynicholetti
    @terrynicholetti Před 2 lety +8

    I'm 76, getting back to guitar after 2 decades and I couldn't do chords I've always done. I had no idea that we should do stretches!!! Thanks so much! I see that this is from 2010 so I don't know if you're stil reading comments but I'm sending you blessings for your generosity. Thanks YOu!!

    • @steveelliott3514
      @steveelliott3514 Před 5 měsíci +1

      I'm 65 and just gonna keep doing these exercises. Age is cruel but we can fight it with some exercises!

  • @patricklundquist9869
    @patricklundquist9869 Před 3 lety +54

    Thank you for this. My typical acoustic practice session runs around an hour and a half. Yesterday, following finger stretch exercises, I played for 2 1/4 hours in the morning as well as another hour last night with no cramps today. You taught an old dog new tricks. Thanks again.

  • @Tillys_Travels
    @Tillys_Travels Před 3 lety +6

    That was so helpful. As a total beginner it makes perfect sense. You stretch and warm up before going for a run, your fingers need the same before a guitar workout.

  • @Karaisoke
    @Karaisoke Před 10 lety +23

    Oh I would also point out that if you suffer from dry and cracked skin, this is the perfect time to use a good lotion. By the time you are done stretching, all the lotion has been absorbed into the skin. I wouldn't use anything really greasy or with too many chemicals. I use a Burts Bees hand salve that's basically just lemon oil. Does wonders and isn't hard on my guitar.

    • @Bassisloud
      @Bassisloud Před 10 lety +3

      I got an idea before I read your comment. It's like a recipe for warming the hands up especially in winter; I eat an orange then wipe my hands with the juice spilled from it then put my hands near fire just to let the skin absorb the natural oil.

    • @GulfNegrol
      @GulfNegrol Před 10 lety

      doesnt using lotion take away the point of building up calluses? and arent calluses good?

    • @Karaisoke
      @Karaisoke Před 10 lety

      ***** I've never had problems building up calluses and using lotion. I have psoriatic arthritis and lotion is a must for my hands. I have yet to have a problem.

  • @mrbsred1
    @mrbsred1 Před 9 lety +398

    I wish to have discovered this video earlier. Been playing for over 10 years and my ring finger and pinky have no strength. I can barely play properly. It's the most soul destroying thing and it has really set my music career back. So much time spent training my fingers, all for nothing. Take note aspiring guitarists! I wouldn't wish this on anyone

    • @manishasharma5080
      @manishasharma5080 Před 9 lety +3

      was this video helpful for you?

    • @johncassar2923
      @johncassar2923 Před 9 lety +1

      try using a hair-tie, I use a small rubber band, behind the knuckels of yr three fingers while practicing.

    • @6Metal6militA6
      @6Metal6militA6 Před 9 lety +1

      mrbsred1 Same here bud. Even gave up after a while since I wasnt progressing anywhere because I couldn't stretch for shit. It's been 10 years for me too. Going to pick the guitar back up now and do these stretches every day.

    • @JeighNeither
      @JeighNeither Před 9 lety +22

      mrbsred1 I was struck with Psoriatic Arthritis at 30 years old...right at my peak. It was devastating. It causes incredible pain, cartilage destruction, and your joints to swell up, as well as tendons and other auxiliaries. In the hands it causes "sausage fingers" were they get fat and cumbersome. Other parts of your body like ankles, spine and feet, can leave you completely disabled. There is no cure. It hit my entire body hard, and I ended up in a wheel chair. Now five years later, I've gotten out of that F'ing thing, and have begun to built strength stamina and speed again; though I'll never play anywhere near as fast as before. I focus on tone now, and play more gilmoresque solos. Alex Lifeson, the guitarist for RUSH, has had it for ten years now. It's one of the reason after 40+ years, they aren't doing major tours any longer. It's serious shit, but I am fighting it with all I've got. I hope you are able to find that strength as well, and can regain some of your former self. Best of luck!

