Thank you all for your lovely comments. And Carla- I'd be honoured to be your Grandfather. I'm hoping to do another video soon but I'm pathetic with anything to do with Computers, Camera's etc. Please all be wary of some of the advice given by those fortunate long fingered guitarists. They think they know but they haven't got a clue what it's actually like. But we 'small handed /short fingered' guitarists can be successful 'cos we've got determination.
@@diddler0467 I guarantee there are millions of highschool kids that would look at a discheveled 35 year old man with early greys coming in and call him old
“I’m a small chap... another is someone telling you how to stretch your fingers wow if I would’ve known that I would’ve tried that on my legs years ago” this had me DYING
@@iammorrison2925 When you click the subscribe button, there appears a bell button next to it.If you click the bell button it will change with an outline to appear like it’s ringing.That means you’ll get notifications if the channel uploads a new video
@@luismendesg He's not shoving it down anyone's throat. It's on the title so that people know he's not just some old guy with a guitar, but someone with a lifetime of practice and experience
Morrison, I'm a 78 year old beginner. Playing guitar has been in my bucket for many years. I decided to try and learn how to play. Your video is very inspiring for an old fart like me. I have short fingers also. They may be slightly longer than yours but I feeling the frustration of learning the 1st cords. You're very inspiring. Thank you for your advice.
Cliff's Notes version: -Get a guitar with a skinny neck/travel guitar -Work with F shape on multiple chords? -Get a capo that doesn't get in the way -Just kind of do what you have to to play the chords as closely to correct as you're capable of. Thank you for the info. 👍Heading to GC to embarrass myself now. :D
I am 63. I recently hired a caretaker as I am recovering from a lung transplant. My caretaker is an 18 yr old girl, who saw my guitar in the guitar.. She asked if I played and I said | hadn't played much since I was diagnosed with stage 4 emphysema in 2011. She said she was teaching herself. I said, "show me your stuff". She played the Beattles BLACKBIRD. I told her she had a knack and that I would give her some tips if she liked. .....Now I am her coach. A funny thing happened. She came to clean my apartment and found an old man on mothballs, cleaned him up and found an old gem. I fell in love with guitar again. No, I fell in love with life again.
I’m subscribing to your channel because you have all the problems I have and a delightful accepting attitude towards them. I’ve been playing for 63 years and have struggled with short fat fingers, now arthritis, trigger finger and whatever else old age brings. Thank you for letting me join the short finger club!
i was starting to get discouraged because i have small fingers and didn’t want to continue playing or learning. this is so inspiring and helpful and thank you for giving a young teenage girl a little hope during these harder times❤️❤️❤️
I don't have exactly small fingers, but they are definitely shorter than average. My real handicap though has been a pinched nerve that goes from my upper back and used to make half of my fretting hand completely numb. I'd been playing for years before my back accident though, so I wasn't about to stop playing. But for about 4 - 5 years I couldn't feel the strings until about 2pm in the afternoon when the nerve started to not be as pinched. But even so, I actually taught other guitarists how to shred for decades, and play a lot of technically demanding music from metal and prog rock, to flamenco and classical. The wonderful man in the video here is absolutely correct, it's all about perseverance. Django Reinhardt and Tony Iommi are incredibly great inspirations too. Django's fretting hand was burned horribly in a fire when he was young, and he wasn't able to get proper medical attention, so his 3rd and 4th fingers were pretty deformed. He is one of the most influential jazz guitarists in history. Tony is rock guitarist who is credited as the godfather of heavy metal guitar. On his last day at work in a factory, he cut off about half of the first digit of the middle two fingers of his fretting hand on a metal cutting machine. He used to melt plastic to make his own finger extensions so he could still use those fingers to play. Both players did various other things that not only were designed to help them compensate for their handicaps, it was in no small part those ways of overcoming said handicaps that gave them a unique playing style. Again, both of these players are massively influential in their genre. Indeed I could not be faulted for saying they are likely *the* most influential guitarists of those genres overall. If you love the instrument, just play it. The rest will come naturally. ^-^
If children can do it then surely we can do it...I seen a guy that had lost his arm playing the guitar...it was his picking hand he lost but still played the guitar better than I ever could.
