MoPAT
Oud Lover
Posts: 11
Registered: 9-7-2015
Location: Johannesburg, South Africa
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Left hand pain
Hi guys.
I am learning the egyptian oud, what you might call less than a beginner. I am currently learning how to play the B and C notes on the A3 string - the
string second from the top on a 5 string oud. My current tuning is GADgc.
I have been getting some minor pain in my left wrist and fingers today after playing last night. I suspect this is due to the following:
1. The tutor says to play the 'B' note with the middle finger and the 'C' note with the ring finger, while keeping the middle finger down on the
string. To get the 'C' note correct, however, I often find that I have to reach a bit more to the right on the fingerboard, away from the peg box - I
mean that my middle finger is on the spot for the 'B' note while I am hitting the 'C' note. I am using a tuner to gauge the notes. Is this normal
(i.e. stretching the fingers) - I do not have short fingers, neither are my fingers long.
2. I find that when I go to play the C note, my index and pinkie fingers instinctively straighten, away from the fingerboard.
Thanks in advance
How do you know, if you never try?
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Jody Stecher
Oud Junkie
Posts: 1378
Registered: 11-5-2011
Location: California
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If you are having pain you are possibly using more force than necessary and/or are locking your wrist and/or thumb in a position that is causing or
worsening the problem. Push the strings to the fingerboard no harder than necessary to get a clear sound.
The reflexive movement of your pinkie and index fingers can be overcome by practicing slowly and gently. Don't force anything.
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MoPAT
Oud Lover
Posts: 11
Registered: 9-7-2015
Location: Johannesburg, South Africa
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Quote: Originally posted by Jody Stecher  | If you are having pain you are possibly using more force than necessary and/or are locking your wrist and/or thumb in a position that is causing or
worsening the problem. Push the strings to the fingerboard no harder than necessary to get a clear sound.
The reflexive movement of your pinkie and index fingers can be overcome by practicing slowly and gently. Don't force anything.
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Thanks so much for the advice! I will be mindful of this.
How do you know, if you never try?
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Brian Prunka
Oud Junkie
Posts: 2949
Registered: 1-30-2004
Location: Brooklyn, NY
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To add to Jody's advice, it is likely that there is something less than ideal in the position/orientation of your left hand that is causing extra
difficulty and stress. A short video of you playing would give us more to work with.
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