Hello, I am new to guitar (3 weeks) and I am practicing every day (a bit too much some days which could be exacerbating) and I have pretty small hands. I think my middle finger measures about 3 inches.

I played a lot over the past few days and my left hand (fretting hand in my case) is sore not in a good way I don’t think. I kind of have to contort my hand if I am up near the head stock fretting 1 and 4.

I am not discouraged. It seems like all youtube videos just say don’t give up with small hands, not exactly helpful. I’m plenty motivated and want to keep going but I don’t want to injure myself.

So all that to say any advice on being able to fret well by the headstock with small hands? I also think my wrist is not in a healthy position but I can’t reach my fingers far enough apart without doing some hand yoga.

  • @TwodozeneggsEnglish
    2•1 year ago

    In my opinion this sounds like normal discomfort when starting to learn.

    I’ve found some good hand stretching exercises on YouTube, I’d suggest to stretch/massage your hands/wrist/fingers a couple times a day and really take your time and use good form when practicing. https://youtu.be/TSrfB7JIzxY?si=ZN6NSRwNqWqNRNC4

    Justin, from Justin guitar, (definitely check him out if you haven’t already) recently did a series of videos where he taught himself to play left handed. One of his main take aways that stood out to him was the pain you go through when first learning. So don’t be discouraged it’s a normal part of learning, just make sure your using the best form you can manage.

    Be kind to yourself and remember this is a lifetime journey, not a sprint to a finish line. Practice at least a little everyday and focus on building a solid foundation that you can expand on the rest of your life!

    Cheers and good luck!