Well, I've been playing seriously for about 3 months now and I've improved a deal. Recently however, I seem to have problems while holding the neck of the guitar. After playing some riffs that involve both the fourth and first finger(ie: "Crazy Train" by Ozzy Osbourne), I get this severe pain in my thumb's muscle(you know, around the palm of the hand). I believe I've developed some bad habit of holding the guitar. What am I doing wrong?
Does the thumb lay pressed gently against the other side of the neck for support or am I just supposed to let it lay around? Thanks for any help.

I remember getting that pain a few times when I had to hold down the same power chord shape without variation for a few minutes at a time, but generally it just means I'm not properly warmed up and stretched out. And, of course, sometimes it's a reaction to the unfortunately numerous times I've broken my left thumb, resulting in a faulty joint. In cases like the one you've mentioned, I rest my thumb against the back like you claim to without much problem, and move it around as is necessary for leverage. Just be sure to get your fingers well stretched out if you find this to be a problem. Or perhaps there's a better answer.

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Look, for electric guitar it really doesn't matter whether you let your thumb lay around or not. People will tell you to put it behind the neck as much as possible, but just do whatever feels comfortable.

This happens to me when playing Bodom, such as Bed of Razors. No matter where I put my thumb, after it starts hurting, it will not stop unless i rest. I think it helps if i press down on the neck less, and have it come straight up.

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do warm ups, I have it with stretchy chords like 5 to 10th fret shit.

I think that if the muscles in your hand hurts and you have only been playing 3 months then it's your muscles starting to just get stronger. They will hurt before they get stonger, faster, and have more indurance. It normal. Just keep your had postioned correctly and work through it a little longer each time you play.

Soon you will not feel any pain but you will be able to crush cans into the size of a silver dollars with one hand. Metalheads hands are some of the strongest in the world. Once I get a grip on something it's nearly impossible to get it from me.

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yeah, I've noticed the sure grip too. it must come in handy if you're single! haha

Too bad most people don't apply their left hand. :P

At first I also thought it was just the muscles developing, but it seemed rather strange since during the first 3 months I felt no pain at all. Oh well, no other choice but to keep practicing. Thanks.

that same thing happens to me. except i havent heard that song. but for the ones i do play, i get too many cramps on my forearm, and thumb. but i also play in a fucked up way, lol.

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I'm surprised Credit hasn't mentioned this yet......

Obviously if you stretch your hand in an awkward way that isn't normal, you will develop carpal tunnel syndrome. If your hand isn't big enough, then don't stretch those fingers so much. Before I practice anything, I strecth. Try starting off by easily pulling your thumb towards you away from your index; feel the pull of those muscles. Then work each individual finger. But DON'T pop or crack your fingers, and DON'T yank or bounce your stretches. All you should do is just slowly pull until you feel the stretch of mucsle. I don't play like James Hetfield either, so the bottom of my guitar is a little above my crotch. I also have long arms and fingers which makes that even easier. And since I play the string bass, like soulisane, there's no way in hell a person can take candy from me.

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that kind of thing happened to me, ages back wen i first started playing. I think its to do with the fact that your not relaxed enough and you havent stretched out.

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