[cato3351]

I'm working my way through a beginners guide to fingerstyle blues. Picking the notes on open chords - fine, but quite early on it goes into picking the melody notes. First exercise is barre the A chord on 2nd fret and pick the melody notes when moving your pinky up to the 5th fret.

How do you do that without a dislocation?

Are there any exercises to get the fingers spreading more?

[Kirk Lorange]

Yes ... Playing guitar! Seriously, you've just got to force your hand to do those things and soon enough it does. Give it few days ...

[allthumbs]

Believe it or not, that is one of the easier stretches. It won't take you long to get it. Practice, practice, practice, but not past the point of pain.

[scotty_b]

Hi
Consider the position of the thumb, hand angle, wrist angle, overall relaxation, shoulder position, and how you hold the guitar. I have been accused of being a 'jazz wanker' when playing rock gigs because I have my guitars up on my chest, instead of down below my waiste. Doing that allows for far greater reach and accuracy.
When discovering a difficult movement, play it very slowly, give it your full attention, and examine your body for any unnecessary tension.

[Rockerbob]

Just do the Gumby!

[allthumbs]

Har. Gotta love the Gumby.

[737blues]

Originally Posted by allthumbs

Har. Gotta love the Gumby.

But can you do it in public ......