Using Surgical/Methylated Spirits to harden skin?

Hertz32 · August 2013

I've been playing even more than normal (1 to 2 hours a day has now become 4 to 5) seeing as it's the holidays, and my softish calluses are peeling off for some reason. so I now have a tender spot on my middle finger, has anyone used Meths or Surgical spirit on their calluses?

monquixote · August 2013

Didn't work for me (though many years ago now) just play through it.

not_the_dj · August 2013

As a teenager I used to sit watching the telly with my fingers in a little dish of the stuff. Not sure how effective it really is though, but I certainly thought it was worth a try.

stonevibe · August 2013

Yup, it works. You need to rub it in with cotton wool or soak your finger tips. I've used it for years on and off. It just makes the skin a little tougher and helps accelerate calluses when gigging a lot.

tonyrath · August 2013

Not to be applied internally! I play regularly up to 6 hours a day and the calluses just build up BUT I took it slowly and built up the practice time slowly. Do it in two hour blocks - give your hands a break

grungebob · August 2013

No but due to work etc I have needed to do something similar for cuts or nails lifting to get through a gig and I used a small amount of superglue. Now I'm not saying you should do this but if you decide to try be very careful it's completely dry before touching stuff.

wordy · August 2013

Hertz32 said:

I've been playing even more than normal (1 to 2 hours a day has now become 4 to 5) seeing as it's the holidays, and my softish calluses are peeling off for some reason. so I now have a tender spot on my middle finger, has anyone used Meths or Surgical spirit on their calluses?

How is the action on your guitar? Its just I had similar problems with forever having skin hanging off my fingers during my early days, and it was because my action was too high. Since I got that sorted out, I have calluses, but not really the cracked peely ones.

If youre really keen you could get some of those rubber thimble things to keep them dry, when you have your hands in water.

The meths thing didnt do anything for me, but maybe I didnt stick at it enough.

bertie · August 2013

play / rest / play / rest

repeat,

nothing beats a little time and patience.................

Hertz32 · August 2013

wordy said:

Hertz32 said:

I've been playing even more than normal (1 to 2 hours a day has now become 4 to 5) seeing as it's the holidays, and my softish calluses are peeling off for some reason. so I now have a tender spot on my middle finger, has anyone used Meths or Surgical spirit on their calluses?

How is the action on your guitar? Its just I had similar problems with forever having skin hanging off my fingers during my early days, and it was because my action was too high. Since I got that sorted out, I have calluses, but not really the cracked peely ones.
If youre really keen you could get some of those rubber thimble things to keep them dry, when you have your hands in water.
The meths thing didnt do anything for me, but maybe I didnt stick at it enough.

The action is fine, been playing like this for months. It's just the increased play time really... I don't have chunky calluses either, I have the flexible ones that seem to work best, they are just peeling for some reason...

[Deleted User] · August 2013

I'd say give it a go.

Everyone's genetics and body chemistry are different.

Someone's tried and tested method may not work for you.

If you find something that works (and assuming it doesn't do any harm) stick to it.

Good luck. Let us know how you get on.

Paul.

blueskunk · August 2013

Its what big joe joyce used to use to toughen up his hands

Hertz32 · August 2013

Seems to be working fairly well at the moment! Calluses are still the flexible useful kind and no pain or cracking

Definitely recommended over SRV's method of superglue, drugs and a right bicep

stonevibe · August 2013

Its always worked for me in the past, really handy for when you have a load of gigs on and need hard tips!

octatonic · August 2013

bertie said:

play / rest / play / rest

repeat,

nothing beats a little time and patience.................

Except a blowjob.

Hertz32 · August 2013

And cheap attempts at humor?

geepers0677 · August 2013

My grandfather was a pro guitarist his whole life - used to soak his fingers in vinegar apparently...

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Using Surgical/Methylated Spirits to harden skin?

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