(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Gwyneth Paltrow tore her hands to shreds and was reduced to tears while learning to play the guitar.

The blonde actress was so dedicated to achieving ultimate authenticity as a country singer in her film Country Strong that she spent night and day mastering the art of playing the instrument.

She tried so hard, the 38-year-old even drew blood and came close to causing herself a serious injury.

"I played all the time and my hands were bleeding and cramping, she told British newspaper The Sun. I cried five times at various points over the four months."

Despite being married to an accomplished musician Coldplay lead singer Chris Martin Gwyneth didnt turn to him for tutorship to help master the guitar.

It wasnt because she was too shy or embarrassed about trying to play in front of him - Chris couldnt spare the hours to help her learn.

Like Chris has time to be my guitar teacher! she laughed.

Instead Gwyneth was schooled by Mark Jaimes, who divulged that she did not even know how to hold the instrument when she first started learning. (C) Cover Media