Freezing right hand...

[Misanthropic]

Ok, saw the thread about sweaty hands, so I thought I'd make the opposite.

Sometimes (or quite often, in fact) my right hand (my finger/pick/slap/tap hand) gets all cold and therefore completely rigid when playing. As we all know this sucks when trying to play fast fingerstyle. Or any other style.

This happens even though I'm at home playing in a not very cold room IMO (21 C, 70 F), and it always happens during band practice because the practice room is a little cool (I can wear a t-shirt there fine, but my right hand becomes stiff as hell).

A friend told me it could be because of smoking; when you hold the cigarette between your fingers they abosorb poison n stuff making blood circulation worse and thereby coolening the hand... I'll try to switch hands or maybe not smoke...
I suppose I could use a glove but it'd suck when slapping...

And the point of this thread? I was mainly wondering if anyone else has this kind of problem? And that's when playing indoors at normal temperatures....

[StrangeVision]

I find I play better when my hands are cold.

[Chameleon]

Dude, don't smoke.





I don't know/care if it has anything to do with the playing thing. Just don't smoke.

[NisseBagare]

A friend told me it could be because of smoking; when you hold the cigarette between your fingers they abosorb poison n stuff making blood circulation worse and thereby coolening the hand... I'll try to switch hands or maybe not smoke...
I suppose I could use a glove but it'd suck when slapping...



That's bs, except for the "smoking gives you bad blood circulation"-part.
Also.. try to wear a sweater even if you are able to play in a t-shirt.

When your body gets cold it will cool down your externals so it can maintain body temperature.

Watching Discovery is good ;)

[Misanthropic]

Dude, don't smoke.





I don't know/care if it has anything to do with the playing thing. Just don't smoke.

Oh well, I don't smoke regularly at all, I (almost) only do when I drink. I've found it impossible to have a beer without a smoke. :chug: :smoke:

[LowExpectations]

Wash your hands in warm water beforehand, let them dry before you play though.

Smoking isn't that bad as long as it's not constant, I can't imagine it being too much of a problem for anyone under 30 unless you're a heavy chain smoker.

[Mr_Soup]

When I get cold, my fingers are the first thing to go numb...



I also find that my joints get really numb in the cold...

[katana_manatee]

Sounds like you have circulatory problems. I do, I have Raynauds syndrome, so my hands don't get enough blood. Try taking Gingko Biloba tablets, they help circulation. I used to work in a Health food/supplement shop.

[Sade]

This is why we go to school, kids. Pay attention.

Whats important in our bodies? Our organs. Where are most of our organs located? In our chest/torso.

Do we "need" arms to live? No. We need organs. So when the body gets cold, the "primitive" brain will extract blood from your extremities and portion it in and around your organs to keep them warm and stable.

Wearing gloves won't do anything. However, wearing a sweatshirt/coat will. Also, run around a little bit before hand, get your blood circulating and out of just your torso. Also it helps to actually "flick" your wrist, as if trying to "throw" blood into your hands by violent movement. Always keep your fingers moving, too.

Keep your body warm, and your hands will be warm. Just trying to keep your hands warm won't do anything at all.

Another fun fact: When you're scared, or in a moment of possible bodily harm, your body will actually "retract" blood from your limbs and into your body. This is that "sinking" feeling we all get when we hear bad news, etc. It's a defense mechanism employed by the primitive brain.

[Chameleon]

Sade, those defense mechanisms are for such primitive humans.

Whenever my brain senses I could be in danger my eyes turn red, my hair becomes rock solid and my skin turns into hardened steel scales.

[FunkMetalBass]

Thank you, Sade.

I'd also like to discuss the fine art of smoking - specifically the smoking yields lung cancer argument.

It seems like the common belief is "if you smoke, you will get lung cancer."

After speaking with a doctor about it, he told me that, although smoking is bad for you no matter what, it really comes down to tolerance levels. Some people can smoke their entire lives and die of old age. Others can smoke one cigarrette and get lung cancer. It's the luck of the draw.

I'm not condoning or promoting smoking at all. I'm just bringing new light onto the topic.

Food for thought.


Sade, those defense mechanisms are for such primitive humans.

Whenever my brain senses I could be in danger my eyes turn red, my hair becomes rock solid and my skin turns into hardened steel scales.

