Sweaty Hand Problems

Sweaty Hands is a problem a majority of us guitarists encounter at some point or another. Its a problem that can make even some of the best players sound not so great at times, and if your looking for an absolute solution, there really is'nt one, but there are some things you can do to make playing easier, or at least cut down the amount of sweat that is interfering with your playing.

Now for those of you that are more than serious players, who want to totally eliminate this problem, I have heard and read about people getting surgery on their hands to eliminate this problem, its a condition some have called hyperhidrosis, excessive hand sweating. The surgery is called Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy, its a same day in and out procedure that will have you returning to your daily routine in a short time, but this is the extreme. Most of us arent going to go through this process just so we dont mess up that solo at the end of Bark At The Moon at our weekend bar gig, but for those who might have a career in the music field, its an option.

For the rest of us, and yes, Ive dealt with this problem since the start of my playing journey some 18 yrs ago, there are some other options to help with this problem. Some guitarists, and Ive tried this myself, have been known to use cornstarch or talcim powder. Now I wouldnt suggest this, as it can be very messy, but if you would like to give it a shot, use small amounts, and DONT let it get all over inside your equipment as it WILL damage it. Also note that you will need to wipe down your guitars after playing or you'll have powder collecting by your frets. Jeff Beck is one name that has been known to use this.

Another suggestion is, if you gig, buy one or two small oscillating fans, make it part of your equipment, put them in front of you at the show and this should help tremendiously. Remember, sweaty hands are caused by nerves alot of the time, so if your nervious onstage, be prepared. Of course, the more you gig, the less nerviousness you will experience helping solve this problem alittle at a time.

My last suggestion is this, and Ive done this myself, learn to deal with it. I know this isnt the answer your looking for, but think about it, if you wash your hands 20 times while practicing at home to have dryer hands, your not gonna be prepared at a gig where you cant do this. Maybe bring a wet and dry towel to the show, but otherwise, your stuck. If you learn to play with sweaty hands and overcome that obsticle as part of your playing, it will be a standard part of your playing and it wont really get in the way that much.

Sweaty hands are a problem that EVERY guitarist encounters at some point, outdoor gigs etc. But when your used to it, its just part of the show. I know this subject isnt easy to solve, and might never be solved, but I hope you gained something from this article that can atleast help you deal with it. Till next time, Keep Rockin