I seem to not be able to get along with a strat

[LeoNicecandy]

Guys hope you are doing well.

Like the title of this thread, I find myself not able to play a Strat style guitar. My hands hurt after playing them for a while, especially the tips of my fretting hand.

I play acoustic guitar a lot, also bend a lot even with the thicker strings, however when I play a Strat, gosh it just hurt…. I tried everything, low action high action different necks, even necks that resemble my acoustic. Now I have come to the conclusion that I just cannot get use to them, maybe the ergonomics?

I want to ask you, if anyone has similar experience? Maybe I should try telecasters, I think they might fit me better.

 

[Strat Avenger]

That really makes no sense.

 

[JohnnyHardtail]

Would you consider to ask a tech to check the neck relief and file the nut slots to the correct height?

Maybe a set of fresh, good quality strings will help. I feel this could be something related to strings and setup.

 

[LeoNicecandy]

Would you consider to ask a tech to check the neck relief and file the nut slots to the correct height?

Maybe a set of fresh, good quality strings will help. I feel this could be something related to strings and setup.

I did initially ask my tech to setup the guitar, though I think the nut slots could be lower.
For strings I’m using Ernie Ball super slinky. I might get a set of Elixir and see how it feels!

 

[LeoNicecandy]

That really makes no sense.

I know right? My mind tells me the same thing, which is why I kept trying and kept getting unsatisfactory results….

 

[TBurst Std]

Curious on 2 things:
Is it your finger tips or hand that hurt?
If finger tips, could it be the thinner gauge strings?
If hand, do you normally play seated classical style?

 

[LeoNicecandy]

Curious on 2 things:
Is it your finger tips or hand that hurt?
If finger tips, could it be the thinner gauge strings?
If hand, do you normally play seated classical style?

Hey that is really interesting! It’s definitely the tip! Actually the left ring finger. Maybe I should try a heavier gauge, since my acoustic has 11s on them.

 

[NedRyerson]

You might be onto something. Your ring finger tip is hitting the higher notes on many chord shapes so if that's where the source of pain is, it could be the difference in string gauges if your acoustic has heavier gauge strings compared to your electric (and switching to a Tele is unlikely to make a difference, as that's more about body shape than neck).

While I don't discount the possibility of playing position, try (for the fun of it) the same gauge strings on your acoustic. It may sound horrid on an electric but it's also the cheapest option in troubleshooting versus running around and trying different whole guitars!

If you can isolate the issue to the string gauge, that gives you some data to work from.

(Which I'm sure TBurst Std can appreciate )