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 )

 

[LeoNicecandy]

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 )

Thank you for the input!

I just tried a set of 12s I happen to have on the Strat, adjusted the whole guitar accordingly. Still came to no fruition. When I play my acoustic I feel like the way I finger came to contact with the string is really different when I play the Strat. It’s like a whole new world. I use to play Les Paul. Maybe it’s because the neck through construction putting the neck on a different angle? I know I’m going completely bonanzas but it’s really frustrating when I tried so many different strats they didn’t work for as I really love the sound of these guitars.

 

[Scab Pickens]

It might be the scale length that is throwing you off. Les Pauls and most acoustics typically have a shorter scale. You might like a Gibson scale conversion neck. I have one on one of my Teles and it definitely has a different feel. I also grew up playing Gibsons, both electric and acoustic, and still have a hard time adjusting to the longer Fender scale length. I'm pretty much used to it now, but it still doesn't feel quite right to me. "Old habits", I guess.

 

[LeoNicecandy]

It might be the scale length that is throwing you off. Les Pauls and most acoustics typically have a shorter scale. You might like a Gibson scale conversion neck. I have one on one of my Teles and it definitely has a different feel. I also grew up playing Gibsons, both electric and acoustic, and still have a hard time adjusting to the longer Fender scale length. I'm pretty much used to it now, but it still doesn't feel quite right to me. "Old habits", I guess.

Hey Scab! Thanks for the input.

I thought of the same thing at first. I researched and measured only to find that the acoustic has the same scale length which is 25-1/2 the same as my Strat. Very relatable to your experience.

The conversion neck definitely is worth a try.

Now I’m wondering if the neck packet is the issue? Because when I put the neck on, I could hear many creaking sound when I tighten the screws on the packet joint.

 

[stratamania]

Perhaps it has nothing to do with being a Strat or strings but perhaps the Strat has a slimmer neck profile to what you are used to.

Acoustics, and also Les Pauls, tend to have thicker neck profiles.

Guitar Neck Profiles

warmoth.com

Perhaps if you are using your muscles in the same way as on a thicker profile and are tenser finger and hand muscle wise than needed, it is going to hurt. Try to play with a lighter touch.

 

[LeoNicecandy]

Perhaps it has nothing to do with being a Strat or strings but perhaps the Strat has a slimmer neck profile to what you are used to.

Acoustics, and also Les Pauls, tend to have thicker neck profiles.

Guitar Neck Profiles

warmoth.com

Perhaps if you are using your muscles in the same way as on a thicker profile and are tenser finger and hand muscle wise than needed, it is going to hurt. Try to play with a lighter touch.

Thank you for chiming in!

That was my point of concern initially as well, I tried the 59roundback, boatneck and standard thin they didn’t work for me, I love these necks I don’t mind any of them the quality is great. I came to the conclusion that it’s not the neck that is the issue. I think is me and maybe the way the guitar sit on my body.

I do have a super thin neck on a majesty and that for me plays super nicely no pain whatsoever.

All kind of bridge spacing as well.

 

[ARCnet78]

Two other possibilities?

Have you considered neck radius? If I remember correctly, acoustic necks radius fall into the 12-16 (ish) range where as the classic Strat has a 7.25 radius. Depending on you hand size/finger length, I would imagine that the differing radius' could make a significant difference in comfort/finger position.

Also, what about neck width? With a wider neck you may use more of the pad of your finger, whereas a narrower neck may cause more fingertip use.

YMMV