The Steel Guitar Forum

So I've been learning how to play lap steel for a few weeks. I'm making good progress but I'm cramping up in my left hand/arm. Are there stretches that you do before playing? Am I gripping the bar wrong??? (You wouldn't know without seeing my grip...). I guess I'm asking if this is common and what can be done about it. It is from my hand through the elbow. Is it better to sit or stand? Does that affect it? Etc...

Thanks!

I don't really like to grip the bar too much--I tend to let gravity do its thing and I guide the bar. Squeezing the bar is common in the beginning because you're paranoid about dropping it. I use a lot of downward pressure, but that's really about it.

A few tips--when moving the bar move it in a straight line at all times. This is done by moving your arm with the bar, but keeping your left elbow at your side. Don't let your wrist get loose and let the bar lag and move on an angle--poor technique.

I remember at some point I tried using light gauge strings because someone told me they're easier to play. But I started getting cramps (in my fingers ). I went back to heavies and never had the problem since. For me, it required a lot more pressure to maintain control on light strings.

If your steel is on legs, you might try adjusting the height to find a more natural feeling wrist angle. I think Mike's comment about gripping hard is right on target as well.

This happens to me occationally when I "want" too much...
I can counteract this by intentionally relaxing my left hand during playing. Also, Jerry Byrd recommends in his video to "slightly arch up the left hand".
The muscles of the fingers extend way back to the elbow, so I would not be surpised if this hand position would adress a whole different set of muscles which relaxes the grip a lot.

-helmut

Cramping was a problem for me when playing dobro.
On steel I have always used a 12 string bar even though I play a ten string due to having very large hands. I started using the dunlop SP1 bar which is longer than a standard stevens type bar. I like the blunt end at the front, and it gives my very large hand enough bar to reach the fold in my hand to hold that end of the bar.
I don't get cramping at all any more.
Lefty

I have suffered from this playing reso, & was told it was caused by stage fright nerves, stemming from gripping the bar too tightly.
Tried anti cramping medication & nothing works, except learning to relax the bar hand.
A couple of stiff drinks may do the trick also.

I used to get that a lot. One thing I did was to see how little pressure/tension I could use while playing and still be able to get the right tone, bar control, etc. I was surprised at how much unnecessary tension I had. That really seemed to help. Also, I try to let my arms relax and let their weight aid in the downward pressure on the bar and picking hand, instead of getting on top of them and pushing directly down. Haven't had that problem for years now. Good luck, hope this helps!