I was watching RockerBob's video of
Whiter Shade Of Pale and was impressed with his reach ability to achieve some of the chord voicings. Not having played much in the past 7-8 years, I have lost the flexibility to make the reaches that I once could, so I have started a practice regimen I followed many years ago and thought I'd share them.
The diagram below shows four different exercises. Performing them daily for 5-10 minutes, you will be amazed at how much easier it becomes to make these reaches. Here's a brief explanation of how to perform an exercise:
Exercise 1
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(One) Finger the chord as shown 1-index finger; 2-middle finger; 3-ring finger; 4-little finger. You should start high on the neck with the index finger on the 10th fret or as high as your guitar will allow. If you don't have a cutaway, you may have to start lower.
(Two) Move the index finger (1) down one fret so there is a one fret separation between it and middle finger (2) as shown by the arrow. Do not pick up or move the other fingers. Hold this position for a few seconds and relax your hand, arm and shoulder as much as possible. The more relaxed you are the easier it is to make the reach. Pick each of the four strings a few times.
(Three) Move the middle finger (2) so there is a one fret separation between it and the ring finger (3). As in step two, relax and pick each of the strings a few times.
(Four) Move the ring finger (3) to get the one fret separation bewteen it and the little finger (4). Again relax and pick the four strings.
(One ...) Move the ring finger (4) to form the beginning chord on the next lower fret. Continue going down the fretboard as far as you can go.
While doing these exercises, you most likely will notice some discomfort in your hand when you make each reach. Remember to maintain the relaxation as much as possible.
If the reach starts to cause pain, STOP at that point. You do not want to hurt yourself. Initially, you may only be able to go down a fret or two and that's fine. Keep practicing that until there is no longer discomfort, only then try to go down another fret or two. With practice, most people even with smaller hands should be able to go all the way to the first fret. Currently, I can only go down to the 4th fret whereas in the past I could go all the way down the fretboard. With practice I'm sure I will be able to get back to the first fret.
Once you go down the fretboard (Exercise 1). Try going back up the fretboard (Exercise 2). Only this time the first reach starts with the little finger. Just follow the arrows in each exercise.
When you can perform exercises 1 & 2 comfortably, add exercises 3 & 4 to your practice regimen. You will find that each exercise requires a bit different technique.
Good luck and
DO NOT hurt yourself while doing these exercises.
