Need smaller fretboard?

[That_Guy]

Try a “short scale” guitar. The Taylor GS mini is fairly cheap and often chosen for the reasons you describe.

Also, what seems impossible now will become easier over time. Chords and movements that i thought in the beginning were impossible because “my hand doesnt work like that” are now simple mindless tasks these days

• This reply was modified 3 years, 3 months ago by  That_Guy.

[Mimer]

Thank you; that is something I will think about,

[GerryB56]

I will second the suggestion above to try a guitar like the GS Mini – the narrower neck and shorter scale make it easier to play for some folks. Another idea is to first try those exercises further up the neck (towards the guitar body) as the frets are closer together and your hand position is less awkward when closer to your body. Once you develop more hand flexibility and strength you can move back down the neck towards the nut. Also, sometimes I find it easier to use my pinky instead of my ring finger for those longer stretches – as Tony always says, there’s no hard and fast rule, just do what works for you.

[Mimer]

Thank you Gerry; appreciate the suggestions. I am sure as I go along with practice, my mind will think along those lines (no pun intended).

[Loraine]

Hey @Mimer , another option is to use a capo at the 5th fret and practice there, because you are essentially shortening the fretboard and the frets are a lot closer there. I fret at the 5th fret often when I have stretching difficulty. Also, it helps to do stretching exercises and gradually increase the span of stretch. For example, place all four fingers a line on the high e string starting at the 7th fret (index 7th, middle 8th, ring 9th, and pinky 10th. Play the index and then move just the index to the next fret (6th) and the back to the 7th, and then to the 5th and back to the 4th. When you can’t reach any further repeat the entire series. You can do the sa,e for the pinky. Another way is to use your index on the 7th, middle the 8th of the B, ring the 9th of the G and then stretch your index the same by leaving all your fingers in place while moving just the index to the next fret and then back and then to the next fret.

[Mimer]

Thank you Loraine; I will definitely try a capo too.

[That_Guy]

I think Lorraine is right. Try starting further up the fretboard where they are closer together for now before you go shopping for a new guitar. And it’s probably only a temporary problem until you get used to playing

• This reply was modified 3 years, 3 months ago by  That_Guy.

[Mimer]

Thank you everyone! I have been ill the last month and just getting back to the site. I will use the capo and start that way.