Comments on: Tip: for those with small hands

By: Dave McElhinny

Dave McElhinny — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 23:18:58 +0000

Interesting topic, I also have very small hands. I’ve also been playing for 39 years. What I’ve noticed over the years is that most people hold the guitar with the neck too low. Just like David says above, a simple raising up of the headstock goes a long way. As to scale, I first learned on a Gibson guitar scale length. (24.75″-610mm) Pretty standard I think for electrics and acoustics. Fender scale length is (25.5-648mm). The shorter the scale length the higher the tension of the string at concert level. Here is the wiki article on string length.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scale_(string_instruments)

A little involved, but informative. I think that the availability of mass produced guitars and their price is very important for a beginner. It’s getting harder and harder to find a bad guitar these days. Also, consider having the guitar set up by a luthier or guitar tech for optimization of your guitars action. Most guitars are not set up very well when new. Even name brands! This can help a lot with ease of playing. They will set bridge height and true the neck with the proper relief, check the nut and intonation and possibly find any trouble spots with the guitar.

Finally, practice does make perfect, it took me about nine months to play a barre F chord cleanly and to be able to do it consistantly, but I preservered and one day it came to me. I also recommend doing some stretching exercises also.

It just takes time for your hand muscles to get used to doing new things, it WILL happen eventually.

Just keep at it and good things will come!

By: Dennis Law

Dennis Law — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 12:13:21 +0000

Thanks, David, I’ll try adjusting my position as you suggest and see how it goes. Perhaps I ought to have a few lessons!
Best regards

By: David Hodge

David Hodge — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 04:55:38 +0000

Hi Dennis

Don’t think you have odd hands at all – mine are smaller than your measurements and I know guitarists with larger ones as well.

What I would point out to you is that if you need to “bend your wrist enough to form the chords” then you’re probably not holding the guitar in a good position to start with. Without seeing you play in person it’s hard to say one way or the other, but ideally your fretting hands wrist should stay reasonably straight. Usually bending the wrist to form chords means that you’re holding the neck too low or tipping the body of the guitar upward too much in order to watch your fingers on the fretboard. If you angle the headsock more upward and hold your guitar so your fretting hand is about chest high (regardless of whether you’re sitting or standing) then you might find it easier to keep your wrist straight and to form the chords.

Hope this helps.

Peace

By: Dennis Law

Dennis Law — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 15:53:19 +0000

I think I can answer my own question – the guitarist was Robert Smith and he was miming on TOTP, and was just taking the P!

By: Dennis Law

Dennis Law — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 13:21:14 +0000

I have just found this very informative website, and wonder if any of you knowledgeable people can help me. I have (I think) very odd hands – from wrist to middle finger tip is 8″; middle finger length is 3.25″; width of middle finger near tip is 7/8″”, at base is 1″; width of hand is 4″; index and ring fingers both 3″; pinky 2.5″. Spread is 9.5″. They are more like shovels! My problem is that I just cannot get my hands to form chords using the traditional left hand position. I don’t think I shall ever be able to bend my wrist enough to form the chords. However, on TV recently I saw a guitarist with Siouxie and the Banshees who played his guitar with his left hand going over the top of the fretboard! Anyone got any info on this method, please?

By: jrldev

jrldev — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 14:04:30 +0000

Hello Sally: Congratulations in your find. I am sure you will enjoy the playability from a guitar that is the right “fit” for fou. Aria guitars have a good reputation with the local CG teachers. Speaking of good finds as used CG, I just found a hand-made CG made by Prudencio Saez (Valencia, Spain), iat the Used section of the giant Gutar Center which I decided to buy for $150.00 . This will make it my only luthie-made guitar to date. At times it pays to look around for what could be a good buy in the CG world.

dprsling p

By: Sally

Sally — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 07:44:36 +0000

Unfortunately I’m nowhere close to being able to afford an MR guitar. Maybe one day. However, in my local trusty guitar shop (I’m in England) I came across an Aria AK20 3/4 size, paid $108 which I am happy with as it is perfect for me to enjoy at home or out and about. My 15-year-old son who normally plays his full-size steel-strung acoustic also seems to like sitting and messing about with it, for him it’s small enough so he can just sit back any old how in an armchair and mess about. A lucky find, it seems. Even has pretty good intonation.