I don’t even play the guitar nor have short fingers, but watching every 19 minutes and 16 seconds of this video has to be the best decision I’ve ever made.
Hi jimle22, I am now 71 myself with short stubby fingers, arthritis and fybromyalgia, ME. Many years ago I played fingerstyle guitar in Church worship bands then when the muscle/joint problems started, unable to press the strings firmly enough to obtain decent clarity of the notes/chords, I gave up playing altogether. Many, many years later, I missed playing worship songs so dug out my Yamaha APX5A (which ironically I had bought as an upgrade to my EKO Ranger just as my problems started) set it to open D tuning and played slide. Although not an ideal guitar for that style (I would have liked an inexpensive resonator but the only ones I have been able to try out locally haven't given the tone I want and I am unable to travel the country to find a suitable model), it did provide a base for learning slide. Also open tunings allow easier chord shapes in some cases as even if you hit the wrong open string say in open D it is still within the scale. I now try to adapt my fingerstyle playing to easier arrangements, chord voicings etc. It is frustrating, but now having come to terms with my limitations, I can still find some enjoyment in my playing. If you wish to hear any of my simple slide pieces let me know and I can send them to you. God bless. NW
Remember when you read illustrated fairy tales while being a kid, and a kind, caring grandfather appeared on a page and gave you that fuzzy feeling of safety and tenderness? This sir is just that, in human form.
"But it suits me, cause im such a small bloke" the way he said it was so sweet. As a small handed guitarist, its wonderful to see such a seasoned musican with similar issues as me. I don't usually watch long videos such as these but this man has a real likable personality
I have very small hands myself and started learning guitar recently. Sometimes it's a bit hard to play certain bits that people with long fingers can easily do, but now I feel even more encouraged to keep at it! Thank you for making this video, you're absolutely wonderful and it really made me smile! Like many others in the comments section, wish you were my grandpa. I hope you're doing well and I'm looking forward to more videos!
I have thick fingers and was discouraged by the closeness of the guitar strings when I was young and one day I received a chord book by Mel Bay...he had short, stubby fingers and took photos of him fingering every possible chord on the guitar...there's no excuse for anybody to give up because of...well...because of any reason actually.
Me too. I started getting discouraged because my fingers are short and chunky so when I press down they always touch the string below. It may take me longer but I won't give up 💪
For short thick fingers, it helps a lot having the action very low (1,4mm on E to 1,2mm on e). So fretting a note will need just a bit of the fingertip without touching the other strings. Also helps: to swap the nut with a wider spaced one, needs to be custom slotted by a luthier (or yourself if you know how to do it)😃
@@MemeHero I have no idea. I had that book 58 years ago. I'd like to know where it is, where my trombone is, my french horn, my alto horn, my silver trumpet, my standup bass, my bagpipes, my hairline, where lots of things are.
This made me think of my grandpa who loved to play the guitar and tought me when he was still with us. Made me smile and shed a tear. Cheers from Sweden!
This video made me cry, he is so wholesome and a huge example of how to keep going in life even if you have obstacles in between. Thank you so much, great man! Greetings from Argentina.
Dear Lau. Please don't cry - you'll make me cry. I've had to overcome many obstacles which I haven't mentioned but I believe that many, if not all, can be overcome if you think long and hard about a solution. Nobody ever said we were put on this Earth to have a good time. Life is a bit like a puzzle and it's up to oneself to think ' Right how the heck can I get round this next problem'. You're a wonderful person and best wishes to you in Argentina.
As an over 60 with shortish, fattish fingers and pretentions to play the guitar, I found this such a wonderful video. What a fine, inspiring and encouraging gentleman. I take my hat off to you sir. You have given me new hope to press on with my guitar. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
Dont give up !! im in your boat.. Wide bulky fingers and they're short, not as short as Mr Morrison's but roughly 2-7/8" long fingers . my finger tips just wont fit in fret areas. Suspended chords are your friend . sound the same and more room.
I've been playing the guitar for 6 years with very short fingers. In the last few weeks I was feeling a bit down because I can’t seem to be playing as clean as someone with long fingers, even if they played for only like 2 years. You gave me a lot of motivation to keep doing what I love. Thanks for that buddy, you rock!
