Fat hands / thin hands

[dwasifar]

Here is my left hand a year ago:



And here it is today:



I used to have trouble with muting the high E because of puffy fingers. I no longer have that issue. But now, without so much padding on the hand, I find certain chords cause the corner of the fretboard to grind into my hand uncomfortably. Can't win for losing.

Anyone else go through this kind of thing?

 

[mushroom]

You seem to have grown an extra finger in that time ?

 

[HeyMikey]

Dwasifsr that is pretty dramatic, even without considering the extra finger. What did you do to relieve the swelling? I have a similar problem but not as bad.

 

[dwasifar]

Dwasifsr that is pretty dramatic, even without considering the extra finger. What did you do to relieve the swelling? I have a similar problem but not as bad.

It wasn't swelling, it was fat. I lost a lot of weight.

 

[adorshki]

Dwasifsr that is pretty dramatic, even without considering the extra finger. What did you do to relieve the swelling? I have a similar problem but not as bad.

If it's not "fat" you may want to consider sodium reduction. I never had a problem with highblood pressure, except in my inner ear, caused Meniere's Disease eventually.

Found a young ENT specialist who advised low sodium and a diuretic, HCTZ, commonly prescribed for high blood pressure. Lost 10 lbs of water weight in 2 weeks, about 30 lbs over about 6 months IIRC, and I was only about 165 on a 5'8" frame as it was (!)
I was back to my 28-year old weight.
So not quite half the man I used to be.

Incredible how much water sodium'll make you retain, and the typical American diet OD's most people by 200% at least. If it says low fat or low sugar it's high sodium. Beyond Meat's got 30% more sodium than bison.

 

[chazmo]

Here is my left hand a year ago:



And here it is today:



I used to have trouble with muting the high E because of puffy fingers. I no longer have that issue. But now, without so much padding on the hand, I find certain chords cause the corner of the fretboard to grind into my hand uncomfortably. Can't win for losing.

Anyone else go through this kind of thing?

Congrats on all the weight loss, dwasifar. As for "can't win for losing," well, I'd argue that your discomfort is a badge of honor. I hope you can keep the weight off and find a way through the pain.

Also, congrats on growing your pinky back.

 

[dwasifar]

Also, congrats on growing your pinky back.

Workshop injury, obviously.

 

[The Guilds of Grot]

Anyone else go through this kind of thing?

I feel your pain!

My band dis-banded (see what I did there), before COVID. During COVID I lost over 80 pounds. (Not from be sick, but from eating better and working out of boredom.)

When I picked my Bass up after the weight loss, it hurt like hell to fret the strings! I no longer had any fat on my fingers for cushioning and it seemed like it was going right to my bones! And like you, the corner of the fretboard dug into my hand! I'm still adjusting.

On the positive side, since I have embraced physical fitness, my singing stamina has increased ten-fold!

How are you doing keeping your wedding ring on?

 

[dwasifar]

I feel your pain!

My band dis-banded (see what I did there), before COVID. During COVID I lost over 80 pounds. (Not from be sick, but from eating better and working out of boredom.)

When I picked my Bass up after the weight loss, it hurt like hell to fret the strings! I no longer had any fat on my fingers for cushioning and it seemed like it was going right to my bones! And like you, the corner of the fretboard dug into my hand! I'm still adjusting.

Yes, that is exactly my experience! Just the same. I've lost 60 so far but I want to lose another 10-15.

On the positive side, since I have embraced physical fitness, my singing stamina has increased ten-fold!

How are you doing keeping your wedding ring on?

I can also sing a lot better without the equivalent bulk of a giant bag of dog food pressing on my belly. I can make it to the end of long lines without taking a breath now, and in general I don't sound so gaspy and wheezy.

Wedding ring is going to have to be replaced soon:



It slips off inside work gloves, and yesterday I almost lost it while getting out of the car. Can't size a tungsten carbide ring, but fortunately they're not expensive.

 

[schoolie]

I can relate. I've put on a ton of weight in the last 4 years, mostly job-stress eating, and it has definitely affected my playing. I have this problem with the high E string getting dampened by my pudgy left hand. Also the extra "Padding" in my finger tips changes the sound and volume of fretted notes. I'm moving in the right direction now. Glad you were able to take off the weight!

 

[chazmo]

Yes, that is exactly my experience! Just the same. I've lost 60 so far but I want to lose another 10-15.


I can also sing a lot better without the equivalent bulk of a giant bag of dog food pressing on my belly. I can make it to the end of long lines without taking a breath now, and in general I don't sound so gaspy and wheezy.

Wedding ring is going to have to be replaced soon:



It slips off inside work gloves, and yesterday I almost lost it while getting out of the car. Can't size a tungsten carbide ring, but fortunately they're not expensive.

dwasifar, I don't know if Thalia makes ring sizers that you can clamp onto your Tungsten ring, but they might be good folks to ask if anything can be done. Their people are terrific, and they make great Tungsten rings (I've got many), so they may have something like a ring sizer to recommend. Give 'em a call.

Jewelry

Thalia Capos are exceptional guitar capos that are designed to compliment your favorite guitars. Designed for use with the fretting hand.

www.thaliacapos.com

 

[dwasifar]

I have this problem with the high E string getting dampened by my pudgy left hand.

Yes, I had exactly that problem. And it was exacerbated by having to hold the guitar farther away because my belly was in the way, which changed my grip.

Never had the fingertip issue though, thankfully.

 

[dwasifar]

dwasifar, I don't know if Thalia makes ring sizers that you can clamp onto your Tungsten ring, but they might be good folks to ask if anything can be done. Their people are terrific, and they make great Tungsten rings (I've got many), so they may have something like a ring sizer to recommend. Give 'em a call.

Nah, I just bought a new ring one size smaller. It was only $19 and will be arriving in a day or two.