Numbness is fretting finger's is this normal ?

[Grimy_RIck]

So i started playing my guitar with rocksmith again recently and i have been practicing a hour or 2 a day, at first there was some soreness in finger tips but that has gone now, but for the last 2 days after playing for 15mins or so i start getting numb fingers, if i carry on whilst they are numb it gets worse and worse till i have to stop, when i stop it goes pretty quickly but when i resume it starts to comes back within 60 seconds almost feels like the vibrations are numbing my fingers, the only thing i have changed is new strings, they are the same make and model as the old ones, ernie ball super slinky, is this normal ? could it be something to do with the new strings, i have never had this before but then again i am actually picking it up this time and managing to play along to a song (Fun, some nights) where as before i was just failing full stop.

My pinky is not getting numb but then it is used sparingly in this song for the G cord played only now and then.

Any advice is welcome, i just don't want to lose momentum now i feel i am getting somewhere with learning.

[Tofu Ben]

Sounds like you use too much force too push the strings.

[Grimy_RIck]

Originally posted by Tofu Ben:

Sounds like you use too much force too push the strings.

Maybe although it feels to me like i have been more relaxed playing the last few days as i got used to playing the song i have been learning, but maybe the problem was from before then but is only effecting me now.

[RyD]

You might getting callouses.

[Painpal]

Things to check , Proper posture while playing ( How your holding the neck ) ....... Did you go to a thicker string gauge? .....Also higher than normal string height will take more finger pressure use when not set correctly.

[MyGuy]

Yes this is normal until your fingers start to bleed! It takes years of playing until your finger tips have the calluses built up to feel normal again specially if you don't play every day. If your action is set up to high by a newbie guitar tech then it will make things more difficult in playing! Thinner gauge strings really only makes it easier to play (Bends, hammer-pull offs and vibrato) you still need to build up calluses on your finger tips. I recommend little thinker then 9 gauge strings to speed up that process if on a electric guitar! If you really want to learn how to play get an acoustic guitar first before a electric guitar! You can still do rocksmith on an acoustic guitar just you will not end up with bad habits like many people do that only play electric guitars!

[Barabajagal]

@ Grimy_Rick. Try practicing for shorter sessions. Fifteen to thirty minutes then take a break and gauge how your fingers feel. Thinner strings help along with a proper guitar setup too. As mentioned by others, posture,and pressing the strings too hard can be contributors. If the numbness continues, get it checked out by a hand doc for your own peace of mind. No point in injuring yourself then being forced to stop playing.

[sumhavok]

Found the video below from an article by
Andrew Tan, OTR/L, CHT, CKTP, CEAS
Certified Hand Therapist.

Here is the link:
http://rehabforbetterlife.com/2017/10/top-7-tips-to-take-care-of-guitarists-hands/?lang=en

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_0aVxFxBa0

[sumhavok]

The best advice, that almost immediately freed me from extreme wrist pain prohibiting me from playing, to being able to play for hours on end, going from one RS song after another, sometimes playing until my wrist caved from exhaustion (~5-6 hours). Yet, being able to do the same thing the very next day, no problem, and the day after that, etc.... Is this video below.

I encourage everyone who plays guitar to watch it.

part I

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fHuISr6CSOI&feature=emb_logo

part II

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cyBhBzHWCLs

[Restless Diesel]

Also a possibility of carpal tunnel syndrome, or some other condition that affects the median nerve. The digits involved would be the thumb, index and middle finger, and 1/2 of the ring finger on the side of the middle finger. It would not affect the pinky.