Finger pain

Newmusician93 · Post by **Newmusician93** » Thu Mar 26, 2026 8:06 am

So i recently got my guitar few days back. But i am having insane finger pain on the skin where i pressed the fret it hurts a lot but at the same time i want to practice more. I just practice one hour in the morning and one hour in the evening. Any tips to reduce the pain so that i can practice more?

Post by **Olly** » Thu Mar 26, 2026 8:56 am

If the pain is just where the skin is sore from coming into contact with the string then this is totally normal for a new player. What will happen (very quickly) is you will build up thicker skin on the tips of your fingers and you will no longer feel this time of pain.

If you are getting other types of pain in either the muscles or joints then you should stop what you are doing and seek some more advice as this is not normal.

It sounds like it is just the skin so you should be good. Just have plenty of rest between playing.

Markw72 · Post by **Markw72** » Fri Mar 27, 2026 8:55 am

Hydrate your fingers by drinking plenty of water and moisturize them with a good hand cream to prevent them from drying out and hurting.

StudioPro · Post by **StudioPro** » Fri Mar 27, 2026 9:56 am

For the hundredth time… You very likely need to get your guitar set up properly. Most entry-level instruments are shipped with the action too high, with final adjustments to be made by the owner. Problem being that the new guitarist doesn’t even know what “action” is, much less that it can be adjusted or how to do so. So, some fingertip pain is normal, but having your guitar properly adjusted will greatly help that process.

Robguitaruk · Post by **Robguitaruk** » Fri Mar 27, 2026 1:20 pm

Don't forget to stretch your fingers before and after playing to prevent cramping and stiffness.

sam54 · Post by **sam54** » Mon Mar 30, 2026 8:09 am

Try doing some finger exercises to strengthen your fingers and build up calluses. This will help reduce the pain over time.

MetalPlayer · Post by **MetalPlayer** » Tue Mar 31, 2026 9:25 am

The real key to this is correct finger placement behind the fret. The closer you can get it to the fret the less pressure you'll need. I have a feeling you're using more pressure than required. Do not play if you're feeling "insane pain." Rest! With a first position A for example, you can only get one of your fingers right next to the second fret but at least be cognizant of where exactly your left hand fingers are placed. Just remember-learning guitar will never be as hard as it is right now. It will get easier and you'll leave this stage far behind you.

MetalPlayer · Post by **MetalPlayer** » Wed Apr 01, 2026 7:33 am

Make sure you're pressing the strings down hard enough to get a clean sound, but not so hard that it causes pain. It's all about finding the right balance.

BluesGuy · Post by **BluesGuy** » Thu Apr 02, 2026 6:46 am

For the first half a year, practice less. As in first 1/3 hour, then 1/2 hour, then 3/4 hour and then a whole hour per day. Every 3 or so days, dip your fretting fingertips into a jar of carmex lip balm. If you can't find the jar, the tube will do. I found the jar by the checkout at dollar tree. Only do this before bed, after any guitar practice. You don't want it on your fingertips.

Daniel_uk · Post by **Daniel_uk** » Sat Apr 04, 2026 7:41 am

Consider trying different finger positions and techniques to see if there's a more comfortable

UKPete24 · Post by **UKPete24** » Sun Apr 05, 2026 9:12 am

I suggest taking breaks during your practice sessions. Don't overdo it and give your fingers some time to rest and recover.

GearNerd · Post by **GearNerd** » Mon Apr 06, 2026 11:29 am

This is called death grip. As you learn you won't have to try to squeeze the notes out, time and practice. Guitar is a slow burn RPG game, collect the exp it's slow but you will grow strong.