Why it happens
Pressing thin metal strings is new work for your fingertips. Over time the skin toughens into light calluses, and pressing becomes comfortable.
Guide · 3 min read
Why your fingertips hurt (and when it stops)
If your fingertips are tender after playing, congratulations — you're doing it right. Almost every guitarist goes through this.
Written for complete beginners
How long it lasts
For most people the worst of it eases within the first couple of weeks of regular practice. Short, frequent sessions help your fingers adapt without overdoing it.
Practise around it
Keep sessions short — five minutes is ideal. Press just hard enough for the note to ring; most beginners press far harder than they need to.
On a very sore day, practise strumming patterns on muted strings, or work on your fretting-hand shapes without strumming.
When to stop
Tenderness is normal. Sharp pain, numbness or pain in your wrist or arm isn't — stop, rest, and speak to a health professional if it continues.
Five-minute takeaway: Lighter-gauge strings, or an electric guitar, can be much kinder on new fingertips.
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