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Workaround replacing pinkie finger stretch?
Hello. I’m a new guitar learner and in my first week, trying to complete my first scale. I can’t make my old pinkie finger, which curls in a bit, reach the eighth fret. This stretching barrier will be a recurring issue. What is the workaround?
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7 Replies
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@bryanmcnultygmail-com
I’ve been playing since March ’24 and in TAC for about 16 months. I still have to move my hand a bit to reach on some of these scales. My reach has improved but it’s a process that will take years, there isn’t an immediate workaround. For some exercises, other than scales where you really have to do them in the right key, you can use a capo to move the activity up the neck where the fret spacing is more friendly.
Like all things here in TAC, just do the best you can and move on. Next time it will be slightly better, sometimes you will see rapid improvement that will surprise you.
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The curling finger is pretty typical for new players. Mine still curls a bit, but not nearly as bad as when I first started. I’m 5 years in. The one big thing that helped me, was a shorter scale guitar. Most are 25.5 inches. I’ve been playing Martin short scale guitars for a couple of years now. All mine are 24.9 inches. It doesn’t seem like much, but it makes a huge difference. Also, practice will still be your best bet. Your fingers will eventually change.
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Welcome to the TAC community!
What you outline is a common issue. Most can’t reach their pinky out. There are stretches you can do, but you’ve received great advice. Lift your hand up to reach the fret with your pinky, or consider a short scale guitar that makes it easier on those that might have a similar issue, arthritis, smaller stature, etc. Be kind to yourself, don’t fret too much (play on words there), do the best you can, without hurting yourself, and remember that as you continue to play, your finger span will become more agile and you’ll be able to stretch further in a year than now, and so on. Make sure you are warming and loosening up before trying any stretches that are difficult.
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Thank you for the encouragement, and noting that my fingers should stretch more over a year. And I’ll try to fret less 🙂
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I am so impressed with your helpful suggestions and the responses of the others. Thank you very much.
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Thanks for telling me of your experience. And I’ll remember that use of the capo. I never realized that before.
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That shorter scale guitar is also intriguing. I do want to get this old inexpensive Crestwood guitar to know I’ve appreciated it. Maybe I’ll get good enough some day to consider a Martin!
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