I just took up the guitar about a month ago.  My problem is that I am having trouble reaching some of the strings, especially if the chord is more than 3 frets wide (i.e. a string fingered in the first fret, and one in the fourth fret).  Also, I don't seem to be able to bar more than two strings at a time, especially with my ring and pinkie fingers.

Are there stretches and exercises I can do?  Where do I find them?

Another question/concern while I am posting.  I am progressing pretty well at picking out songs and scales/arpeggios, but I am still having trouble switching smoothly between chords, and I can't seem to strum consistently.  Is that normal?  I've been practicing at home alone, using books and a computer program.  Would taking lessons from an instructor help?  I've hesitated to do that because I have no idea what lessons cost, and I'm not sure I can afford them right now.

Regardless, I am finally doing something I have wanted to do all of my life, and I'm having a ball.

By the way, great site.  Thanks.

It is completely normal. In time, you will find those things very easy. Just keep trying. The more you try, the faster it will come. There are some other threads on this forum that have to do with your questions also.

Hello guitarfriends and musiclovers....Just a somple question......How do I find the "slashchords" in CHORDBOOK. COM?????

...the "Nashville System" of "slashchords" is nothing more than TRIAD/BASS-note, so:

C/G would be an C-triad with G-bass note (5th)

E/G# would be an E-triad with G#-bass note (9th)

Stormin, you sound like me in that I'm doing something I've wanted to do all my life. I'm taking my time and I'm not using an instructor either and with all the good stuff here in chordbook, I may not have to or at least not for a long time. I have a few hand exercises I do sometimes but I notice the more I practice the less I have to do them. Pressing palms and fingers together with light pressure helps, hooking fingers of one hand with the other hand's fingers and pulling lightly helps and carefully pressing palms on a flat surface (coffee table) with fingers splayed helps. Careful with that one though. I even crack my knuckles at times if I feel stiffness in the joints. The barre will come in time as your thumb and index finger and related muscles become stronger.

And listen, I'm not a guitar 'player' or 'musician'....yet...but I'm going to be. )

GuitarZen

Stormin, oops...about reaching for chords that span the neck...not a hard reach but like a G7, I just checked and I automatically pull my elbow in towards the body of the guitar (acoustic) and that causes my wrist to move around the neck so my hand is more over the strings than under them, fingers are then able to reach across easier. Hope that's a good description. I know the pros are gonna jump me if it's not ! ) And I hope they do because that's how we'll learn a better way !

GuitarZen

just want to say hi, brand new.  not really a guitarist although i can finger pick through most pieces of sheet music.  one note to stormin, try really hard to keep the fingers arched over the strings and make chords with the tips of your fingers.  instructors always help, but most of us can't afford them either.  see if you can find old clips of Carlos Montoya or Segovia and watch how a couple of masters did it as old men.

Another exercise you can do is use quarters or beer caps and place them on a table and put your four fingers on them and stretch your fingers apart and back again.

i am from india i like to know how to pickle the by each by murugan

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