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THESE HANDS O MINE
Hey TAC Community. Hope you are all well. First let me start by saying that I’m a long time dabbler but recently became a TAC guitar player (“…just saying it could even make it happen…” – Kate Bush) on May 18th and am currently doing 30 Days to Play and Fretboard Wizard at the same time. That’s how committed I am to learning this instrument; so far it’s been a lot of fun and I love this community.
I have a problem though: my hands. I have big hands not freakishly huge or anything like that, but large hands and I can’t seem to find a comfortable way to hold the guitar, keep my palm close to the neck and play the notes, chord, etc. that doesn’t make my hands look like gnarled monkey paws. I’ve tried positioning the thumb behind the neck in the middle, top and bottom and recently have been experimenting with hooking the thumb over the neck to mixed results.
I’ve watch many community members play and have been envious of their hands. I know it sounds dumb, but I am. Your hands look elegant, skilled, ready to do some serious work. Mine look like, well, monkey paws. LOL
Has anyone else gone through this when you were starting out? If so, did it work itself out? Any helpful hints that you can pass along. Do I need a bigger guitar? Any advise would be appreciate because these hands are killing me.
Looking forward to hearing from anyone. Thanks. – WIL
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10 Replies
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I don’t have particularly big hands but very thick fingers (not actually clubbed but almost, I was blessed with them genetically). Some chords, like A, I play with just 2 fingers covering three strings.
As far as posture. You can try the Spanish – or classical – hold and see if that helps you at all.
Make sure you have a good setup on your guitar so your fingers aren’t touching any string you don’t intend to. Make sure you are fretting with your fingertips.
Finally, most classical guitars have a 2″ nut width that may be helpful to you if you are OK with playing a nylon string guitar.
I will end with. Making sure you are using good posture and hand position are important so you don’t become too easily fatigued or even possibly injured while playing (I have first hand knowledge of this… as do several others around here).
Others will come by with other ideas for you.
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Alfred, thank you for your response and suggestions. I researched spanish/classical holds and will definitely try that. I also checked the nut width of my guitar and measured it at a tad bit over 1.5 inches. I definitely think I could benefit from a guitar with a wide nut.
You mentioned a classical guitar with nylon strings. Is there a major difference in sounds quality between nylon and metal strings? Any insight would be appreciated.
Regarding posture I’m pretty solid on that front. No wrist strain or anything like that. The only issue is sore virgin fingers but that’s to be expected.
I’m going to seriously consider getting a new guitar with a wider nut.
Take care and be well. – Wil
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There is a difference in sound with nylon strings. The tone you want is your preference. Willy Nelson plays on nylon. I would go to a guitar shop and try some out, try out some steel strings too. Guitar choice is pretty subjective and personal, and works best if you try them out personally
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Thanks @Alfred
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@wilchappell I agree with everything Alfred recommended. Also, Google playing comfortably with large hands, fat fingers, etc., and see what comes up. You may find some great suggestions that way.
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@Loraine Thank you for the Goggle (no typo) suggestion. It didn’t even think to do that. Needless to say I’ll do so immediately.
Be well. – Wil
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What is the width of the neck of your guitar? That might be your problem, I’ll agree with @Alfred on his recommendation of a classical guitar. All my guitars have different widths at the nut. Largest width is my classical. I picked up a 1/2 size classical pretty cheap. You could always pick up a used guitar at a cheaper price if width of the neck is an issue. But….. like @Loraine said check out google first.
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Hi @Cadgirl The nut width is a little tiny bit over 1.5 inches. I think that’s part of the issue. I’m going to investigate other guitars with wider nut widths after trying some of the suggestions I hopefully will find online. Though I’m going to use your suggestion as my rationale for getting a new, wider nut width guitar. LOL. It’ll help as well in the long run.
Thanks for you response and suggestion.
Take care and be well. – Wil
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Hey @wilchappell , you could capo down 3 or 4 frets that would give you an idea of a wider neck would do for you.
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Great suggestion @Cadgirl. I’m going to try that.
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