Thank you Jim Jamm. Even after all my years I sometime have to concentrate on this because unlike fortunate long fingered players you can't just hover over the strings and you have to keep modifying your hand position. Keep going. You've got more 'balls' than most of them 'cos they probably wouldn't have started given our difficulties. Best wishes M
i have small fingers... and i got on this video for this... but now,i dont care about my small fingers!!!! i met a lovely person!!!! I wish you all the best Sir!!!
If your fingers are shorter than mine I take my hat off to you. You're the first person I've heard of in my 50 odd years playing. Don't be self conscious - be proud at what you've achieved . Best Wishes
I have small fingers too! the only way i was able to overcome bar chord, is to find the right position and pressure, by picking tips that suit me from those youtube video, practice, practice and practice!
I also have short fingers, but not only that, my fingers refuse to straighten, They are curved (won't lay flat) and I had to adapt to playing bar chords with the side of my index finger. It looks awkward, it feels awkward, it hurts, but it works. I cramp up after about 20 minutes playing but it never stopped me from playing in my sons band a few times. It's worth the uncomfortable effort. 👍
I play the ukulele as it is more comfortable to play with small hands, even with it's compact size my index finger can beardly reach across the fretboard but it's enough to play all bar chords. Maybe you could consider trying the Uke it's a good alternative if your fingers just won't stretch enough to play bar chords in guitar .
I have small hands/short fingers and have played guitar for over 30 years on and off. I personally didn’t expect to learn anything from this vid but still watched it all til the end cos he’s such a nice guy to listen to, and he makes a lot of sense …… he also kept me smiling for 19 minutes 😊 Thanks for sharing, Mr Morrison 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
my fingers always mute some strings because they're so short and i cant get them to stop touching the strings under, but seeing you and how far youve come, i feel more motivated and confident that i can do it too. Thanks for the video!
I too have short fingers and my little finger is folded back into my palm due to trigger finger and have been playing and teaching guitar for over 30 years. Keep up the good work.
What a pleasure it was to watch your video, Mr Morrison. This needs to be shared far and wide and not just with guitarists! Your warmth is exactly what the world needs right now.
I found you just at the right time I don’t have short fingers and I was having some issues changing chords and getting frustrated You made me to stay motivated
I’ve been trying to learn guitar and my hands are so small... TINY! I’ve been PRAYING that someone else with small hands could help me and relate to my struggles. This is so helpful and on top of that you’re so cool and kind. Please keep making more videos! You’re amazing!
This man seems like the sweetest most kindest person that any human would be happy with as a grandfather Also thank you because im trying to learn with short fingers 😌
As a similar short finger guy, I practice selftaught on electrics (slimmer neck, smaller body) and found a way to cheat chords by fingering them incomplete and playing upper or lower half... later I learned that those were basically power chords 😂
I was having a bit of an off night until I watched your video. You put a smile on my face and even made me laugh out loud. My 80 yr old dad won’t play guitar anymore because he complains about his short fingers holding him back. I’m going to have him watch this. Thanks so much. I subscribed.... and rang the bell :)
Don't know why I watched this because MY middle finger is 3 3/4" long but you, sir, are a delight! You remind me of a kid I went to school with, Dave Belsey, who was an amazing piano player in spite of having short fingers. When asked how he managed it he simply said "I can move them faster than most!" Have a great 2021, keep on strumming!
You're such a lovely and entertaining person. I think it's amazing that I can sympathize with you so well! Age, gender, continent, ... Nothing really matters ♥️ Thank you for sharing!
I was amazed by the comments on your video. I'm sixty now,have a little longer length set than you, but I am amazed at your attitude in general. At one point,sir,I fought off tears in comparing my life to yours,being a smaller man. God has certainly blessed you.
My dear friend. Thank you for you lovely comments. Yes ,God certainly has blessed me. I am Small, bullied when younger, struggled quite a bit financially, had pretty awful health but I've got a fantastic wife, wonderful Children and grandchildren and I'm has happy as I could ever be. What I was given was an incredible determination to overcome the difficulties I had been given to deal with in life. I never quite made it as an entertainer and one day I might do a video of my somewhat unbelievable journey through life. God Bless You. M
What a bostin bloke, I could sit and talk and listen to you for hours, thank you so much for this video, really made my night. I'm 67 and just starting guitar with smallish hands. All the best.
