guitar lessons?

Question

hiya. im learning how to play the guitar but im having trouble with the g chord. i think my fingers are just too big! its easier playing an easy g but i,d like to learn how to do it properly. are my fingers just too big or should i just keep at it?

Answer 1

Fingers are rarely ever too small or too big. Once you've mastered certain chords, you'll wonder why you ever had a problem with them. I personally wouldn't follow any short cuts or easy fixes. Learn to play it properly otherwise when you move on the problems you're having now will just compound later. There are going to be so many chords where you simply can't 'not' put your thumb on the back of the neck and if you're trying to learn classical guitar then you'll just never get around the thing as the chords become more complicated. You didn't say what 'G'. Is it an open 'G'? As for muscles....if the technique is good, the less pressure you need. Try playing one note on it's own and you'll see how very little pressure it actually takes to hold a note down. It's mostly technique and the brain that's got to learn not so much the fingers. But hey!!! look on the bright side. This is the best instrument ever for getting something back from it straight away. There are some great songs written in only three chords, so you could be playing something by the end of the week. Anyone that's good at any instrument has had to practise very hard. That's the price you have to pay. The only tip I do have is this. Focus on your fingers...and relax every other part of your body including your arms and wrists. Once you get one or two things right...your learning will accelerate.

Answer 2

Don't know how old you are, this plays a big part. The best thing to do is to play a very easy exercise repeatedly; you'll find your fingers will start to get sorted eventually. Note - pain and frustration but you have to pay the price. Get your guitar book, find open chords and play d, a, g, c over and over (don't worry about a tune). You'll find after a week or so you are able to find these chords almost automatically and with a little variation you will be able to strum along to most pop songs. Try and play > 30mins per day. Good luck.

Answer 3

Got to your local guitar store and check out some different guitars. Different brands have thinner and wider necks. use your "G" chord to decide which is best.
Also consider electric, classical, guitars and "tuning down" to make playing easier. I can only play guitar with three fingers cause of an accident that limits my pinky so any chords I play are fingered real funky. How ever I don't have any problem with the keyboard which is my instrument of preference. I think i will be playing music on my death bed if I am able......

Answer 4

Jamorama is a great way to begin with understanding the guitar fast. Unlike some other guitar courses, Jamorama, you will find here https://tr.im/KbFS1 you'll enjoy songs quickly.
 Jamorama was developed with novices in mind, and places a lot of value on creating the guitar learning method fun and enjoyable. Since the class is directed at beginners and informal musicians, Jamorama starts correct at the beginning.
The class comes with lots of benefit application and activities to help you get a solid knowledge of musical concepts.
Anyone who would like to increase their intelligence in an enjoyable and simple way will start enjoying the guitar right away. Using the Jamorama guitar information, it now is easier than you actually imagined. 

Answer 5

If your serious about the guitar you will have to stick at it, it may feel like your fingers are too big but they do jam into the frets eventually! The trick is pressure, you have to press really hard on the strings(it will hurt a bit)until your fingers get used to it. After some practise your fingers will automatically go into the right position with the right pressure, maybe do the easy version of G and integrate the hard version along the way?!? Hope that helps?

Answer 6

Great idea with the tennis ball. I struggled with almost all bar chords, but it's as everyone says, practise makes perfect. People of all sized hands all play the same size guitar so it is possible even if it is a little harder for some. Keep at it and enjoy it!

Answer 7

I have been playing guitar since I was 12 I am now 40. The only way to learn to play the guitar is by practise and practise alone. I played until my fingers were so sore they lost the feeling in them.
Remember, learning to play the guitar is a never ending journey of learning. Even the best guitarists in the world are still learning new things.

Answer 8

Try holding your elbow outwards when you play (as in don't tuck it into your side) and make sure that none of your fingers are touching other strings. Eventually after practice your fingers will begin to adjust to playing the guitar. You just need to get used to it.

Answer 9

Try learning to play a bar chord in the F shape then keep the same position with your fingers and move your hand
up and down the neck (fret board) keeping the same finger position and you can then play all the Major chords. Ps the G chord is the 3rd fret up
Good Luck

Answer 10

I'm learning too but my fingers are short cos they haven't finished growing...oh life is a bummer at times. But hey, I don't think you should quit...you can do anything if you put your mind to it, some things just take longer to grasp. Having big fingers shouldn't be too much of a problem...I mean think of all those famous guitarists...did they all have skinny fingers?Keep at it and good luck x