Re: Problem: thumb cramp on barre chords

Scott Stevenson has brought this to us :
I'm running into a problem whenever I play barre chords for more than
just a couple of minutes. I end up with a really severe cramp in the
muscle at the base of my left thumb.

I know why it happens--when I barre, I end up with my thumb "locked"
straight. Is there some sort of exercise I can do to train myself not
to do that? (and the first person who says "just don't do it" gets hit
upside the head).

I _think_ I've got the proper left hand position--on the Strat, my
thumb sits almost exactly on the "skunk stripe" on the back of the
neck, but obviously, I'm doing something wrong, and it's not getting
better, so I'm thinking it's got to be a technique issue...

take care,
Scott

If you are gripping it that tight, how are you going to hit the next chord?
It seems to me you are trying to pull too hard on the strings to compensate for an untrained index finger & wrist.


.

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