this post was submitted on 17 Oct 2023
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Small Hand Advice (self.guitars)
submitted 1 year ago by rei to c/guitars
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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.

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[โ€“] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Try to focus on having a good form. Maybe research how to correctly hold your hands. Strain on the wrist is definitely not good or nomal. Try t hold it a natural as possible.

Bigger hands make it easier to play notes far apart. But as someone with small hands aswell it is not impossible by anymeans. You definitely have to improvise when some tabs expect you to play notes 4 frets apart but it should not come with hurting wrists.

Try to get feel how you can hold your hand naturally focus on playing easier sheets without straining your wrist.

[โ€“] rei 2 points 1 year ago

Alright, I will look into what good form is. I know I did at the beginning but I'm nearly certain what I have been doing to try and play is not right.