You, sir, are a treasure. These were the most unstressful 19 minutes and 15 seconds of my week so far. Sure, my fingers are on the short side and my beginner stage guitar playing is atrocious, so your advice is appreciated and will be applied. That said, the true joy of this video was your gentle manner of speaking and your sincere purity. I haven't seen your like since Mister Rogers and Bob Ross. I have subscribed to your channel and will follow you from now on.
Haha, this was great. After seeing you stretch for a G7, I realized I too often make mountains of molehills. My hands are certainly bigger than yours; maybe I should be worrying that my heart is too small, not my hand! I jest, of course. I will remember you and your encouraging words anf inspiring example next time I'm tempted to get discouraged in making music.
I love you grandpa ♥️ I really wish you were my grandpa... I too have short fingers so I was searching for relatable videos because am facing a hard time playing guitar and I got this video... You are so cute 🥺 lots of love 💗
G'day from Australia! Thank you for this video. Your fingers are even shorter than mine and it's great to see someone without Jimi Hendrix-size hands telling us short, fat fingered people how to overcome guitar fingering problems, especially barre chords. Very informative. It seems to be all in the wrist and the palm shape. Wish I'd worked this out 30 years ago before bad habits and creaking joints kicked in. :-D Cheers. (P.S. I'd love to see a photo of you with long hair in your Beatles suit!)
I’m a ukulele player, which is a much friendlier instrument to small hands, but I’m learning guitar. Went looking for some tips, and not only was your video helpful and encouraging, but you also seem like an absolutely lovely person. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience!
So much respect to this man! Im trying to learn playing the guitar by myself and I already got frustrated because of my short fingers, but now that I see you can do it I‘ll keep it up
Hello fellow short finger guitarist. I was just shy of my 9th birthday when the Beatles hit America. It was a wonderful time. I didn’t get a guitar until I was 13 and all I wanted to do was to learn a Beatle song so I could play and sing along with them. I’m still playing and singing those songs at 66. And, of course, other artists’ tunes. It’s a fun hobby and it’s great that you’re helping people learn the instrument. Thank you.
Just started playing guitar again, have shortish fingers. Alway had trouble in past with chords,which eventually made me pact up. But just listened to you video, never going to give up again. Thank you
Mr. Morrison, thank you so much for your wonderful video! My middle finger is only 2 3/4" and I knew I was struggling. I'm so encouraged to know that not only was I not imagining it, but that I can still successfully play guitar! You are a kind, warm, and charming gentleman. So glad to know you!
This video gives me hope Mr. Morrison. I always thought that having small hands meant learning the guitar was, uh, out of reach for me, but you've shown me that it might be possible.
A lesson I learned for piano is; Stuff 'correct' technique and do it how it works for you. I'm just realizing that the same goes for guitar. Thanks sir!
Same here. First guitar player on RUclips who says he has short fingers and actually has short fingers. The others have no idea what having short, thick fingers is like.
I did the same, Jody. I am so Covid conditioned at this point, everything seems to be a response to it. But at least I have had more time with RUclips and my guitars because I’m stuck at home.
Thanks for inspiring me! I'm a self taught beginner guitar player and have short fingers as well. I've felt lonely with my guitar problems. Finally I've found someone who understands what I'm going through and knows how to deal with it.
My main problem with short fingers is that with certain barre chords, the placement of the thicker joints and the thinner, softer parts of the finger, causes strings to mute, no matter how I place it. I see guitarists with long fingers effortlessly replace a capo with the index finger alone and get clean notes from every single string. I couldn't even imagine doing that. There's always 1-3 strings muted or buzzing, unless the other fingers fret in front of that specific string. I play electric guitar so it's less of an issue than with acoustic, but it's still bothersome.
sir, you are a great man you never gave up you really proved the saying "where there is will there is a way". my fingers aren't short like your's but still you have inspired me.