    • @r.katiekane252
      @r.katiekane252 Před 9 lety +7

      +mrbsred1 Ironically the same situation here. My hands are very small, and some chords seem almost impossible to reach, yet I see girls/women playing perfectly with the same hand size. I'd already started the last of the stretches on this video, but will work on the others too now. Thanks for the video!

  • @richardshavatt6906
    @richardshavatt6906 Před 10 lety +19

    I recently discovered this video and found it to be incredibly important and especially for older guitarists . I have been playing guitar since I was 11 yrs old and I'm 62 now. I had no conception of how tight my finger and hand muscles had become but now after stretching a few times I realize that my ability to play over a period of time has decreased due to the tightness that develops over an hour or so of playing. I would like to thank you very much for sharing this extremely important information.

  • @nicholassakamoto2455
    @nicholassakamoto2455 Před 3 lety +39

    This was really helpful, Carl! I’ve always went ahead and started playing my guitar without stretching my fingers, but now I realize that it benefits me to keep my hands healthy.

    • @nemesisy
      @nemesisy Před 2 lety +4

      does this video help you get longer finger?

    • @thatswhaturmomsaid9663
      @thatswhaturmomsaid9663 Před rokem +2

      @@nemesisy late reply: not longer fingers but can help your finger stretch further

  • @mjsfan1994
    @mjsfan1994 Před 10 lety +6

    Not only does this help guitarists, it also helps every other musician. I've played violin for 8 years, a little piano, and picked up a guitar 2-3 years ago. My hands have never felt more flexible. Thanks !!!

  • @phillipvansant6368
    @phillipvansant6368 Před rokem +3

    Dude, this is saving my life right now. I have chronic tendonitis and this is making it possible to play and heal at the same time.

    • @louieo.blevinsmusic4197
      @louieo.blevinsmusic4197 Před rokem

      I broke my scaphoid in my wrist. I couldn’t play for a good 4 months which were a massive bummer but this exercise, along with another I found on CZcams have helped me tremendously.

  • @claudiaramosmonteiro
    @claudiaramosmonteiro Před 4 lety +20

    I used to do these exercises as a cellist, and am about to recommend them to guitarist friends. I think these are very important, not only if you play an instrument, but also if you use your fingers a lot, like on your computer. Thanks so much for posting this! Ten years and just as helpful xD

    • @RunicRazili
      @RunicRazili Před rokem +1

      Honestly, these exercises could even help with some styles of dance.

  • @larsdahl6594
    @larsdahl6594 Před 3 lety +14

    This may be the most important guitar related video I've watched on CZcams so far. Turns out watching gear demos and reviews don't make you a better player. Thanks! 👍

  • @hotyogaauburn
    @hotyogaauburn Před 9 lety +84

    Thank you very much for these videos, Carl.
    I am a yoga teacher.
    If a stretch is held in a static pose for about 20 seconds, the fascia releases, creating an even better, deeper stretch. These exercises are great... I would suggest doing the assisted finger stretch as Carl demonstrates, hold it for 20 seconds and then do the wave like motion that he suggests. Thank you very much.

    • @Acehan
      @Acehan Před 9 lety +1

      That is true and really helpful. Thank you. :)

    • @phunluki3479
      @phunluki3479 Před 7 lety +2

      Thank you. Not sure what a fascia is but I felt a difference

    • @bluto212
      @bluto212 Před 6 lety +1

      Fascia is a thin, tough, elastic type of connective tissue that wraps most structures within the human body, including muscle. Fascia supports and protects these structures. Osteopathic theory proposes that this soft tissue can become restricted due to psychogenic disease, overuse, trauma, infectious agents, or inactivity, often resulting in pain, muscle tension, and corresponding diminished blood flow

    • @sschario60
      @sschario60 Před 6 lety +1

      Thanks for pitching in, Sam. Twenty seconds is amazing!

