by Raymond » Tue Dec 02, 2003 2:23 pm
In my experience, your hands hurting could be one of two things, your technique on the way you are hitting the drums could be wrong or slightly wrong, or you have not built enough strength in your hands.
First of all, when you hit a drum with your hands, it is inevitable that you hands will eventuallly hurt unless you control yourself during the and between gigs. Calluses, very sensitive joints and an ocassional bruise for overhitting are common sometimes. I am not a djembe player, therefore, you will have to review technique or the way you are hitting the drum that could be causing the apparent extreme pain or injuries. If not, then is a matter of you building strength. While building strength in your hand you will have to endure some of the inconveniences. Like in bodybuilding, no pain, no gain is applicable. Eventually, your hands will be able to endure more. Be aware that sometimes while soloing some people tend to over do it specially when your adrenaline is pumping. Later on you will feel the consequences.
My recommendation have some tape handy to deal with irritated joints or calluses when is starts hurting. Exhibit some control or pacee during the gig to avoid "reaching your limit too soon!. (Use the mics to your advantage if that is your case).
I try to use hand creams to help me with irritated stuff between gigs. Also, if building strenght is your case, keep on practicing, of course try to avoid over doing it, so you could build yourself up.
Other opinions will be forthcoming.
Saludos!