Ah. I’m so happy you stuck with it and didn’t allow yourself to be discouraged, Mr. Morrison. So honored to have spent this time with you. By the way, the bell...is for notifications. If someone turns the bell on, it sends them notifications the next time you put a video on this website. Cheers, mate and good vibes, always. ✌🏻
THANK YOU, SIR! I'm with you; I'm 67 and just learning to play the guitar. I also found that a thin and narrow neck are my best bet. My middle finger is only 2 3/4" long, and some chords are a really hard stretch (like the open C). I end up with my thumb all the way at the bottom of the neck. I also learned to pull the guitar back against my body when playing barre chords for more leverage. I appreciate you wisdom, and for passing it on. Hope you have a Happy New Year. Tom Dellinger New subscriber from Florida, USA.
Thanks alot mate. You literally solved my dilemma. I was gonna drop the idea of playing a guitar since i struggled reaching for the frets. Watching you gave me an insane boost to not care about my fingers and just shredd away. Rock on Sir👑
Such a sweet man! I admire his passion and relentless attitude. Playing an instrument can be powerful.. I believe anyone with the desire to learn and play deserves the ability to play. I hope this man helps those who struggle with similar issues. Sending peace & love from Missouri, USA -Todd
My fingers are longer but not as long as some guitar players. I have trouble with some chords. I LOVE this guy, he gives the simplest most practical advice. He as real as they come.
Thank you all for your lovely comments. And Carla- I'd be honoured to be your Grandfather. I'm hoping to do another video soon but I'm pathetic with anything to do with Computers, Camera's etc. Please all be wary of some of the advice given by those fortunate long fingered guitarists. They think they know but they haven't got a clue what it's actually like. But we 'small handed /short fingered' guitarists can be successful 'cos we've got determination.
thank you so much for this video! you did an amazing job explaining everything and recording! have a great day :)
You're so funny. Love you long time ! ☺️💚
If you'd like your next video to be edited, I'd be happy to help 😊 thank you for this very informative video
Thank you Laura. I don't really know how to go about it-but you are very kind.
@@estelleb1587 Thank you Estelle
I want this man right here to be my grandfather
he said he would be honored to be your grandfather
I need to meet this man! He's my granddad after all now!
Congratulations to both of you .
He replied to you in a comment
@@motaz271 yeah I saw! He said it in his new video as well. Thanks!
This man needs to be protected at all time he's to precious for this world
This!
♥️♥️♥️
Yes😩
lol hes my grandpa, he really is a kind man... he is racist tho... but that was normal back then so its not his fault lol
@@iangarza990 he’s not your grandpa
This old man made me smile for 19 minutes straight. He's a pure gem
Thank you Syamkrishna. And you're a gem for saying such a nice thing about me. M
Saying 'elderly man' is nicer than saying 'old man'
@@elbowstancenow1519 I disagree. Elderly sounds more like an insult, "old man" is a common phrase used to describe people even as young as 35,
@@blinkerz4676 no its ntot
@@diddler0467 I guarantee there are millions of highschool kids that would look at a discheveled 35 year old man with early greys coming in and call him old
“I’m a small chap... another is someone telling you how to stretch your fingers wow if I would’ve known that I would’ve tried that on my legs years ago” this had me DYING
Thanks faith. Someone told me they had hurt their fingers trying the stretching advice.
No kidding. Got me laughing so hard...this guy is really funny.
"Back then all the girls were female." To funny.
If stretching was the only thing needed, I would be the next John Holmes 😂
@@edhastie6074 lol
This man is adorable. I love him.
Thank you so much Christopher.
heh he called you christopher I love this man
“i don’t know what hit the bell means” LOL this guy is wonderful and pure
Thanks - I'm still looking for the bell!
@@iammorrison2925 When you click the subscribe button, there appears a bell button next to it.If you click the bell button it will change with an outline to appear like it’s ringing.That means you’ll get notifications if the channel uploads a new video
@@iammorrison2925 did you find it?
@@iammorrison2925 3 years later that made me laugh 😂😊❤ wonder if you ever found it!
Priceless, small fingers, big personality, who wouldn't want lessons from Morrison. Just hit that bell !
What a lovely thing to say. Thank you so much Jill. x
not sure about personality... He calls himself world class expert and authority. Not the humblest person. haha kidding
@@luismendesg He's not shoving it down anyone's throat. It's on the title so that people know he's not just some old guy with a guitar, but someone with a lifetime of practice and experience
@@doomerbloomer6160 I was just kidding
Ë
Morrison, I'm a 78 year old beginner. Playing guitar has been in my bucket for many years. I decided to try and learn how to play. Your video is very inspiring for an old fart like me. I have short fingers also. They may be slightly longer than yours but I feeling the frustration of learning the 1st cords. You're very inspiring. Thank you for your advice.