Are they C# Harmonic Minor scales!?

That would be the ultimate in toughness!

**GRR!!!!**

/wannabe

[katana_manatee]

Of course there are tolerance levels, but the fact is 50% of people's tolerance is too low and die of a smoking related disease. It is the luck of the draw, but luck often goes against you.

[moghes69]

Are they C# Harmonic Minor scales!?

That would be the ultimate in toughness!

**GRR!!!!**

/wannabe

for some reason, cheezy music jokes always get me to crack up.

[Zion Gates]

its freezing up in ottawa...and i walk a couple of blocks to get to my drummers house, my hands are stiff as hell when i get there, i just put them down my pants and they are fine after a couple of minutes

[Sade]

Of course there are tolerance levels, but the fact is 50% of people's tolerance is too low and die of a smoking related disease. It is the luck of the draw, but luck often goes against you.

Naw, the numbers aren't that high.

Hell, there's only roughly a few thousand people hospitalized at the present for complications brought about by smoking. Considering millions smoke, that's a pathetic number.

[FunkMetalBass]

for some reason, cheezy music jokes always get me to crack up.

Well, that joke was laying there, but not so blatantly obvious that it took away from the hilarity while remaining close enough so that I didn't have to reach for it.

It damn well SHOULD have been funny with that in-depth analysis.

[Sade]

Well, that joke was laying there, but not so blatantly obvious that it took away from the hilarity while remaining close enough so that I didn't have to reach for it.

It damn well SHOULD have been funny with that in-depth analysis.

I didn't laugh.

In fact, I barely even got it. Music theory jokes are completely lost on me.

That one was a little obvious, though. Usually I'm lost.

Now, if you were to make a joke about the gays, blacks, or jonly, I might laugh.

[Chameleon]

I didn't laugh.

In fact, I barely even got it. Music theory jokes are completely lost on me.

That one was a little obvious, though. Usually I'm lost.

Now, if you were to make a joke about the gays, blacks, or jonly, I might laugh.


Jonly is gay LOMYALE.

[katana_manatee]

Naw, the numbers aren't that high.

Hell, there's only roughly a few thousand people hospitalized at the present for complications brought about by smoking. Considering millions smoke, that's a pathetic number.

By any illness that could have been exacerbated by smoking. So it could have just pushed people over the edge in terms of getting an illness. It might not be the whole cause but it is a deciding factor for that moment in time the person was in their life age wise.

[Sade]

By any illness that could have been exacerbated by smoking. So it could have just pushed people over the edge in terms of getting an illness. It might not be the whole cause but it is a deciding factor for that moment in time the person was in their life age wise.

The number of people "diagnosed" with "morbid obesity" in the United States is well over a million.

Do you know what being morbidly obese does to your health?

Too bad there's no noble "truth" campaign to get rid of the fast food implantation. Nope. Just smoking. Because fast food makes just about as much money as the PR campaigns and public service announcements attempting to raise "awareness" about cigarettes do.

[katana_manatee]

Cigarettes is simply a factor too concentrated on. Obesity is one of the biggest rising health problems in the Western world. But Cigarettes can be the main factor for some things.

[FunkMetalBass]

Now, if you were to make a joke about the gays, blacks, or jonly, I might laugh.

Jonly is black and gay with the hypocritical mods.

EDIT: Damn. Beaten to it!

[Sade]

Cigarettes is simply a factor too concentrated on. Obesity is one of the biggest rising health problems in the Western world. But Cigarettes can be the main factor for some things.

Dead racoon eating pirates may be the main factor for some things, too.

Does that make them more important? No. It's a shotty justification that doesn't make sense.

[FunkMetalBass]

Cigarettes is simply a factor too concentrated on. Obesity is one of the biggest rising health problems in the Western world. But Cigarettes can be the main factor for some things.

As can ANYTHING dependent upon what you are focusing on. In the case of urinary diseases, sex and masturbation can be a big factor in worsening the condition of one's urinary track.

[katana_manatee]

Agreed, cigs are too concentrated on but they should definately be covered.

[FunkMetalBass]

Agreed, cigs are too concentrated on but they should definately be covered.

What? Giving up already? Man, I was totally ready to debate the topic some more.

Damn.

I win. :upset:

Case Closed.

[Sade]

FMB, it wasn't even your fight!

