It looks like you're new here. If you want to get involved, click one of these buttons!
Subscribe to our Patreon, and get image uploads with no ads on the site!
Base theme by DesignModo & ported to Powered by Vanilla by Chris Ireland, modified by the "theFB" team.
Comments
40 years later it is still easy to finding something that doesn't flow or gel - work out at, break it down into smaller segments and chances are it will work out ok
Many with big hands can blame the neck and vice versa - Hendrix had big hands on a Strat neck, which is smaller than a Gibson neck, but coped fine
There are styles and passages of music which will always be a challenge if you hand won't allow - Alan Holdsworth had long fingers and pulled of big chord stretches, so don't go there with small hands, but you can still accomplish something similar regarding that chord with a different voicing - so no need to directly replicate
As for a beginner - keep it simple, work at it, and one morning it will be fine - The only problem is the next challenge and I've found new challenges for years and I've never stopped finding songs and guitars with the wrong notes in/on them
Seriously: If you value it, take/fetch it yourself
The nice thing about guitar is you can normally find away around such problems.
To be honest, if you’re really struggling (and you can afford it) then go and have at least a few lessons with a tutor. You’ll learn a hell of a lot. It’ll also stop you having to unlearn any bad playing habits later on.
I play the open A chord with just one finger (2nd) barred across the strings, I don't have to but just find it easier.
Just keep playing about and you'll find what works for you - it might take some time but you'll get there. Keep at it.
If you get bored, learn some simple power chords, then get back to the tricky stuff.
Excellent, I'll order the bricks.
The real problem, with a Les Paul-style guitar, is actually going to be at the other end of the neck - playing properly up at the dusty end when you've got short stumpy digits is hard enough as it is (I'm in a similar position), but combined with the massive lump of wood that joins the neck and body on a Les Paul it becomes a near-impossibility without moving your palm half way around the neck (I have similar problems with standard Strats).
It's this which actually prompted me to get my Washburn N4, which has practically nothing in the way:
There are other ways to solve the problem (and on much less expensive guitars), but...well, welcome to the world of always wanting something a bit better
That's not something you'll likely have to worry about for a couple of years yet, mind. Best get saving now...
Over time it gets much easier and much more natural.
Guitar frets are comedy close together now..
if you think your hands are too stumpy, go watch some uke or mandolin videos and see what ordinary people manage on tiny necks
Instagram
But back to the OP's original post: @baldy - you mention that you've set up the guitar, but how's the nut height? If it's way high, it'll make those open position chords especially more difficult. Action, relief and intonation are fairly easy for an amateur to adjust - and easy to reverse if you go too far - but cutting the nut slots to the right depth is a job best left to a professional tech with the right tools.
Also, you've mentioned that you're following an online tutorial - if it's not Justin Guitar, it probably should be.
As for "when am I ready?" You'll never be ready. It works in reverse, you become ready by doing it. - pmbomb