I'm a 62 year old beginner. Short female, short arms, short fingers, arthritis to boot. So how are you doing, Peter? Can I join your band? 😊
Me too. 69 yr beginner. Hands weak and arthritis. One string at a time sofar. Day 2. Stretching might help i hope. Crack on all.
Cliff's Notes version:
-Get a guitar with a skinny neck/travel guitar
-Work with F shape on multiple chords?
-Get a capo that doesn't get in the way
-Just kind of do what you have to to play the chords as closely to correct as you're capable of.
Thank you for the info. 👍Heading to GC to embarrass myself now. :D
I am 63. I recently hired a caretaker as I am recovering from a lung transplant. My caretaker is an 18 yr old girl, who saw my guitar in the guitar.. She asked if I played and I said | hadn't played much since I was diagnosed with stage 4 emphysema in 2011. She said she was teaching herself. I said, "show me your stuff". She played the Beattles BLACKBIRD. I told her she had a knack and that I would give her some tips if she liked. .....Now I am her coach. A funny thing happened. She came to clean my apartment and found an old man on mothballs, cleaned him up and found an old gem. I fell in love with guitar again. No, I fell in love with life again.
"...and hit the bell, although I don't know what the bell is..." lol That made my day!!
forget guitar advice, this is some real life advice here guys, thanks man :)
Thank you Sir.
Music is life lessons
Anything is possible through music
I’m subscribing to your channel because you have all the problems I have and a delightful accepting attitude towards them. I’ve been playing for 63 years and have struggled with short fat fingers, now arthritis, trigger finger and whatever else old age brings. Thank you for letting me join the short finger club!
Watching this 3 years later, what a lovely chap!!, the world needs more people like this🙂... thanks RUclips algo for showing me Mr Morrison! 🙂
i just want to sit down and have a whole life talk with him.
That would be really nice
i was starting to get discouraged because i have small fingers and didn’t want to continue playing or learning. this is so inspiring and helpful and thank you for giving a young teenage girl a little hope during these harder times❤️❤️❤️
I don't have exactly small fingers, but they are definitely shorter than average. My real handicap though has been a pinched nerve that goes from my upper back and used to make half of my fretting hand completely numb. I'd been playing for years before my back accident though, so I wasn't about to stop playing.
But for about 4 - 5 years I couldn't feel the strings until about 2pm in the afternoon when the nerve started to not be as pinched. But even so, I actually taught other guitarists how to shred for decades, and play a lot of technically demanding music from metal and prog rock, to flamenco and classical.
The wonderful man in the video here is absolutely correct, it's all about perseverance.
Django Reinhardt and Tony Iommi are incredibly great inspirations too.
Django's fretting hand was burned horribly in a fire when he was young, and he wasn't able to get proper medical attention, so his 3rd and 4th fingers were pretty deformed. He is one of the most influential jazz guitarists in history.
Tony is rock guitarist who is credited as the godfather of heavy metal guitar. On his last day at work in a factory, he cut off about half of the first digit of the middle two fingers of his fretting hand on a metal cutting machine. He used to melt plastic to make his own finger extensions so he could still use those fingers to play.
Both players did various other things that not only were designed to help them compensate for their handicaps, it was in no small part those ways of overcoming said handicaps that gave them a unique playing style.
Again, both of these players are massively influential in their genre. Indeed I could not be faulted for saying they are likely *the* most influential guitarists of those genres overall.
If you love the instrument, just play it. The rest will come naturally. ^-^
If children can do it then surely we can do it...I seen a guy that had lost his arm playing the guitar...it was his picking hand he lost but still played the guitar better than I ever could.
I'm kind of sad that me (and old male) has the same problem but oh well here we are lol
This man is officially my grandpa, since my real ones are dead.
Fine by me Jae.
@@iammorrison2925 Okay grandpa
It's like watching a British baby Yoda play the guitar. This old man is the most wholesome guy.
