TOD # 4 Warming Up!

Hey everyone-

There are times we just want to play and play.

You notice that you cramp up quickly. Easy fix

You feel like your fingers are going to explode. Almost an easy fix.

You feel tight and things just are flowing. Hardest fix.

 

Well…

I happens to everyone. What do I do to over come it?

Lets take the first one, cramping up. Muscles need to warm up before any activity. Small arm circles leading to large arm circles really work. Or you can try sitting in a chair and imagine you are climbing a ladder. Reach hand over hand to the imaginary top rung. You will feel this !

Second One, fingers exploding. My heart goes out to upright bass players and rhythm guitar players. Now they have it a lot harder than us 8 stringers. So you have a few options to over come finger tip pain.

First check your action. If its insane to push down on the 5th fret and you feel the pain. I would say its time for a bridge adjustment.

Second you can change the type of strings you use to a lighter gauge. Note: YOU WILL loose volume at first.

Neck reset: Sometimes the truss rod needs a little nudge. Take it to a workshop and have them look over it for you. I can recommend good mandolin repair people in almost every location of the world,

Item 3: Many things can cause the lack of flow in your playing. From the two topics above to fatigue , getting overwhelmed before playing, lack of hearing your self. So many.

How to fix. Well, imho, just play like you play in your kitchen or office.

Its going to be different no matter what. Unless you invite everyone over to your practice space. Still it might not flow.

I would say take a little break, approach it slowly. Also be sure you are playing with others that allow you to be heard. Sometimes the little mandolin can get crunched in a big jam.

 

The main point is that the more you are using the muscles, the fingers and playing often..you will loose all of the above. It just goes away..PROMISE!!

Now pick a tune!