So now that my right hand is able to pick stuff that I had deemed out of my reach (or at least I’m on my way towards it!), I’m having problems with my left hand as well! My pinky is particularly weak, especially for pull-off and hammer-ons. Also, probably due to excess tension, my whole forearm starts to get tired and it feels like it’s as it’s getting swollen (as in a weight lifting session).
Any tips, tricks, pointers or exercises? I need to crack the code for the left hand as well!
Hey, in my experience it’s just a matter of focusing on the stuff that gives you the most trouble. I don’t think this is one of those cases where the remedy is anything other than more practice. I know sometimes it seems like a cop out answer, but really, sometimes you just need to practice more.
The excess tension thing is a matter of paying attention to the sensations of the arm and making sure to stay relaxed and not go stiff. Conscious awareness, etc. Good luck and keep it up.
That swollen sensation is caused by blood rushing to the forearm muscles being worked. Regarding the tired feeling, that happens when playing things more strenuous than you’re used to playing. As your body adapts to playing things that seem strenuous now, it will get easier over time. This takes some patience. Don’ try to force yourself to adapt too quickly because playing a lot longer or a lot harder than you’re used to can lead to repetitive motion strains or injuries.
The best thing that helped me was the D’Addario Varigrip - http://www.accessories.daddario.com/pwProductDetail.Page?ActiveID=4115&productid=510&productname=Varigrip&sid=e997b561-6bec-4045-b599-ac36d8972df6
Thanks for the advice! I’m already making progress, it’s kinda fun to see both hands getting closer to doing things I wasn’t able to do. Sometimes I even get both right at the same time! 
I credit the VariGrip with actually rekindling my interest in improving my technique. It’s worked really good for me even if I only use it occasionally. I have it next to my computer desk and try to put in some exercises once in a while. I’ve noticed a marked improvement in left hand strength although not all of it translates directly to guitar playing. I think I should probably try to come up with a short regimented practice with it, something where I can track progress.
Just found this!
since there isnt enough text on the internet yet i’ll add some more:
it may be valuable to keep in mind that we generally dont want to practice “skill” things with tired muscles
So that being said it may be best to do all of your regular practicing of scales etc first. On those you probably want to try to AVOID excess fatigue etc. In other words learn to play fast while still staying “relaxed”
Then at the end of your session, or at the end of the day, add in your pure strength and endurance work.
This is basically what Olympic weightlifters do. Since they are trying to really hone their 2 actual competitive lifts, they do those first in their sessions while they are fresh. Then at the end they add their pure strength exercises.
If they did the pure strength work first, when they finally got around to their competitive lifts theyd be prefatigued and obviously they would just be grooving sloppy technique
So do all of your intricate scale work or whatever first, then at the end add in some pure strength and endurance work.
Dont go from nothing to doing 2 hrs pure strength work 6 days per week either. Work up to it a little at a time
of course there is always this lol
I play a bunch and can go long periods without fatigue or pain.
But,
When I introduce something new I burn out fairly quick. Not everything but lets say something like this
I recently added wide stretch descending sixes on two strings.
I was already use to smaller stretch so Figured I was good to go.
12 15 17
12 15 17
That wore me out very quickly.
I long story short within a week I can do them substantially longer.
A week isn’t enough time imho
To build strength or endurance.
Instead I think I stopped gripping tighter than necessary and found the sweet spot as far as hand position.