May the Force be with you. Best wishes. M
I don’t even play the guitar nor have short fingers, but watching every 19 minutes and 16 seconds of this video has to be the best decision I’ve ever made.
What a lovely thing to say. Thank you
I am 71 and play guitar with short fingers and arthritis. Can relate to the young man and everything he was saying about persevering through problems.
Hi jimle22, I am now 71 myself with short stubby fingers, arthritis and fybromyalgia, ME. Many years ago I played fingerstyle guitar in Church worship bands then when the muscle/joint problems started, unable to press the strings firmly enough to obtain decent clarity of the notes/chords, I gave up playing altogether. Many, many years later, I missed playing worship songs so dug out my Yamaha APX5A (which ironically I had bought as an upgrade to my EKO Ranger just as my problems started) set it to open D tuning and played slide. Although not an ideal guitar for that style (I would have liked an inexpensive resonator but the only ones I have been able to try out locally haven't given the tone I want and I am unable to travel the country to find a suitable model), it did provide a base for learning slide. Also open tunings allow easier chord shapes in some cases as even if you hit the wrong open string say in open D it is still within the scale. I now try to adapt my fingerstyle playing to easier arrangements, chord voicings etc. It is frustrating, but now having come to terms with my limitations, I can still find some enjoyment in my playing. If you wish to hear any of my simple slide pieces let me know and I can send them to you. God bless. NW
This just instantly made my day 1000 times better
Thank you so much Sir Santiago. It's wonderful to brighten the lives of others.
same
Remember when you read illustrated fairy tales while being a kid, and a kind, caring grandfather appeared on a page and gave you that fuzzy feeling of safety and tenderness? This sir is just that, in human form.
Thanks Joshua
Well thank you Joshua
"But it suits me, cause im such a small bloke" the way he said it was so sweet. As a small handed guitarist, its wonderful to see such a seasoned musican with similar issues as me. I don't usually watch long videos such as these but this man has a real likable personality
I have very small hands myself and started learning guitar recently. Sometimes it's a bit hard to play certain bits that people with long fingers can easily do, but now I feel even more encouraged to keep at it! Thank you for making this video, you're absolutely wonderful and it really made me smile! Like many others in the comments section, wish you were my grandpa. I hope you're doing well and I'm looking forward to more videos!
Thank you. Of course I'll be your Grandpa
I have thick fingers and was discouraged by the closeness of the guitar strings when I was young and one day I received a chord book by Mel Bay...he had short, stubby fingers and took photos of him fingering every possible chord on the guitar...there's no excuse for anybody to give up because of...well...because of any reason actually.
Me too. I started getting discouraged because my fingers are short and chunky so when I press down they always touch the string below. It may take me longer but I won't give up 💪
For short thick fingers, it helps a lot having the action very low (1,4mm on E to 1,2mm on e). So fretting a note will need just a bit of the fingertip without touching the other strings. Also helps: to swap the nut with a wider spaced one, needs to be custom slotted by a luthier (or yourself if you know how to do it)😃
Sorry to be suddenly inquiring, but which book of Mel Bay might this be? I'm a bit new and would like to know more!
@@MemeHero I have no idea. I had that book 58 years ago. I'd like to know where it is, where my trombone is, my french horn, my alto horn, my silver trumpet, my standup bass, my bagpipes, my hairline, where lots of things are.
Play bass as well I’m sure you’ll enjoy it dude, can get smaller ones for smaller hands they’re like the size of an electric guitar
If this man can do it, then I don't wanna hear anyone saying that they don't play guitar because of short fingers. If he can do it, YOU can do it!
Very true Maria.
Never know what you can do until you apply yourself
If you haven't, Dejango Reinhardt may be worth checking out. Another great example of using what you got.
Yes !!! Check out Michael Romeo sometime 😊
This is EXACTLY the message I needed today 😄
He might have small hands, but his forearms look jacked! 💪
Every now and then, a real gem.
I recon you're a real gem as well Garrett
You talking about being a teenager was so warming and beautiful :)
Thank you. It was a long time ago
this man is the most wholesome person on the internet... we must protect him at all costs
This made me think of my grandpa who loved to play the guitar and tought me when he was still with us. Made me smile and shed a tear. Cheers from Sweden!
