right hand position

[s1m0n]

I'm playing a LOT these days and enjoying every second of it. However, all this activity IS having an effect on my hands. I can feel tendonitis creeping into my right hand, like a little glow across my knuckles. It's bearable, and I've been playing through it because I'm having too much fun.

However, I'm smart enough to know that this isn't a good idea. While the "bargaining" phase of my denial is still in place, however, I want to ask if there is any link between hand posture and tendonitis.

I use something like the "pinky post" position--my littlest finger drops down and touches the top, anchoring my hand in place.

Is it known that taking the trouble to school myself into another posture will alleviate the tendonitis? Or am I just thinking wishfully?

[August Watters]

The tendonitis is a sign that something is probably wrong in your hand or arm posture. Try modifying the "pinky post" into an open hand, with fingers not holding the pick used instead to brush across the top of the mandolin. Then there's the post-the-wrist-behind-the-bridge position. They're all proven techniques. You might consider taking your mandolin to a physical therapist (Alexander Method, Feldenkrais, chiropractor, etc.) -- they might be able to help track down the problem. Or a good mandolin teacher!

Hope this helps.

August W

[mandroid]

with pickguard, i put the curled up pinky fingernail in light contact, brushing.
The thumb/flatpicks are good too, Herco for one, as it stays in place with a lighter grip when index knuckles are sensitive.