Uncomfortable playing guitar

Question

I was trying to learn to play the guitar a while ago. I stopped and I'd like to pick it up again.

I just have a problem, when I played I can't really get comfortable and I don't really feel like I'm holding the guitar right (its an electric by the way).

One other problem is that I get a really bad pain in my wrist after a short while, the hand that I use for the fretboard.

Answer 1

If you're a beginner, you should be practicing on an acoustic or nylon stringed guitar. The strings are easier to strum, not to mention easier on the fingers.

Answer 2

You haven't used your wrist in that way in a while, so it's probably just not used to that sort of movement

Answer 3

Try changing the angle you hold your guitar so that you can keep your wrist straight. A lot of musicians do some bad damage to their hands because they bend their wrists while performing repetitive motions. It is really tough on the tendons.

You may have your guitar a little to low, shorten the strap. Sure, it doesn't look as cool as playing with your hands down low, but it sure does feel better! Also, you may want to angle you guitar to have the neck a little higher.

Give it a shot, hope it helps. Oh, and go get lessons it's really hard to diagnose problems over the internet.