Donblanco
Member
Hi, Donblanco, I have arthritis in the fingers of both my hands, but my left (fretting hand) has been the most bothersome. That's one of the reasons I stopped playing guitar, but about a year go decided to try the ukulele. I do find that forming chords on the uke is easier for me than the guitar, and that the tenor is more comfortable also, because it requires less extreme bending of the finger joints (which is what hurts) than the soprano I started off on. Also, thinner fluorocarbon strings seem more comfortable than nylgut. A good set up, and nice low, easy action on a better ukulele also helped tremendously. I'm wondering, you take any anti-inflammatory meds? It's the inflammation that does the damage to the joints.
The suggestions to tune down, low tension strings, and fingerpicking sound like good ones. Good luck!
I think that is the part that is tricky - actual felt string tension vs. 'technical' tension. Also the trade-off between that and having enough space to fit fingers near each other. I guess now I need to figure out the difference between the feel/pain of tenor strings vs. the guitar. First set of lessons on guitar was kinda painful on the fingertips, but to be expected.
Secondly, have you thought of a slide? With a slide you put a minimal of pressure on the frets. That could help with the left hand. Obviously there are some issues with using a slide, but if it was the only way to make music, then it would be acceptable.
Would that require open tuning?