By: jrldev

jrldev — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 01:48:13 +0000

Dear cordo, Thanks for the information. i will follow up on that.
I do own and play a Manuel Rodriguez guitar. Their student model C-1 with a solid top.
I consider it my second best CG behind my Orpheus Valley Rondo model with is a solid all wood guitar. In my now 8 years learning and playing CG I have gone thru at least 20+ guitars which I have either bought new or traded for and the only two best full size guitars I have are those I just listed. I also own a Giannini solid-top made in Brazil with a shorter nut width but a full scale length. Then I also play the Montana short sclale guitar mentioned above and I just acquired on a trade of a Cordoba full size guitar that I did not like at all and old (but in beautiful condition and playability ) 600mm scale length and a 48mm nut width “Palmer” guitar with a solid spruce top. This guitar was made in Korea but it has a very good sound and sustain. I can also use it as a Requinto guitar if I change it with the use of Requinto strings. As you can tell I love the CG instrunments to play and collect.

By: cordo

cordo — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 19:08:58 +0000

Dear JRLDEV:
Bravo! Manuel Jr. will be involved, yes even at the 500.00 level. You may be aware that the big trade show NAMM is comming up in Jan. 2012. in California, so I can only imagine how consumed he is in preparation. He manufactures his guitars to be distributed all over the world and although he is busy, you will personally be taken care of. The shipping which included the VAT was as mentioned. If you know anyone who wishes to order at the same time, the additional shipping is academic. May I suggest you do searches on Luthier Manuel Rodriguez III for insight into the man. You’ll find online interview videos. He is a man of his word with whom I have personally spoke with and email regularly. Can you imagine in this day and age an international business owner who is personally involved in seeing your purchase through? Check out the videos then let me know what you think. I would rather support an artform which is integral to a countrys survival and identity than buy a machined copy if you will where there is no craftmanship, simply automation for profit. For Spain it is a way of life!

By: jrldev

jrldev — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 18:41:59 +0000

Hello cordo. I always enjoy your comments. My mother’s family came from Zaragoza – Northern Spain – and my maternal grandfather Gabriel was a master carpenter and according to my grandmother Europa, he was always talking about the artistry of the
guitar makers in Spain. As you have properly indicated a Made in Spain guitar is one wish I want to fulfill by purchasing one of those beautifully crafted instruments before the ends of my days but the present economic situation here in USA holds me back knowing that there are other priorities to consider. I would not mind at all spending close to $500. for such instrument considering that I will have to pay VAT as well as the cost of bringing it into USA. Now that the holiday season is aproaching that could be one of my top considerations but I will need more details.

By: cordo

cordo — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 18:07:45 +0000

Hi to all in the forum: The luthier made guitars may not be as expensive as one would think! The competition is incredible world wide. The guitar I spoke of is under $500.00. Personally I never thought that it would be a possibility for me. There is an intangeable that is so warm, it connects to your soul. You can feel the love and passion that goes into these guitars. The House of Rodriguez Guitarres while crafting guitarres in the $30-40,000 range, must compete with the lower end $300.00 price point and they do it with many options. However, if you care about the intangeables the beauty and history of Spanish Guitar, then borrow the extra $200.00 and get a living piece of history. I wanted a Spanish Guitar MADE IN SPAIN as a kid & finally got 2 after hitting 50. I never owned my own guitar until recently. I support Spanish Guitar and all that goes along with it! If you have an opportunity, read up on the history of the guitar and you will see just how Spain contributed along with innovations to this day. Credit must be given, it is due here!

By: jrldev

jrldev — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 17:30:58 +0000

Good suggestion cordo but the one problem that many of us face is MoneySome of us don’t have the budget to allow for a luthier-made guitar and unless we are in the profession as a musician we can’t even consider it as a business expense. i once sat on a lecture given by no other than David Russell to new students of CG and he clearly indicated that we should get the best instrument that we can afford but don’t assume that by purchasing a very expensive instrument wil make you a better student. A luthier-made guitar in the hands of a beginner student will inspire the student to practice and be more motivated but his skills will not develope any quicker assuming the same practice time is given, when using a machine-made instrument that is playable . I add to that : Mr. Russell skills will make my
$200. guitar sound much better than were I to play his luthier-made instrument.

