Crip Hand Syndrome (aka CHS) is a little-known but deadly disease for guitarists our age.

It is the opposing counterpart to the more commonly diagnosed Flat Finger Syndrome (FFS) known to especially plague beginning guitarists who try to hold strings down with the pad of their finger instead of the tip.

What is CHS and how can you prevent/cure it?

—-Symptoms—-

The following are indicators that you may be suffering from CHS in your fretting hand.

-Is the back of your hand completely flat from the wrist to your first knuckle? -Is your hand straining to fret the thinner strings? -Are your knuckles hyperextended? -Does your pinky want to land in between the first and second strings instead of in the strings themselves? -Do you feel pressure on the first knuckle of your thumb?

If you answered “Yes” to any of these questions, you may be suffering from CHS.

—-Cause—-

Most cases of CHS are caused by pressing too hard into the back of the back of the guitar with the thumb.

Excess pressure from the thumb causes two issues:

1. The tense muscles in the thumb cause the entire hand to clench.

2. The thumb becomes unable to slide and pivot on the neck causing the fingers to have to contort to reach higher strings.

The result is a fretting hand that looks like it should be attached to a man wearing blue and selling coke in some sketchy part of LA.

—-Cure—-

Fortunately, recent studies (conducted in my room for the past few weeks) have proven the effects of CHS can be reversed.

1. Use as little pressure possible on the back of the neck.
2. Keep the first knuckle of each finger bent.
3. Slide the thumb away from you when playing higher strings.

Do this and your symptoms should clear right up.

In addition, you’ll benefit from less fatigue, more speed, and prevent injury.

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