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Topic: Shoulder Tension |
Michael James
From:
La Crosse, Wisconsin, USA
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Posted 19 Dec 2015 7:54 pm |
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I was practicing today and I noted that at times my shoulders are tensing up in my bar hand or my left shoulder when I have to move to bar quickly. I'm not having any pain or anything. But, I was thinking of this as a potential technique flaw that may be holding me back in some way or may lead to an injury down the road.
The muscles I'm talking about are the muscles around the should socket to the muscles on the top of the should blade.
My question is. Do those muscles tense up for anyone else? I find I can relax them an still play fine. I just have to concentrate on staying relaxed.
I looking forward to hearing some of your thoughts.
mj |
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Roger Fletcher
From:
United Kingdom
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Posted 20 Dec 2015 2:56 am
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Hello Michael,
I think this is a problem that affects most of us in Western societies in most of our activities, and I believe that learning to relax, that is to use only as much muscular tension as is needed and no more, is important not only for long term health, but also to develop a smooth and fluid vibrato.
But how to do it? After all, the harder we try, the more elusive it becomes. In my case I found learning Tai Chi a great help. |
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Stefan Robertson
From:
Hertfordshire, UK
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Posted 20 Dec 2015 4:14 am
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Michael
As you and I have similar movements for the first 6 strings. I can agree I find shoulder tension happens during successive rapid movements.
I guess we need to do a good warm up like push ups and try and relax more when playing.
It doesn't help that my other half is not a fan of Lap Steel Guitar. I thought that was half my tension.
But I always remind myself that Wes Montgomery wife and Aunt referred to his practice as noise and were not fans themselves either.
_________________
Stefan
Bill Hatcher custom 12 string Lap Steel Guitar
E13#9/F secrets: https://thelapsteelguitarist.wordpress.com
"Give it up for The Lap Steel Guitarist" |
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Charlie McDonald
From:
out of the blue
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Posted 20 Dec 2015 5:08 am
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I really liked Roger's post on this subject, every thing about it.
It is indeed very common in all walks of life.
Concentrating on staying relaxed may change in your mind to become something counterproductive.
Even these long words won't yield a clue.
Progressive relaxation--having a firm but relaxed sit, allowing the waist to relax, on up to mid-back and shoulders, letting them drop;
then forearms and hands....
Excessive focus can bring less than positive results.
Perhaps it just takes time. Maybe just notice, and let the less-than-conscious be the guide. |
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Butch Mullen
From:
North Carolina, USA 28681
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Posted 20 Dec 2015 12:30 pm
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| Roger, What is the chord progression to Tai Chi????? |
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Michael James
From:
La Crosse, Wisconsin, USA
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Posted 20 Dec 2015 1:42 pm
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| Thanks for the responses everyone! The act of recognizing the issue may send me in a direction to fixing it. I only notice it on fast bar movements. |
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Charlie McDonald
From:
out of the blue
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Posted 20 Dec 2015 1:52 pm
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| Butch Mullen wrote: |
| Roger, What is the chord progression to Tai Chi????? |
The problem would be the old song, Tu Ning.
Yes; noticing the thing has the capability of accommodating it.
Slowing movement down, to notice better, without analyzing it, I believe will help.
Speed can come later, if necessary, after a little progressive relaxation is established.
Good luck. The thing affects us all. No worries.
'Relaxation is the key.'--Spencer 'Fingers' Sutton, my old piano player |
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Steve Allison
From:
Eatonton,Ga. U.S.A.
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Posted 21 Dec 2015 6:58 pm
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| Michael, you wont worry about that when you get my age..... EVERYTHING HURTS! |
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Chris Templeton
From:
The Green Mountain State
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chris ivey
From:
california (deceased)
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Posted 24 Dec 2015 6:48 pm
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over the years i've had painful under shoulder blade muscles, cramping thumb, and other spots. keep playing but do some stretching of arms, legs and back.
ride a bicycle. tai chi is probably good. |
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Michael James
From:
La Crosse, Wisconsin, USA
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Posted 24 Dec 2015 7:38 pm
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| Chris Templeton wrote: |
| When I took lessons with Jerry Byrd, he used to slap my shoulder when he saw I was tensing up. |
That's really funny. I bet that really messed up your playing for a few seconds. I know it would me. The laughing alone would keep me from concentrating.  |
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