My fingers feel too big to fit between the strings


fuscoj1
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fuscoj1
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02/24/2023 4:23 pm

...can anyone offer some advice?


# 1
William MG
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William MG
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02/24/2023 9:03 pm

This will improve with practice.


But, if you want some specifics, you can look at the nut width (and therefor string spacing width) but the real answer is practice. Typically, acoustics will have wider string placements and electrics the more narrow placement.


Most of the issues we have in the beginning work themselves out with continued and regular practice.


This year the diet is definitely gonna stick!

# 2
Rumble Walrus
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Rumble Walrus
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02/24/2023 11:36 pm
#2 Originally Posted by: William MG

This will improve with practice.


But, if you want some specifics, you can look at the nut width (and therefor string spacing width) but the real answer is practice. Typically, acoustics will have wider string placements and electrics the more narrow placement.


Most of the issues we have in the beginning work themselves out with continued and regular practice.

Spot on.


# 3
Drake the Red
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Drake the Red
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02/25/2023 12:36 am

My first thought, automatically, was buy a bigger guitar, but then why not think outside the box and get a custom guitar made? I've seen some insane designs in the 2 decades I've been playing guitar. Designs by guitarists who want something different, unique, musically etc, however you look at it.


edited

Am I the only one who plays multiple instruments? Let's be inspirational and find our muses everyday!

# 4
fuscoj1
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fuscoj1
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02/25/2023 5:51 pm
#2 Originally Posted by: William MG

This will improve with practice.


But, if you want some specifics, you can look at the nut width (and therefor string spacing width) but the real answer is practice. Typically, acoustics will have wider string placements and electrics the more narrow placement.


Most of the issues we have in the beginning work themselves out with continued and regular practice.

I just started about a month ago so I'm sure you're right.  Thanks!


# 5
William MG
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William MG
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02/25/2023 8:46 pm
#5 Originally Posted by: fuscoj1

I just started about a month ago so I'm sure you're right.  Thanks!

Pleasure, good luck with it.


This year the diet is definitely gonna stick!

# 6
LisaMcC
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LisaMcC
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02/26/2023 5:50 pm

There are some lessons in my (Lisa McCormick) Guitar Fundamentals Course on improving your tone. (or you aim, or your angles, so that all the fingers can fit onto the fingerboard to make the chords you are going for). 

For the most part, it comes down to nuances in how your fingers are making contact with the strings - some of which may be tough to detect when you are brand new to the instrument!


But as your hand, and your ears, continue to get attuned to the guitar, you may find that with a bit of investigation as to WHY a note in a chord is sounding muffled (for instance), you can then try tweaking your positioning just a bit, this way or that, to clear it up. 

Also, always make sure your left hand fingernails are good and short, so they ae not getting in the way of your fingertip making good direct contact with the string and the fingerboard. 


Have fun! - Lisa


Lisa McCormick, GT Instructor
Acoustic, Folk, Pop, Blues

Full Catalog of Lisa's Guitar Tricks Tutorials
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# 7
shaff1011
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shaff1011
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03/09/2023 12:42 am

Well how's it going?  I am finding after a couple of weeks my fingers are finding their spots way better.


# 8
mercuryphotog
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mercuryphotog
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03/11/2023 7:05 pm

I started this guitar journey maybe a year ago. At first my large hands didn't seem like they would ever work. Now, they fit nicely-even down the neck when using a capo. Just takes time. I suggest getting a good, in-person instructor to supplement your online learning. But, get references first as some teachers aren't great. 


# 9
fuscoj1
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fuscoj1
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03/12/2023 9:42 am

Thanks everyone for taking the time to provide your great advice!  I was feeling my fingers are too big and they were going to make this impossible but now I know I just have to stick with it.  


# 10

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