Hand and finger strenght for guitar playing?

Question

I've been playing the guitar for three months and I've come to realize that when i tighten my left arm and release it, it makes everything easier when it comes to hitting the notes.

I was wondering if working out my arms and my fingers would give me more strength to play the guitar, because my hand plays best when its tense which means it is lacking strength.

Answer 1

My Dad has played guitar for over 30 years and he had a hand exerciser that exercised each individual finger.

Answer 2

For the most part, Robert gave good advice, However, Muscle srength usually means more rigidity, which is something you don't want as a guitar player.
Having only played 3 months, you are simply using muscles and arm/hand positions that you aren't used to. Just keep practicing and you will become more comfortable with playing. If you want to become a good guitarist, it requires a minimum of 2 hours practice every day. I continued playing when I had a broken finger, wearing a splint. It aactually improved my playing ability when the finger had healed because I had to move my hand/fingers quicker and had to stretch fingers a little more.
Good luck

Answer 3

More than likely you are actually experiencing the results of 3 months of practicing. The notes are easier to hit because your hand is accustomed to the positions and your fingers are caloused at the tips adding comfort and the ability to fret confidently.

Working out your arms won't really help your playing, it may cause some stiffness but you play with your wrist, hand and fingers so a grip exercise like a rubber ball can help if you plan to do a lot of barre chords. The best exercise would be finger flexibility work, stretches and sequences increasing the speed and dexterity makes playing leads and fills easier.

on your picking arm some forarm and wrist curls can help and lots and lots of single note picking and double note picking to build your techniques and accuracy. But being strong armed isn't a requirement, heck look at most guitarists, they are no gymrats.