my finger hand hurts alot

[BoyToy]

I have been practicing alot. I am supposed to play in a show tonight. My hand that presses down on the strings is real sore and painful. It feels like a cramp all the time. How can I fix this. Is a rest my only way? I am not allowed drugs by my parents so I hurt all the time when I play. Am I doin it wrong or is this normal.
I am 13 years old and I play a Squier.Thanks for some help.

[ralphster007]

How long have you been playing?

My first instinct would be to tell you to take a break.

Also check out Phunky Phred's Phread, entitled 'and so it Begins - proper technique/breaking bad habits', just in case you are doing something wrong.

[Skitzo130]

i would ice it for 20 min and then let it out for 20
etc

[lechip]

Try to rest it as much as you can before tonight.
the pain will eventually go away as your hand get's stronger.

don't worry, it get's easier with time.

[d0zerz]

I much prefer my non-finger hand to my finger hand....my finger hand has these awkward fingers which get in the way of things :mad:

...in conclusion: just cut them off :wave:

[d0zerz]

Seriously though you might want to re-examine how hard you're pushing down on the strings. You should be putting only as much pressure to avoid rattling, but not more. Check this by fretting a chord without thinking about it. Then slowly 'ease off' until you can hear buzzing to find the sweet spot.

Alternatively put lighter strings on your geetar..

[Skitzo130]

Originally posted by d0zerz
I much prefer my non-finger hand to my finger hand....my finger hand has these awkward fingers which get in the way of things :mad:

...in conclusion: just cut them off :wave:

+1
i cut off both before i started playing guitar because i knew they would start hurting once i started playing

now,

i never play a wrong note