this post was submitted on 25 Sep 2026
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I'm just over a year of playing, and I swear I've seen my fingers grow calluses and peel/flake off my fingertips at least a dozen times now.

is this normal? no pain, never bled, it doesn't bother me really. more curious is calluses should be growing and essentially being ripped off from the strings is normal or if I'm just pressing too hard still

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[–] AFKBRBChocolate@lemmy.ca 4 points 2 days ago

The outer layer of mine peel off frequently. Even afterwards, there's still a reasonably thick pad at the ends though. If you're not having pain fretting the strings, you're fine.

[–] 7uWqKj@lemmy.world 2 points 1 day ago* (last edited 1 day ago)

Totally normal, but check if you can play with less pressure

[–] hardcoreufo@lemmy.world 1 points 1 day ago

Mine have been doing that for 20 years. But I have soft hands and play 20-30 minutes a few times a week.

[–] mannycalavera@feddit.uk 2 points 2 days ago

I think mine stopped and healed after my first three months of playing. Honestly I can't remember it was so long ago. They don't re-peel and flake off though.

Maybe try softening your grip? Might help with speed and dexterity if you do that anyways.

[–] pH3ra@lemmy.dbzer0.com 1 points 1 day ago

Is this normal? In my experience yes, the skin on my hands is pretty fragile and tends to flake off especially in winter and after long playing session (3+ hours).
Can something be done about it? Also yes, carry some hand cream/lotion with you to put on after you play.

[–] faythofdragons@slrpnk.net 1 points 2 days ago

Do you use lotion at all? I've heard that can be from dry skin.

[–] berty@feddit.org 1 points 2 days ago

One year of playing that doesn't sound normal to me. I think you use too much force. Actually you don't need that much to play. Press the strings and listen when the tone is there. Did you just started with Barré-chrods?