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Hello @SarahBluebird ;
The most important advice you’ve already received, don’t give up. Things will get easier.
But also, @David_Leo has mentioned a couple of tricks. You can capo up, where the frets are closer together. Just play and practice your guitar for a while with the capo on. Use the 5th fret and it will be noticeably easier. And the 2nd trick is to tune down a 1/2 step so the strings have less tension.
Ah, but here’s the secret weapon: finger exercises. Lay your hands palm down on a flat surface with the fingers splayed apart. Then try to lift the fingers one at a time. Do this daily for several months and it will greatly speed up this beginning process of your guitar journey.
When you can easily lift index, middle, ring, pinky, then go in reverse order. When that’s easy, then lift 2 fingers at a time, index and ring, middle and pinky.
You can report back and let us know how this is working for you. If you really do it, you will inspire others to try because it works wonders.
MG 😀