    • @th0scrum
      @th0scrum Před 5 lety

      It's not just fascia but the muscle spindle fibers that control muscle tone that release muscle tone that allow progressive stretching.

  • @aniahbutler8932
    @aniahbutler8932 Před 4 lety +1235

    Am I the only one that's afraid of breaking their finger....

    • @ryannoder7589
      @ryannoder7589 Před 4 lety +162

      Instructions unclear foot stuck in door frame

    • @OrangeFreeman
      @OrangeFreeman Před 4 lety +81

      It would take an immense force to break a finger. A pinkie, maybe, but otherwise you'll be fine.

    • @molekyyli
      @molekyyli Před 4 lety +56

      You're not supposed to stretch to the point of possible injury. Just enough tension but not real pain.

    • @theguitarangels
      @theguitarangels Před 3 lety +6

      I am scared too

    • @zeynepuslu100
      @zeynepuslu100 Před 3 lety

      You're not alone!! Lol

  • @aaronsmichael
    @aaronsmichael Před 10 lety +20

    I am a professional guitarist for over 25 years. I only recently after all this time developed tendonitis and trigger finger. I am recovering from a cortisone shot and 6 weeks of PT. I'm getting back to my practice routine and still having lingering pain.
    The exercises in this video, after doing only once, has helped me more than the 6 weeks of PT; and all the stretching and exercises they showed me. This stretching routine has helped me feel better. Thanks Carl - this should be standard warm up for all guitarists - any level! Cheers!

  • @kevinbutler7619
    @kevinbutler7619 Před rokem +3

    I love CZcams, this video was made 12 years ago and its still helping people.

  • @davemurray2592
    @davemurray2592 Před 6 lety +25

    Thank you, I’m a seasoned guitarist and although I have done stretches for years, I have not done this much. Very helpful I’ve been losing strength to.

  • @ertlk24
    @ertlk24 Před 2 lety +5

    I'm an old guitarist (59 yo), now playing bass and my hands are stiff and inflexible. I have been doing these stretches for 10 days and I can't believe the benefit already. My hands feel stronger and I'm able to get a farther reach on the neck. Thanks so much for your video!

  • @chriskey7426
    @chriskey7426 Před 3 lety +12

    I haven't played since my early 20s and I'm 37 now getting back into sadly ive lost everything so I'm having to relearn how to play again and I'm glad I found this video cause I couldn't do simple cords to save my life 😭 thank you so much!

  • @robertklewis2572
    @robertklewis2572 Před rokem +2

    An excellent video. This should help anyone wanting to play well. Thanks.

  • @germain3588
    @germain3588 Před 4 lety +19

    I tried these stretching exercises and I noticed a difference right away when fingerpicking a certain chord progression that I play everyday to help with stretching. Reaching some of these notes is now even easier. Thanks.

  • @AlbertoAmoni
    @AlbertoAmoni Před 5 lety +36

    Thanks man, I wish I had a started doing these before the hand pain kicked in! I'm an artist and it's quite frustrating to draw while feeling pain in the hand. I'll sure add this one's to my mourning stretches!

  • @ginawilson6055
    @ginawilson6055 Před 4 lety +9

    I started playing the ukulele 6 months ago and have had 3 bouts of muscle injury, the latest being tendonitus which is taking ages to heal. I’m 61 and felt maybe I should give up. But having discovered these exercises I’m hoping that from now on I can avoid injury. Thank you so much!

  • @bigtiddiedrias9860
    @bigtiddiedrias9860 Před rokem +12

    The amount of improvement I had from just doing this stretch for the first time is Amazing! I guess my hands/fingers are very tense. I’m going to do this stretch everyday now, thank you!

  • @snakebitmgee
    @snakebitmgee Před 10 lety +16

    Awesome! I just began taking guitar lessons, and I was so frustrated that my fingers could not reach the four highest frets at the same time. I am determined to learn the proper way. This is going to help me immensely. Thank you for teaching such a valuable lesson in keeping the fingers limber and healthy. I will be a guitar player.

