Picked up a guitar 2 days ago !!!!!

kie4 · #1 January 29th, 2006

Hi ,Im richard, age 37, Ive always been facinated with the guitar but never got round to having ago.
Then in a fit of madness bought one (acoustic), only a cheep one to see how i would get on.
I have been trying some chords but having big hands and fingers Im am finding it difficult not to touch the strings either side of the one im ment to be touching. Any one got any tips, or is it just down to practicing.

lorirocks · #2 January 29th, 2006

Hi Richard. And Welcome.

I'm the opposite problem. My hands are small. I had a hard time getting my fingers to stay where I wanted them. My progress was really slow. I could only practice for very short amounts of time cuz it was very painful.

Maybe there's a guitar with bigger frets than what you already have.

So many friendly people here. I'm sure someone will offer more help.

Good to have you here.

mcollett · #3 January 29th, 2006

If you have hands that look like a bunch of bannanas then check out the Grodin line of guitars. It's a parent company for a few different brands. Seagull and Art & Luthey (spelling ?) are a couple. Definately more room than any other brand I looked at.
You said 2 days so I'll also tell you that classical guitars are much wider than standard necks. I believe you can get a decent classical to learn on for a resonable price.
Much cheaper than a steel string (talking learner here). The classical is suppose to be easier on the finger tips too. Nylon strings and less tension on the string I think.
Best of luck.
Mike

kie4 · #4 January 29th, 2006

Hi it is a classic guitar i have.

allthumbs · #5 January 29th, 2006

Give yourself a couple of months to get used to it. It will get easier.

nagukush · #6 January 29th, 2006

Hi kie4

Welcome to the forum. Dont worry much, even when i started out , i felt the same thing, i used to think that my hands are not made to play a guitar! But as allthumbs always says, give yourself time and i bet , you'd be surprised !!! Have fun !!! Nice to have you with us.

chuckswood2001 · #7 January 29th, 2006

hi richard

we all go through the same problems when first starting out, the more u practice the better it gets, and welcome to the forum

chuck

micklen · #8 January 29th, 2006

I have only just started again after a 30 year gap

I am having exactly the problems you are and as I played quite a lot 30 years ago I am amazed how difficult I am finding it to form chords

Give it time
It will come

I hope

mcknett · #9 January 29th, 2006

Here's a little thought for the big fingered among us...
The first time I heard Israel Kamakawiwo'ole (Iz) play the Ukelele I was amazed. He was a huge man...described as having fingers as big as the tops of carrots. But he sure could play that tiny instrument.

Check him out here: http://www.mountainapplecompany.com/...?ArtistID=1980 and on the attached photo.

And Richard, I'm 42 and just starting to try to play. I'll hang in there with you!!

micklen · #10 January 30th, 2006

Well

If HE can play...............................

sctoddc · #11 January 30th, 2006

welcome Richard, I have the same problem, but getting a bit better every day.

Todd

nagukush · #12 January 30th, 2006

oh God , how does he do that !!! is it really possible ???

wont his fingers clash against each other ???? I'm really amazed, never heard or seen such a thing.

mcknett · #13 January 30th, 2006

He sure could play! And he had a fantastic voice to go with it. Unfortuneately, he passed away in '98. If you have a chance, check out "Brudda Iz!" (He's not Don Ho!)

coldethyl · #14 January 30th, 2006

^Didn't he do the "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" thing?^

PickNGrin · #15 January 30th, 2006

^^ he did Somewhere over the rainbow --and sadly, passed at an early age.

Well - if you think guitar is hard you should try a mandolin --much more tiny!!!
One suggestion I didnt see yet was to think about a guitar with a wider neck. The strings are farther apart.
Welcome!