I grip my chords too hard - suggestions?

[ratherdashing]

I have strong hands, and I tend to grip too hard when I have to hold a chord. On my guitars with big frets, this causes some notes to bend out of tune, which gives me an icky feeling.

For some reason, I don't have this problem with single note passages - only chords.

Is there anything you guys can recommend to help train myself to have a lighter touch on the chording?

Thanks!

 

[pixelpusher]

Re: I grip my chords too hard - suggestions?

pulling chords out of tune while fingering is an indication of a nut that might be cut too high as well.. take a look at that and see if you need it adjusted.

 

[ratherdashing]

Re: I grip my chords too hard - suggestions?

pulling chords out of tune while fingering is an indication of a nut that might be cut too high as well.. take a look at that and see if you need it adjusted.

Hmm ... that's a good point. Thanks.

I definitely do think I grip too hard though.

 

[CGord]

Re: I grip my chords too hard - suggestions?

Step up your string gauge.

 

[tone4days]

Re: I grip my chords too hard - suggestions?

RD, i am equally guilty ... i just had to work very mindfully to lighten up ... nothing else helped ... i messed around with slight detuning, but that hosed me up in worse ways ... it happens most notably on real uptempo rockers when i am bouncin and singin lead ... and only on my guitars with real high frets (like my #1 brian moor )

 

[fingerace]

Re: I grip my chords too hard - suggestions?

Step up your string gauge.

That should help a lot... I am having this problem too when playing on friends' guitars with lower gauges.

You could also try to apply the finger pressure exactly where it is needed. Relax and watch at your hand, place it properly and hold it where it should be. I know that in the "heat of the song" you won't think about these things, but the truth is that nobody from the audience will notice!

If it really annoys you I guess you could have the frets replaced, but only as a last resort...

 

[fusion101]

Re: I grip my chords too hard - suggestions?

stop it or I'll bury you in a box

 

[Philcguitars]

Re: I grip my chords too hard - suggestions?

I have strong hands, and have had the same problem. I played around with string guages, and that helped some, but the rest is just YOU! I am a bit eratic in when I get to play. If I've been away for a while I sometimes find that for a bit it comes back, but I settle down now after a few hours of PRACTICE.