  • @Violetacampuz
    @Violetacampuz Před 4 lety +46

    I've never realized how crooked my fingers were until trying to stretch them out lol

  • @UncleJams
    @UncleJams Před 10 lety +11

    I've been massaging my hands to warm them up for years. But this is much better and starting now I will tell you if it helps with my playing. Thanks because it feels great.

    • @jammelsf
      @jammelsf Před 10 lety +4

      That does feels good.

  • @StringyStrider
    @StringyStrider Před 11 měsíci +4

    That stretch immediately just made my arm feel great. Definitely recommend doing these

  • @annabellewagner8510
    @annabellewagner8510 Před 3 lety +6

    OMG this is literally INSANE!!! i don’t usually comment but WOW!!! i tried doing a scale that i’ve had trouble with in the past before doing this, and then right after, i was easily able to hit all the notes!!! this is crazy thank you soooo much!!!

  • @Froggy-Frogs
    @Froggy-Frogs Před 5 lety +104

    This is gold for illustrators aswell 🤩

  • @pcmccarthy56
    @pcmccarthy56 Před 9 lety +6

    It just makes so much common sense. Athletes do warm ups and cool downs but I was just warming up with scales without the physiology. Been doing this for a month or so now and it has really helped with some stiffness and tendonitis I was struggling with. Been playing 30 + years. Thank you for the stretches. Improved quality of life and music.

    • @hik4217
      @hik4217 Před 4 lety

      do you mean this stretches help to cure tendinitis?

  • @katiethewise
    @katiethewise Před 10 měsíci +1

    ive played flute for a good chunk of my life and thought that i had really flexible fingers, so when i picked up a guitar a couple months ago and tried to learn and bumped into a fingering that required my thumb, i pretty much gave up on the instrument all together. earlier this week, i picked up the same guitar and searched up hand stretches, and it helped so much!! not only am i doing better at guitar, but i'm becoming better at my flute too!

  • @abcdefg1729
    @abcdefg1729 Před 4 lety +34

    These stretches are f****** incredible and make a huggge night and day difference. thank you so much!

  • @bossboy191919
    @bossboy191919 Před 2 lety +14

    My fingers became way more flexible after just a few times stretching! Also, the wrist-side stretches helped me to finally be able to play barre chords. Still a little difficult, but I could play them. Gonna continue stretching to make them easier for me, at least I know know that I will be able to use these barred chords 🥳

  • @ozankara4915
    @ozankara4915 Před 2 lety +6

    This is insane, I wasn't really expecting that to make a difference but after doing it one time the difference was huge now I'm going to do this everyday

  • @PatagluKadolle
    @PatagluKadolle Před 3 lety +12

    Great tip, thank you !
    I broke my hand some years ago but weirdly, never really found out the proper method to loose the pain and get back my flexibility. Finally, after practicing your exercices, I felt a real progress. I am excited to do this on a very daily basis ! Thanks again :)

  • @tacoman9707
    @tacoman9707 Před 4 lety +195

    *_Treat Your Own Hand and Thumb Arthritis_** at Amazon is also worth checking out.*

  • @CruentusCruor
    @CruentusCruor Před rokem +4

    I was practicing my guitar for almost 6 hours straight today - and my hands were aching like hell - thanks to your video, my hands feel ok again

    • @adrianburridge2378
      @adrianburridge2378 Před 7 měsíci

      Six hours straight!....not surprised that your hand
      aches!

  • @brainpilot2997
    @brainpilot2997 Před 8 lety +15

    One thing I wanted to point out, having treated many guitarists during my career, is that spending too much time running dexterity exercises and running scales, day after day can cause inflammation of the extensor tendons of the muscles that control extending the fingers (lifting the finger off the fret) resulting in a condition known in sports as 'tennis elbow' a very painful condition that is very resistant to treatment. If someone that reads this post has this condition, I will be happy to describe the most effective treatment for this condition. I'll be reading the posts here and will probably notice reference to the condition.

