So, what's my secret? After I've set up, but before I begin to play, I carefully wash my hands. That's it. Simple, isn't it? But why is this so important? I'm glad you asked.

Washing your hands before you play does several things. Done properly, it will remove the dirt and oils that contribute to shortened string life. It warms the muscles, helping to limber them up, and it offers a short moment in which you can begin to focus your thoughts on your upcoming practice or performance.

Here's my method of cleansing the hands while I cleanse my mind in preparation for a performance:

1. Bring your own soap and towel! Do NOT rely on the club to provide these amenities.

2. Always use warm water. If the club has turned off the hot water for the bathrooms, ask to use the sink in the kitchen.

3. Run water over hands for one or two minutes to warm the muscles.

4. Build up a lot of lather and completely massage both hands. Begin with the fingers, then palm, thumb, etc. Leave no part untouched! Do not unnecessarily knead the muscles. You're not trying to bruise them, just wake them up.

5. Rinse thoroughly and repeat. (This ensures you've removed all grime.)

6. Carefully dry hands, one finger at a time, ensuring that all water is removed. (This prevents chapping of the hands, and water damage to your instrument.)

7. Focus your thoughts as you wash and dry. Rid your mind of anything that doesn't pertain to your performance or rehearsal. Believe me, all your troubles will still be there after the gig, so why worry about them now?

I've been using this warm-up technique for decades. While I perform this ritual every time I play, I find it to be especially helpful during the winter, when hands tend to be colder (and therefore, stiffer). Try it for thirty days and see if it doesn't make a difference for you.

And, of course, Keep Thumpin'!

©2004 - Lane Baldwin

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