Finger Dexterity…or lack thereof.

[Loraine]

Hi @DGriff and welcome to the TAC community! I remember having similar issues when going through the 30 days to play. You will build up flexibility and dexterity as you play, even though it feels otherwise right now.

You want to be careful when playing, because tendinitis from overstretching is a real thing and if you feel pain in your forearm or hands, then you should stop, stretch and rest. I’m just getting over tendinitis and tennis elbow, and it’s been a long 4 months of not really playing much.

In the Skills section there is a daily stretching course that I recommend. You should stretch before and after playing to avoid injury. Here’s the link – https://tonypolecastro.com/courses/guitar-players-daily-stretch-guide/

[Munson7of9]

I have a similar issue but maybe different… Every time I pick up a guitar I get frustrated because I have short stubby fingers and stuggle to make some chords or, as I am finding out with the 30 Days to Play, putting my index finger on the second fret play the 2 strings then I have to move my whole hand to get my ring finger on the forth fret. Maybe someone else has this problem but have found a solution? I don’t think stretching is going to help at my 69+ age.

[Cadgirl]

Hi @DGriff , Your fingers have to get used to being stretched out to be able to hold some of those chord / note switches. It takes time. Do the stretching and keep practicing, your fingers will be able to do in in time. Listen to @Loraine on the tendinitis and tennis elbow, she mentioned that to me just the other day, something I never thought about. Don’t give up, you’ll get it with time.

[Cadgirl]

Hi @Munson7of9 , If you have short fingers you might want to invest in a smaller guitar. I’m attaching a link for the 10 best guitars for short fingers. https://reddiamondaudio.net/10-best-guitars-for-short-fingers/
Don’t let the words, suitable for a kid put you off. I have a couple smaller guitars that I use a lot. My 1/2 size Cordoba is a typical kids guitar but I use it the most out of my 5 guitars. It’s also the cheapest guitar with nylon strings, so easier on my fingers. Go to the guitar store and start trying out guitars. Good luck and I hope you like the article I sent.

[Carol-3M-Stillhand]

Hi @DGri

Many people have this same issue, and besides doing stretching and practicing, I have one more tip: Use your Capo.

Put your capo on the 3rd, 4th or 5th fret and give it another try. The frets aren’t as far apart up there and it will give you a chance to conquer the exercise/song even if it’s in a different key. As you master the fretting, you can gradually move your capo back down, one fret at a time.

And, as others have already said… don’t over do things. It’s way too easy to get tendonitis from pushing it too fast. And it takes 4-6 months to recover from tendonitis. It’s alot of time to spend studying theory, hehe.

[jumpinjeff]

A lot of time to spend studying theory and urhhhgggg…playing the piano

[N-lightMike]

🤣

[tailsawaggin]

@DGriff , the phrase “while maintaining the palm touching the neck” jumps out at me. That’s probably what’s holding you back; have you tried using your thumb instead of your palm? Get it somewhere around the middle of the neck, and also somewhere between where your fingers are pressing. The basic idea is to make that thumb the center of pressure so your fingers are free to roam.

[N-lightMike]

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I saw the same thing Ed ( @tailsawaggin ). Good comment.

MG 😀

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