Question for Chris

[incarnated-solvent-abuse]

Hi,

Something I have realised recently is that the tension that develops in my hands and wrists when I practise for long periods of time prevents me from playing as best I can. This is OK if I am practising at home as I can just take breaks, but is much more difficult to deal with when playing live, as I'm sure you can appreciate! I was wondering if you have any tips to avoid/reduce the problem.

Cheers!

PS: you are awesome

 

[Burti]

What kind of tension we talking about here?

I do enforce the P.S. as well.

 

[Nebulous]

I have also had similar problems. An obvious thing would be to try and alter your technique/ strength (where possible, depending on which hand you get the tension).
Another thing which I feel helped was following some of the instructions here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bINkQUbA33o

 

[Chris_Broderick]

Hey incarnated-solvent-abuse,

this is a big question. I can only offer some tips on the subject: one everything mentioned in the JP vid is a good start, two try to play things with as little effort as possible ( sometimes I will do this even when it sounds like total crap, but it teaches me the exact amount of effort needed), and Three try to maintain joint alignment when ever possible ( if the forearm is in alignment with the back of the hand, the fingers will have more agility).

hope this helps, and good luck, Chris.