Poor Finger Stretch

[chacho]

Neil

Have you any advice for someone that has a very poor finger stretch between their middle and ring finger.

I have been playing for over two years now and it's still very bad with little if any improvement. It seems that my knuckles are constantly touching on those two fingers.

Many thanks

Chacho

[jayswett]

Usually what seems like lack of stretch or flexibility can be overcome, or at least minimized with good hand position. Take a close look at any of the videos that address left hand position and notice how the thumb is low on the back of the neck, the palm is not touching the bottom of the neck, and the knuckles at the base of the fingers are almost parallel to the neck.

It can also be helpful to work on exercises that move your fingers independently. Things like putting all 4 fingers on the 6th string at 4 consecutive frets and lifting them up and putting them back down one at a time, in random orders.

I will try to put together some good tips in a video soon.

Neil

[rcsnydley]

I too have finger stretching issues and would love to see some videos addressing this topic.

Keep Playing
Ric

[chacho]

Neil wrote:

Usually what seems like lack of stretch or flexibility can be overcome, or at least minimized with good hand position. Take a close look at any of the videos that address left hand position and notice how the thumb is low on the back of the neck, the palm is not touching the bottom of the neck, and the knuckles at the base of the fingers are almost parallel to the neck.

It can also be helpful to work on exercises that move your fingers independently. Things like putting all 4 fingers on the 6th string at 4 consecutive frets and lifting them up and putting them back down one at a time, in random orders.

I will try to put together some good tips in a video soon.

Neil

Any news with the video tips Neil.
I am deperately trying to learn barr chords and it seems that from the doing a barr from the fourt fret down is not a problem, its only from the 1st to 3rd that causes a problem and my barre finger tip wants to point towards my face because it can't seem to stretch to a parallel position in relation to the fret.

If I do manage to parallel my barr finger with the first fret than I end up strumming wit my right hand near the end of the neck by the sound hole too make it comfortable and in other words my whole torso has to move to the left to compensate.

I hope this makes sense but I'm getting very frustrated with this and also struggle with the 6th string 1st finger 1st fret 2nd finger 2 nd etc exercise. Have you had many students with this problem or am I unique or should I play the ukulele instead. lol

[1robekert]

I also have poor finger stretching ability. My problem is my ring finger and pinky. My ring finger is practically almost devoid of independent movement and my pinky curls back towards my ring finger. I have been working on this for about 2 plus years. I like to refer to myself as a disabled guitar player. It is pretty bad..........but I try to plow ahead.
Rob