By: cordo

cordo — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 16:35:52 +0000

One suggestion for small hands; Luthier Manuel Rodriguez III can accomodate your needs with precision and quality. I’ve personally ordered direct from La Mancha Toledo, Spain a MR Cab-10. Senor Rodriguez gives you a quality guitar with an electric neck! This guy is the grandson of Rodriguez Guitars Espana and has been in the family business since childhood. He is very fair on the price, the guitar takes 4 weeks or so to manufacture still by Spaniards who have a history of guitar making in their soul. It comes with nylon strings and a classical/Spanish headstock. The shipping is about $230.00 and there is no profit made here. Everyone who knows their classical guitars comments on the quality and craftmanship that leaves this shop; the bracing is solid and you have to know what you are looking for to appreciate it! Get in touch with Manuel Jr. through his website http://www.guitars-m-r-sons.com. If you love the sound of an authentic Spanish Guitar then you owe it to the craftsmen of Spain and yourself to continue supporting the art of Spanish Guitar!

You won’t be dissapointed! Cordo

By: jrldev

jrldev — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 15:53:10 +0000

Hello Sally, I aslo play the Ukulele – the Baritone size since it is tuned like the guitar first four strings E-B-G-D and I won’t have to learn the smaller size Ukes fingering for chords.
One guitar that you may consider in the 3/4 oveall size with a scale length of 610 mm (24 “), and a neck with of 48mm (1.7/8″) without breaking your bank account is the Montana model CL 141 guitar selling for about $100. They have a laminated top and solid sides which produces a good sound. If you can find one in the market place (they are scarce) consider it a good value and worth keeping also as a traveling guitar.

By: Sally

Sally — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 08:53:45 +0000

Darn, when I said “I try purely the left hand” what I meant was the simple bar with no other notes added in.*

By: Sally

Sally — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 08:52:05 +0000

I started playing guitar at 40, I’m short with small hands and in fact would have started years ago if a friend hadn’t told me “you won’t be able to play guitar with those hands”. I started with classical, which I love, and did quite well for 5 years, not having much trouble. I had a break (was disheartened)..
Another 7 years on, on a steel-strung I am completely uncomfortable, they are so big, in shops they have said “No, you’re adult, you should play a full-size”. The worst problem is trying to do bar chords. Try as I might, there is always one string which I physically can’t put enough pressure on to bar. I try purely the left hand, splinting it with all my other fingers, and changing where I place the finger (there’s not a lot of room for movement, my index finger only just spans the width of the fretboard.) but still I can’t produce a clear strum. I see guys who only need to use the first and second bone of their finger, for me it takes the whole length of the finger. I can’t possibly wrap my thumb around to catch the 6th either.

I can’t use a splitting maul either. :P

I now play ukulele, but I might investigate these 7/8 or even 3/4 guitars if I find some money. :)

By: rich

rich — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 10:24:46 +0000

left or right fret hand you need to be really aware of what your arm is doing.a lot of fretting problems stem from poor arm position.poor arm position causes tension in the muscles leading to stilted playing.a good exercise when learning new chords is to make the chord then see what your arm is doing and adjust your arm and or body to where you feel the most relaxed.i see a lot of beginners who just kinda let their arm hang there in the same position all the time.you have to be really proactive with your body. figure all that weight is transferred to your fingers and its hard to be agile and make smooth changes with all that dead weight constantly pulling your fingers off the fret board.you want to position your arm and body in such a way that you get proper leverage thus minimalizing the pressure needed to hold a chord.you want your fingers as close to the frets as possible.go through the motions.practice making the chord without strumming at all until you feel comfortable.also, you cant over look the obvious which is how are you holding your guitar? too far away and your shoulder strains more to support the weight.too close and you get jammed up and tight.i guess the point im trying to make is you should find the position you are most comfortable and relaxed in before you even strum your guitar.with time and practice muscle memory will develop and you’ll find your hand/arm/body automatically shifting to that position.lighter strings can also be used at first until you build some finger and forearm strength.being aware of the aforementioned subtleties makes a world of difference.if all else fails learn how to make the chord another way.doing that also expands your vocabulary so that down the road you wont have to run all over the neck to make a chord that can be made where you are simply by repositioning your fingers.dont forget about the power of the single open string either.dont think you have to do things a certain way just because people say so.find where your strengths and weaknesses are then compensate accordingly.above all relax and have fun.if you are all tense trying to be textbook your play will suffer.if any of that makes sense? haha.take care everyone.