    • @manymiles104
      @manymiles104 Před 8 lety

      +Thomas Kelly just started playing but suffer very bad tennis elbow from years of plastering sooo painful

    • @thanksforreading33
      @thanksforreading33 Před 6 lety

      brainpilot How do you treat it?

    • @franklasa
      @franklasa Před 5 lety

      Hello Brian, im a guitar player. For over 3 weeks im getting inboluntary movements on my infex finger right hand, it comes and go everyday, is not painful at all. Although i do have pains that resemble tendinitis somehow i guess. Any ideas?

    • @mr.t1791
      @mr.t1791 Před 5 lety

      How do you treat it?

    • @blammmed
      @blammmed Před 5 lety +2

      define "too much time" because now im paranoid

  • @paulmarnell3749
    @paulmarnell3749 Před 2 lety +1

    I never comment on videos. I’ve been playing for 30 years and being in my late 40’s has revealed mobility issues. It’s been taking me longer and longer to warm up. These exercises result in immediate success - my touch, timing and enjoyment levels went through the roof from the very first time. Thank you so very much for sharing!!

  • @craigcampbell8595
    @craigcampbell8595 Před 2 lety +3

    Im 62 and have used my hands for a lot a things over the years that and age has had its toll on them.
    Now that I am retired I now have taken the guitar a lot more seriously after playing off and on since I wsa 16.
    I have arthritis in most knuckles, but pretty bad in my two first knuckles on the first two fingers of my right hand. Then lately, my first finger on my left hand, the fret hand, has gotten bad. Almost to the point where I was thinking I may have to stop playing, it can be unbelieveably painful.
    Then I googled this issue and I came across your video about stretching the fingers. I am a subscriber of your website and I was surprised that I had not seen this video before. At first I thought that this won't help with the arthritis but would at least help warm up my fingers. Well, after the first stretching exercise, its like night and day difference for my three fingers. Yes there is still pain there but my fingers feel useable again.
    Thank you for sharing that, and thank you for your excellent lessons too. You and maybe two other guys on the internet are the best and only ones I go to for song lessons.

  • @trunit770
    @trunit770 Před 5 lety +4

    been playing for 7 years now never thought to do this!!!! I have been playing classical songs all day and doing hard chords and now my hands feel 200% better
    thanks

  • @Kineticartist
    @Kineticartist Před 10 lety +4

    Excellent video really is helping my old 51-year-old hands be more limber & flexible even helping my son who has very flexible fingers anyways even more flexible and safe keep up the good work

  • @bruceripepi867
    @bruceripepi867 Před 6 měsíci +2

    Thanks, Carl. I’m 68 years old and this has helped me so much. The best my hands have felt in years!

  • @petmomful2260
    @petmomful2260 Před 8 lety +83

    Thanks. I will start doing these immediately. I am an older lady with a bad neck and I am trying to do barre chords, and everything hurts! But I will NOT give up.

    • @rtxf
      @rtxf Před 6 lety

      petmom ful haha hope it worked out for you.

    • @planetag310
      @planetag310 Před 6 lety +7

      I'm an older lady with a bad neck too! Struggling against pain. Just learning guitar and it's a bitch.

    • @mr.marmot39
      @mr.marmot39 Před 5 lety +1

      how is it now?

    • @planetag310
      @planetag310 Před 5 lety +3

      @@mr.marmot39 OK, still playing and getting chord changes down. Will probably never play barre chords tho. I work around the 'F'. Fingers are too short.

    • @mr.marmot39
      @mr.marmot39 Před 5 lety +1

      ​@@planetag310 ahh interesting... one thing to keep in mind is that u need to tilt slightly ur bone to get a better press for a barr chord, rather than pressing ur finger on the meaty side
      and also did u know know that there are smaller version of guitar i.e 3/4 size ? maybe that will fit you

  • @richardjagger6920
    @richardjagger6920 Před 8 lety +25

    Very good advice for guitar playing. I am 65 played when I was younger this makes my hands feel youngerand supple.Thanks
    .

