10 Tools and Tips for Playing Guitar with Arthritis

by Frederik Nielsen, Jun 21, 2021 . 3 min read

We recently covered how different kinds of arthritis can affect your guitar playing. We also provided some tips on how to avoid it.

But what if you already have arthritis? Will playing make it worse?

Fortunately, there’s no evidence to suggest that playing guitar causes arthritis or makes it worse. In fact, playing the guitar can actually relieve the pain caused by arthritis!

Since arthritis affects everyone differently, there are no hard and fast rules for playing guitar with it. But here are some Tips for Playing Guitar with Arthritis that might help make your jam and practice sessions easier.

1. Create the Right Environment

Make sure that you warm-up and stretch your hand before playing the guitar. Pick a comfortable chair to sit in and try to play in a warm and dry room to reduce the effects of your arthritis.

2. Use a Capo

Full barre chords are not friends of arthritis, so try to stick to open chords if you can. A capo can help you avoid many barre chords without sacrificing the sound of your playing.

3. Play More Comfortably

Play slowly if your style allows for it, and try to keep your wrist straight. Also, keep your fingers as close to the fret as possible so you don’t need to apply as much pressure to the string.

4. Use a Thumb Pick

Guitar picks aren’t friends of arthritis either, so consider using a pick specifically designed for players with grip problems. Thumb picks can help you play longer and more painlessly.

5. Change Your Tuning

Experiment with tunings that allow you to use more open strings. We’ve put together a comprehensive guide on alternate tunings that could make your playing easier.

6. Use an Automatic Tuner

Tuning a guitar involves a lot of twisting, which isn’t great for arthritis. Use the Roadie 3 and let a robot do the heavy lifting for you so you can concentrate on your playing.

7. Use a Larger Neck

A larger guitar neck will make it easier for you to grip it and give your hand some rest. Common brands like the Les Paul will do the trick, and Zager Guitars are made for it.

8. Use Finger Caps

Silicone finger caps are designed for people with conditions like arthritis and can help alleviate the pain of pushing down on a string. Consider using them if they won’t impair your playing.

9. Lower the String Action

The string action, or height of the strings, affects how hard you have to push it down on the fret. Lower the strings so they’re closer to the fret and you don’t have to apply as much pressure.

10. Use Lighter Strings

Lighter strings require less pressure, which will be easier on your hands. Acoustic players should invest in steel or silk strings, and electric players should consider lighter gauge strings.

Back on the Road!

Unfortunately, there’s no cure for arthritis — but there are plenty of ways you can make your life easier. Hopefully, you’ve found these tools and tips for playing guitar with arthritis helpful.

Know of anything we missed in this post? Let us know in the comments below!