lamylouy - Posted - 11/04/2011:  12:26:22

I have trying to learn the tenor banjo it's been about a month of practicing. I can almost plya Skip to my Lou lol.

How long before your fingers stop hurting Is there anything that will help with getting them tuffer.

Janie

tbfnyc - Posted - 11/04/2011:  12:29:38

Eric Clapton suggests using alcohol on your fingertips to dry them out. It might work but there's no real substitute for hours of playing. No pain... no gain.

lamylouy - Posted - 11/04/2011:  13:14:32

ok

94nole - Posted - 11/04/2011:  13:45:59

Yeah...but soldier through it...the more it hurts the more you should play...maybe take a day break every now and then...I just came through it myself about 3 months ago...it'll hurt for a while but motor on and soon you'll think "dang, I can practice as long as I want and it doesn't hurt at all."

minstrelmike - Posted - 11/04/2011:  13:50:59

I have never heard the alcohol on your fingertips advice.

It's always been internal applications for me.

The fingers will hurt two places. The muscles themselves which just requires practice BUT PAY ATTENTION TO DEATH GRIP. If you hold the strings too hard, you needlessly strain your hand. Try to only press with the minimal effort necessary. Moving your left elbow often affects the way the fingers come down on the fretboard. 

The other pain is with fingertips. Callouses take time to build up. About the only thing that might help would be to put sandpaper on your keyboard to toughen them up as you e-mail and post on your computer ;-)

Now that I think about it, the advice may not be that facetious.

lamylouy - Posted - 11/04/2011:  16:29:02

Thank's I love to practice.

mike gregory - Posted - 11/04/2011:  16:59:04

Has your banjo been looked at and set up by somebody who knows how to do that?

If the strings are too high, too thick, or too old, it'll be endless agony.

You can always post a topic

"Need setup help on a tenor in or near (----------your home town and state----).

That will usually  get attention from helpful OutHangers in your area.

SaggyBottom - Posted - 11/04/2011:  18:41:19

yes-sounds like a set-up issue. Shouldn't hurt That much.

Texasbanjo - Posted - 11/05/2011:  05:41:55

For sore fingers, try Camphophoenique -- it can be found at your local pharmacy -- just put it on the tender part of your fingers and they stop hurting fairly quickly.  I still keep some in the motorhome for when we're at festivals and jamming for hours and hours -- don't need it much anymore, but it certainly will help until you get the calluses you need.

lamylouy - Posted - 11/05/2011:  11:53:41

Thank you I have no idea how old the strings are but have just ordered some new ones. So will see.
Texasbanjo, will pick some up soon I know it helps for other things too.
Janie