On Practice: Stretching
By Daniel Roest
Have you ever seen a track star run a race in street clothes? How about running a race without stretching? Of course not. But how often do we launch into strenuous playing cold? Way too much. And what about pro and advanced amateur guitarists that have to quit because of tendonitis or other hand and arm problems? What we do with our hands is actually highly athletic, if not aerobic, so let's wise up to that and treat our hands and arms as the indispensable tools they are and make them last. Stretching and gently warming up the hands before working them, plus relaxation and a good sitting position make for a more enjoyable playing experience and longevity in one's musical life.
