Guitarist with hand tremors

by Susan
(Manassas, VA)

I took classic guitar lessons in high school but had to stop because of an inherited condition called BET, or benign essential tremor.

I had DBS, deep brain stimulation, which eliminated the tremor to 95% in the right hand and 90% in the left hand.

I've started taking lessons again, after thirty years of not playing,and now,for almost a year of lessons I'm playing and I'm beginning to progess.
I have a good teacher who is encouraging me to do more pieces that are "exercises", such as a chromatic study by Franco Tarrega.

I'm rebuilding hand strength by squeezing tennis balls. Does anyone have ideas for excercises? Music or otherwise?

Would a metronome help? What type?
Thank you.

Hi Susan,

Looks like you've had your fair share of problems but it's admirable the way you've decided to overcome your problem and enjoy playing guitar again.

Sounds as though your teacher has you on the right path. And yes, a metronome would be a good idea.

You can use this free online metronome or buy one from the store. They're pretty inexpensive and most do the same basic but good job.

You also might want to look at this page about the metronome...

Additionally, here is another chromatic exercise and other scales with free sheetmusic and a video.

I hope this helps.

Kind regards,
Trevor M.