Playing Guitar In The Winter
Playing guitar in the winter…tips to get you through!
During the winter months it’s important to keep in mind how the weather may affect you and your instrument. As the weather gets colder, there are a few things that you should keep in mind for your guitar practice.
Cold hands
You may be unable to play the guitar outside during the colder months so avoid outdoor playing in cold weather. And in winter it might get cold enough to affect you while you’re inside. If you’ve been outside, or if your building is not well-heated, you might find that your fingers don’t feel nimble when you pick up the guitar.
Maintain a comfortable practice space
You should already have a practice space set up, but if you don’t, now is a good time to create one. Your practice space should be kept at the appropriate temperature and humidity. This is best for you and your guitar. You should make sure that by the time you are ready to practice, your practice space has reached a comfortable temperature.
Lessons in winter
If you will be traveling with your guitar (most likely to lessons), you should consider taking some steps to protect you and your guitar. Obviously, it’s a good idea to wear warm gloves. Handwarmers are an even better idea. Keep some in your guitar case. Your guitar should not fluctuate frequently between very hot and cold temperatures. Every time your guitar changes temperature, it will expand or contract and this creates a risk of cracking. Most guitars can handle cold temperature in small doses. Just be mindful not to leave it in the cold for extended periods of time.
How to warm your hands in an emergency
If you have just arrived at a gig, or timed lessons, and you need to warm your hands out fast, try this. Go to the nearest restroom and plug the sink. Fill it with warm water, hot enough to be slightly uncomfortable. Soak your hands in the warm water for several minutes and they will quickly return to optimum temperature. If you’re lucky, this is all it will take.
Don’t forget to moisturize
During the winter months it is important to keep your hands in good condition. Buy a small bottle of moisturizer to carry with you and apply it to your hands regularly, especially after washing them.
Following these tricks will help you to endure the winter months when guitar playing can become difficult. Stay warm, keep your guitar safe, and enjoy the time spent playing. Whether it is summer or winter, you shouldn’t slow down, and practice shouldn’t lull ever. Find the time to practice and make sure you keep up with your lessons.
For the best guitar lessons in the Philadelphia area, check out the David Joel Guitar Studio. David teaches one on one lessons so that he can devote his time to just one person at a time. Takes lessons either in studio or online.