  • @cindyray8887
    @cindyray8887 Před 2 lety +4

    I play the guitar but the main reason I loved this video is because I have rhumatoid arthritis. Although painful, I was amazed at the relief I received. Definitely making it a part of my practice. Thank you.

  • @deblowry2325
    @deblowry2325 Před 3 lety +1

    None of the beginner teachers on CZcams teach this important step. Thanks so much!!

  • @skeletoninyourbody9896
    @skeletoninyourbody9896 Před 4 lety +298

    When you've been already doing all of this because of ADHD >.>

  • @mauriliozamora6627
    @mauriliozamora6627 Před 7 lety +63

    Hands feel great after this stretch. Thank you very much !

  • @rockngpa5094
    @rockngpa5094 Před 4 lety +10

    This hand warmups is huge for all guitarists!!!
    I’ve tried this besides other ideas and this warmup is thee best , thank you so much!!!👍

  • @monto39
    @monto39 Před 3 lety +1

    This might be one of the most useful guitar tutorials, for me on youtube. Particularly helpful was the pulling down of fingers. I can really feel it in the top of forearm near the crook

  • @youtubeuniversity3660
    @youtubeuniversity3660 Před 5 lety +10

    Carl! Thank you! I thought something was seriously wrong with my hand. I've been a bartender 20+ years so they get a ton of use. My fretting hand was getting numb. This exercise has already helped. Wish I had seen this a long time ago. The info you share for free is amazing bro.

  • @rraheel.31
    @rraheel.31 Před 3 lety +11

    1:48 massage hand
    3:18 stretch fingers back and fourth
    6:43 separate fingers
    7:18 stretch all fingers side to side
    7:35 stretch fingers back and fourth
    7:54 massage tips of fingers
    8:13 expand hands

  • @CamilleonProductions
    @CamilleonProductions Před 8 lety +16

    These are insanely good! I'm a novice player, there's a song I'm trying to master which is almost entirely Am and C chords with the occasional F and G, suddenly after doing these my changes were much easier and cleaner and I was able to get the F first go! Thank you!

  • @davidbaker4248
    @davidbaker4248 Před 2 měsíci +1

    Thank you - these are very helpful! I am now in my late 70s. I still play finger and pick styles on my acoustic guitar 3-4 times a week. I have noticed some difficulty and pain using my chord finger and wrist joints. I have only recently started doing these stretches and massages - I'll let you know how I get on. Thanks again.

  • @eog5217
    @eog5217 Před 3 lety +5

    This is an old video, but I hope you see this comment. Just started doing this, I can play well, but I want to be able to play more Dimebag like stuff and thanks to this great all around exercise I should be able to make those crazy stretches now soon!!!! Thank you Carl!!!!!!

    • @sciree
      @sciree Před rokem

      how did it age

  • @321Ronen
    @321Ronen Před 8 lety +12

    Thanks for sharing this. I've been doing those stretches every day for the last 3 weeks and it improved my playing and flexibility. It really makes a big difference.

  • @VeryPersoon
    @VeryPersoon Před 3 lety +138

    Him: "You need to get some blood going into your hands."
    Me, born with horrible hand blood circulation:
    oh no
    Jokes aside, these exercises really helped me. Thank you.

    • @generalawareness101
      @generalawareness101 Před 3 lety +2

      Yes, my hands, and feet, have never had good blood flow (always cold and cold to the touch as if I am in a morgue) but that runs in my family.

