Over Doing It

Tom Stolaski · Post by **Tom Stolaski** » 20 Oct 2003 9:24 am

Does anyone know if there is a time limit on practicing, as far as how many hours a day without damage to the right hand? I am talking about the Paul Franklin method of picking as hard as you possibly can while practicing. Maybe it is old age setting in, but if I practice hard for more than two or three hours, my hand goes into shock the next day. No pain, no gain?

John McGann · Post by **John McGann** » 20 Oct 2003 9:51 am

I'm new to the steel but a longtime musician:

Like anything athletic- if you are doing it efficiently, you have a lower injury risk- if your wrist is at a bad angle, you get get carpal tunnel syndrome going in less than an hour. I would advise warming up at slower tempos before jumping in and trying to smash the speed picking wall.

Common sense dictates that if something hurts, cramps , or aches, you should stop, stretch... and maybe consider this: there's the physical/technical/mechanical side, AND the mental/understanding/musicianship side. When my forearm gets to feeling played out, I start working on simply finding chord/scale/note positions. When my brain starts to feeling played out, I start working on technique again.

Here's a good one for when the right hand is getting worn out- set the metronome at a slow tempo, play something easy, and see if you can keep it together, with good groove and feeling. There is so much focus on speed, but can you just play something simple in perfect time? That's a whole 'nother area that is very worthwhile to pursue, because if you can do it slowly, and everything is "in place" technically, you should be able to "work it up".

It's great if you have many hours a day to devote to playing, but bear in mind that one focused hour will give you more results than 5 scattered hours...

Larry Bell · Post by **Larry Bell** » 20 Oct 2003 9:59 am

Maybe it is old age setting in

Whaddayamean MAYBE?????

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Larry Bell - email: larry@larrybell.org - gigs - Home Page
2003 Fessenden S/D-12 8x8, 1969 Emmons S-12 6x6, 1971 Dobro, Standel and Peavey Amps

Jeff Lampert · Post by **Jeff Lampert** » 20 Oct 2003 2:23 pm

how many hours a day without damage to the right hand?

The answer is YES, you can cause a disabling injury, and it's hard to know if or when it would happen. Repetitve stress injuries (tendinitis, carpal tunnel, etc.) are found in steel players, as they are in pianists, guitarists, and so on. Getting older also makes you more susceptible. You sould study up on repetitive stress injuries and be wary of how your body is talking to you. I would say as a general rule if something hurts or feels stiff while you are playing, and won't go away, then use should probably take a break for at least a few hours, or maybe a day. If you do develop one of these injuries, they don't go away easily and often require surgery.

Donny Hinson · Post by **Donny Hinson** » 20 Oct 2003 2:57 pm

In all deference to Paul's suggestion (I'll take your word he said that), and even though he's probably forgotten more than I'll ever be able to do, I don't think practicing should be "forceful" for hours on end. I agree that you should play with authority whenever you play, but that doesn't mean "picking as hard as you can" is necessary during the entire practice period. Practice exactly like you're going to play, and if it gets tiring and strenuous, rest awhile! There are occasions when even I'll "pull 'em out by the roots", but doing that all through your practice session means you're foregoing "dynamics" (loud playing vs. soft playing), and that's essential on almost any instrument.

My own approach to playing has always been "laid-back", but it's seldom "gentle"! I have no problem playing ten 40-minute sets in a row, and have done so many times without significant physical fatigue. Playing (and practicing) should be both enjoyable and comfortable. Otherwise, it will promote frustration, which will hinder you far more in the long run than "weak finger muscles".

That's my personal opinion on the subject. (Apologies to anyone who disagrees.)

Wayne Baker · Post by **Wayne Baker** » 20 Oct 2003 4:46 pm

I practice for hours, but its because I can't stop. Its like a drug or something. I'm 37 now and I've been playing for now on 20 years. I'm hoping I'll have the drive and be able to practice like this for at least 50 more years.

Wayne Baker

Tom Stolaski · Post by **Tom Stolaski** » 20 Oct 2003 5:59 pm

I think the picking as hard as you can is from an old Paul Franklin lesson tape. If I remember right, the idea is to pick hard during practice so when is comes time to play a gig you are more confident. I also notice that picking hard gives you a lot more sustain and better tone. This is just my opinion..........