PS-for all the beginners; along with body/arm/hand position start working on your ear whenever you can.practice tuning your guitar by ear from the get go with your tuner as a supplement.even as a beginner turn your music on and try playing along.it is crucial to develop your ear in order to be able to recognize different keys later on if you plan on getting serious.

By: jrldev

jrldev — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 20:40:17 +0000

I like to come back to this board every so often and I find it one -if not the only one – of the most pleasant and enjoyable to read. It appears to me that those who make comments express their
opinions void of any air of being the last word in any matters reloating to guitar players and/or the instrument itself.
I am making this observation after visiting some other sites and sadly some of them convey the impression that if you are not a professional level player or play a guitar that cost more than three figures you are out of your “league” . I like to thank the editors and monitors of this site at “Guitar Noise” for allowing some of us non-professional guitar “aficionados” and players of lower cost instruments to have a forum to share our questions and views.

By: MjM

MjM — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 05:46:46 +0000

Ye of small appendages, do not despair.

Me: 6ft, 215lbs, hands seemingly the size suitable for a 10-year old. Worse, I was born with both of my little fingers turned in at the third and last knuckle, such that my pinkie-reach comes up about 3/4- inch shorter than it would were it not crooked. (Oddly, my daughter was born the same way – no mailman daddy, her!)

But I have been playing for over 43 years.

Not a pro, I am just a basement guy who has always played for pleasure and sanity. I am not a classical guitarist; mostly ’60′s/ ’70′s rock with a splash of (old) country and folk and Neil Young. My Les Paul is 36 years old (I bought it new when I was 17). I have a cheap Mex Strat, an Ibanez AF75 hollowbody electric, an ’85 Guild D-25, and a Yamaha 12-string who’s model number escapes me at the moment, but my wife bought it for me… probably 15 years ago, if not more.

Over the years I’ve learned to rearrange chord progressions and scales when needed to fit my hands’ abilities. I just think of it as my “style”. And there have been many times when I have had to learn/practice a certain song on a thin-neck – an unplugged Les Paul, say – before moving on to it’s appropriate (as I can make it) box. The Beatles’/George Harrison’s “Here Comes The Sun” sounds really good on a 12-string. But I had to work my way up to that wide double-stringed Yamaha.

I just wanna say, don’t get discouraged because of your dinky grippers. Phhhht! Pick one/two of your faves that you can play, songs that really put a smile on your face when you do, and play them when ever you feel yourself getting frustrated with something harder. Indeed, play your absolute favorite/best song to finish out each practice session. For me, that brings me back every time.

And you WILL get there. I mean, if old-dude crooked-pinky me can get Stevie Ray Vaughn’s “Pride and Joy”, you are going get to Charo’s “Malagueña”.

Keep pickn.

By: jrldev

jrldev — Wed, 11 May 2011 01:55:41 +0000

I have learned to do my own re-stringing and minor adjustment – like the action – to my guitars since I began the interes in the classical guitar 7 years ago. I am learning to play on my own – over 25 cg instructional books witrh CD’s as I knew how to sight-read music before I ever pick up a guitar- I played the violin as a child- Some of my fellow group guitar players were music-guitar teachers at the local college but I have never had “formal” instruction. I have found the best way to learn (other than private lessons) is to join a local classical guitar ensemble group.Ffortunate for me there are such groups in my area. If you get such a chance you should join them.