  • @vivid-_-jxtn3337
    @vivid-_-jxtn3337 Před rokem +1

    After playing for 3 years I never realized people stretch before playing until watching this video man I have been missing out

  • @NICKHAM16
    @NICKHAM16 Před 9 lety +6

    Such a helpful video! This helped me a lot because my hand would cramp and get sore while playing and it became really hard keep playing sometimes. But these stretches have really helped a lot and my hand doesn't cramp anymore

  • @fitinamark7660
    @fitinamark7660 Před 5 lety +10

    This is amazing! I’ve been looking for violin videos for strengthening my fingers (mainly my third and fourth) and this one is the best one yet! Even though this video is mainly for guitar, it makes sense it would be perfect for violin since other string instruments have harder and thicker strings as well as more strings to reach than violin. So if a cellist or guitarist can do it then so can a violinist. In just one go I was able to lift my third finger independently pretty high. I’ve tried so many exercises but felt discouraged since a lot of the way your fingers function is genetics, but this helped soo much! Thank you for lifting my spirits! I’ll study hard to become a violinist now, knowing I have a chance.

  • @frogerp898
    @frogerp898 Před 4 lety +56

    This really helped me for my clarinet....
    It works for that too...
    For me...

    • @blu-rae864
      @blu-rae864 Před 4 lety +11

      squidward headass

    • @fadeskywards1245
      @fadeskywards1245 Před 4 lety

      @@blu-rae864 headass hahagahahaggaha

    • @saiicooo-1900
      @saiicooo-1900 Před 4 lety +1

      @@blu-rae864 Nigga stfu clarinet is also a cool Instrument fatass kid

  • @97GibsonsgOhyeah
    @97GibsonsgOhyeah Před 8 měsíci

    This makes a massive difference for me. In the 52 yrs I've played, I've never done this before a warm up. No more forearm, and hand cramps! Thank-you so much!

  • @juliaf4017
    @juliaf4017 Před 3 lety +5

    This video was really helpful, I feel much more relaxed after stretching! I'm gonna start stretching daily :D

  • @makenna8454
    @makenna8454 Před 4 lety +25

    Bro why didn’t I have this a while ago like I NEEDED this my right hand feels so much better and less cramped

  • @ashifaction
    @ashifaction Před 4 lety +23

    Me at 6:43 stretching between fingers
    Me: really afraid of tearing that skin over there

  • @krishabeniagalacan1629
    @krishabeniagalacan1629 Před 2 lety +1

    its really works I'm been doing this like 8years my hand is flexible now first I do this flexing like I was 6yeas old and now I'm 13 years old and my hands so flexible "thank you for this video it's really helps me winning in my school contes and I just sher this to my friends and they love it too!!!!"🙌🙌

  • @Ears14U
    @Ears14U Před 7 lety +5

    Incredible for Fibromyalgia in your hands. Thanks for the upload.

  • @tbyang95
    @tbyang95 Před 5 lety +4

    Wow. Thank you so much! this is great for preventing long term problems as well. I've been playing guitar for almost 13 years and wish I knew this.

  • @BlackChanal
    @BlackChanal Před 9 lety +64

    Never thought of that, i just realized there are so many tricks and tipps on the internet youve never get taught.

  • @HanemanHunters
    @HanemanHunters Před dnem

    Wow, I followed the video back to back and my hands feel so light now. Thank you so much!

  • @zipperhead101
    @zipperhead101 Před 6 lety +6

    WOW, I've been playing guitar for a really long time, After just following along with this video ONE TIME, I can tell this will be a daily practice for me, whether I plan on playing that day or not. THANK YOU.

  • @gordoncarscadden3363
    @gordoncarscadden3363 Před 7 lety +5

    This was great. I have played for several years but just started really getting back into guitar and never thought to do this. Can definitely feel a difference right away.
    Thanks

  • @116ryda
    @116ryda Před 6 lety +62

    WOWOWOW this works! Thanks so much man! I can actually reach the strings!

  • @crunchycookie6712
    @crunchycookie6712 Před rokem +1

    duuuude I was having trouble with a chord cuz my fingers couldn’t reach but after I finished this video I could do it 🤣 well my fingers were already sorta flexible but I think if I do this every day I’ll improve a lot more 👍 thank u for this!