Importance of Warming Up For Guitar Practice

Every experienced guitar player knows how important it is to warm up before the practice or the gig.  It is not different from warm up that athletes do prior to their physical exertion.  Ask any coach, and they will tell you of this necessity.

So, why is it so important?
You will be using your muscles every time you play - even more of them than you would think of right away.  Muscles work best when warmed up.  It will also prevent injuries.
Injuries? By playing guitar?


That's right!  Carpal tunnel and tendonitis (painful inflammation of tendons) are the most common afflictions caused by careless use of your "playing muscles", and it is not a JOKE.  Repeat: NOT A JOKE!  I personally know couple of people, promising talents, who did just that - injured themselves by reckless avoidance of proper warm up techniques before playing.  Need I say that their playing career is over now?
So, don't be lazy and do yourself a big fat favour: find nice set of warm up routines, and do this EVERY TIME you're about to play: it will ALWAYS pay out.
You will find it easier to switch your chords, reach that hard note and your speed will be much better.
The most excellent and time-tested way to warm up and build up your speed and strength can be found here. It was developed and perfected by real guitar teacher, and it is the best I know and use all the time.  And it really works!

So, if you ever want to take a good advice; it is this one:  WARM UP BEFORE YOU PLAY!
You will thank me later; or not.  The important thing is that you do it... And keep playing injury free for many years to come.

Many regards and salutes to all of you fellow guitar warriors

Your pal
Shredd