I shall steal the trophy from you!

And then smash in Steve's face with it.
(we're still on for Bob's ice cream, right Steve?)

[katana_manatee]

I was never arguing against the fact that fags get too much coverage but we do need to know of what they can do. We need a proper coverage of the main big factors in illnesses that could have been prevented had the person not done what had high health risks.

[katana_manatee]

Not if my face is deformed by a trophy shaped lump. :angry:

[Sade]

I was never arguing against the fact that fags get too much coverage but we do need to know of what they can do. We need a proper coverage of the main big factors in illnesses that could have been prevented had the person not done what had high health risks.

Cigarettes are now corporate ploy from both angles. From the side of the actual distribution of them, they're going to make money. People are addicted.

From the PR side of the scope...they still make money anyways. Major tobacco chains support and fund public service announcements and recieve federal money for it. Yep, that's right, tax dollars.

[FunkMetalBass]

FMB, it wasn't even your fight!

I shall steal the trophy from you!

And then smash in Steve's face with it.
(we're still on for Bob's ice cream, right Steve?)

It wasn't?

I thought I brought up the cigarrette/fag/t-joint up...

I guess the posts lie. Man I'm so gullible :(

[Klander Brigade]

Sounds like you have circulatory problems. I do, I have Raynauds syndrome, so my hands don't get enough blood. Try taking Gingko Biloba tablets, they help circulation. I used to work in a Health food/supplement shop.

Raynaud's sufferers unite! I'll try that Ginko idea. My hands at times during winter turn the most beautiful shades of orange, black, and purple.

[katana_manatee]

Raynauds sucks, but a high strength Gingko Biloba supplement helps. But it will take about two months before you will notice the difference.

[psbassplayer]

i cant play when my hands r cold. they get rred n stuff and slow down mucho.

Peace

-psbass

[Sade]

i cant play when my hands r cold. they get rred n stuff and slow down mucho.

Peace

-psbass

Well gee, thanks.

This guy gets in, out, and on with life, for sure.

[psbassplayer]

ha, im like that.

i tried to say that i also sit on my hands to warm them up, but then they get cold again...so it doesnt work...?

Pax

-psbass

[b_enler]

The same thing happens to me when i play in a semi cold place, my hand gets all cold and red, it really slows me down. I usualy run my hands under hot water but it only helps for a few minutes.

[BigBossBassist]

When I get cold, my fingers are the first thing to go numb...



I also find that my joints get really numb in the cold...
For me... it's my ears, not my fingers.

[Sade]

The same thing happens to me when i play in a semi cold place, my hand gets all cold and red, it really slows me down. I usualy run my hands under hot water but it only helps for a few minutes.

Please go read my post on the topic one page back.

You will then understand. Warm your body up. Not just your hands. Warming your hands will do no good.

[Jimbobntnr]

This country was founded upon tobacco's back, and now that we no longer need it, everyone wants to outlaw it.

It's not to be blamed for your cold hand.
Jonly is gay LOMYALE.
yeah. I'm ditching this place and going to lostspirits.net.

[psbassplayer]

i dont go near water before i play if i can help it...makes my fingers feel weird and ruins my strings...

Piece

-psbass

[psbassplayer]

Please go read my post on the topic one page back.

You will then understand. Warm your body up. Not just your hands. Warming your hands will do no good.


works for limbs, not fingers...

dam i cant think of another way of saying peace

-psbass

[Phalanx]

Oh well, I don't smoke regularly at all, I (almost) only do when I drink. I've found it impossible to have a beer without a smoke. :chug: :smoke:

yes, that's called addiction. Smokers get that alot :rolleyes:

[Aukai]

Yeh my hands have ****ty circulation, but I thought that was before I started smoking, its mostly in my fretting hand, but I thought that was because I'm a lefty playing a righty

[Misanthropic]

Ok I'm back, thanks for your advice people.

The thing is, even though I was saying I can play in a t-shirt in there, I never do, I always wear a sweater or something... I was just saying that to imply it wasn't that freezing cold... But I'll try wearing a coat next time... :thumb:

[Matthew2250]

My hands get cold periodically, so I do what is known as a warm-up. Gets the blood moving.
No trouble with core temperature for me, I give off enough heat for 2 people. I sleep in winter with summer bedsheets and the window open occasionally.