[rjhurd]

Hi everyone,

I'm brand new to the guitar and have been playing for only a couple of weeks. I'm finding that the tips of my fingers are constantly numb!!! I don't play much because of the numbness and I don't feel like I'm pushing really hard. Maybe it's because my fingers are small?

Should I get my guitar restrung with lighter gauge strings? Does that mean that they are looser or softer or thinner??

Will this make a difference or is just a matter of time and I'll regain sensation in my poor fingers!

Thanks for any suggestions!

Rebecca - guitar newbie

[si16]

Hi to you Rebecca. This is something that is experienced by all new guitarists so don't worry. After a few weeks of regular playing callouses normally form on the fingertips. When they form playing is generally pain free. Changing to a lighter gauge is a good idea. They require less pressure to press down. You can always change back up to a thicker gauge once your fingers have toughened up.

[X4StringDrive]

Welcome

[knight46]

Hello Rebecca, welcome. +1 to si16's comments.

[allthumbs]

The numbness should pass. Mind you the calluses will make your finger tips feel like your wearing gloves after a while.

[rjhurd]

That's reassuring to know. People talk about pain in the fingers but not numbness. I just wanted to make sure I wasn't doing any permanent damage but continuing to play!!

I'm going to get restrung today.

Thanks for the help.

Cheers,
Rebecca

[thodwris]

Hello Rebecca...
Welcome to the site.In my opinion you should't be so worried.You are at the beginning and as you can see all of us in this site agree that it is normal to experience some pain on your fingertips.Just continue playing and as time goes by it will get better and better.Good luck and don't give up...

[walla189]

It gets better in about a week