How to Not Get a Callus From a Guitar

Print this articleAs you practice the guitar, it is inevitable that you are going to build calluses on your fingers. Calluses allow you to apply more accurate pressure to the strings and give you the ability to play for long periods without discomfort. The irony is that you can protect your hands from calluses for a while, but you will eventually need to allow your fingertips to build calluses if you want to become a competent and effective guitar player. There are several methods for reducing the rate at which calluses develop while you play.

Related Searches:Difficulty:ModerateInstructions Things You'll NeedGuitar slideHand lotionWD-40Suggest Edits1

Pllay the guitar with a lighter touch than you previously would. Lighter pressure creates less friction and is less likely to cause calluses.

2

Wear a slide on your finger while you play. A slide is a ceramic, glass or metal tube that you can use to create slide notes without putting pressure on your fingers.

3

Apply lotion to your hands daily to keep your hands soft and moisturized. This helps to keep calluses from forming, but will not last forever.

4

Spray a small amount of WD-40 into a clean rag and run it over the surface of your strings. This lubricant reduces the friction between your strings and fingers.

5

Play the guitar only a few times a week, and for short bursts. The longer you play, the more likely you are to develop calluses.

6

Switch to flat wound, light gauge or nylon guitar strings. These types of strings are gentler on your hands and result in fewer calluses.

ReferencesKids Health: Blisters, Calluses and Corns12 Bar Blues Guitar: Slide Guitar for BeginnersUltimate Guitar: Get the Most Out Of Your StringsRead Next:

Print this articleCommentsFollow eHowFollow

View the Original article