I was just thinking, he looks like my Swedish grandpa
he just reminded me of my grandpa cuz my grandpa has a shirt and watch that looks exactly like that XD
Sameeeee
I was always annoyed with my small fingers on guitar. Then I learned power chords. Changed my life they did.
This video made me cry, he is so wholesome and a huge example of how to keep going in life even if you have obstacles in between. Thank you so much, great man! Greetings from Argentina.
Dear Lau. Please don't cry - you'll make me cry. I've had to overcome many obstacles which I haven't mentioned but I believe that many, if not all, can be overcome if you think long and hard about a solution. Nobody ever said we were put on this Earth to have a good time. Life is a bit like a puzzle and it's up to oneself to think ' Right how the heck can I get round this next problem'. You're a wonderful person and best wishes to you in Argentina.
Jesus christ mr.morrison that was beautiful
@@arshiamh6114 . Thank you.
I feel so much more whole after watching this video, not because i needed advice but because of what a good soul this young man has
Thank you Doc.
As an over 60 with shortish, fattish fingers and pretentions to play the guitar, I found this such a wonderful video. What a fine, inspiring and encouraging gentleman. I take my hat off to you sir. You have given me new hope to press on with my guitar. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
Dont give up !! im in your boat.. Wide bulky fingers and they're short, not as short as Mr Morrison's but roughly 2-7/8" long fingers . my finger tips just wont fit in fret areas. Suspended chords are your friend . sound the same and more room.
I've been playing the guitar for 6 years with very short fingers.
In the last few weeks I was feeling a bit down because I can’t seem to be playing as clean as someone with long fingers, even if they played for only like 2 years.
You gave me a lot of motivation to keep doing what I love. Thanks for that buddy, you rock!
Thank you Jim Jamm. Even after all my years I sometime have to concentrate on this because unlike fortunate long fingered players you can't just hover over the strings and you have to keep modifying your hand position. Keep going. You've got more 'balls' than most of them 'cos they probably wouldn't have started given our difficulties. Best wishes M
I've never felt so guilty fast forwarding a video before. I promise I will watch it from start to finish after lunch. Lovely chap
i have small fingers... and i got on this video for this... but now,i dont care about my small fingers!!!! i met a lovely person!!!! I wish you all the best Sir!!!
Awe, he seems so nice and replies to everyone, I can see his concerns. This person is awesome!
Thank you CraigO
Mine are shorter; I’ve been playing guitar for 40 years, and have always been self-conscious. Thanks for this!
If your fingers are shorter than mine I take my hat off to you. You're the first person I've heard of in my 50 odd years playing. Don't be self conscious - be proud at what you've achieved . Best Wishes
I’m 6’3” and have short fingers. I understand the feeling.
I have small fingers too! the only way i was able to overcome bar chord, is to find the right position and pressure, by picking tips that suit me from those youtube video, practice, practice and practice!
I also have short fingers, but not only that, my fingers refuse to straighten, They are curved (won't lay flat) and I had to adapt to playing bar chords with the side of my index finger. It looks awkward, it feels awkward, it hurts, but it works. I cramp up after about 20 minutes playing but it never stopped me from playing in my sons band a few times. It's worth the uncomfortable effort. 👍
I play the ukulele as it is more comfortable to play with small hands, even with it's compact size my index finger can beardly reach across the fretboard but it's enough to play all bar chords. Maybe you could consider trying the Uke it's a good alternative if your fingers just won't stretch enough to play bar chords in guitar .
You're the first person that came across when I searched his problem and I'm going to stick with you!
I have small hands/short fingers and have played guitar for over 30 years on and off. I personally didn’t expect to learn anything from this vid but still watched it all til the end cos he’s such a nice guy to listen to, and he makes a lot of sense …… he also kept me smiling for 19 minutes 😊 Thanks for sharing, Mr Morrison 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
"Yes, dear." LOL Spot on! With 52 years of marital experience (with the same women), I emphatically agree!
my fingers always mute some strings because they're so short and i cant get them to stop touching the strings under, but seeing you and how far youve come, i feel more motivated and confident that i can do it too. Thanks for the video!
Keep practising Jess it will come-you just have to work a bit harder if you have short fingers.
I too have short fingers and my little finger is folded back into my palm due to trigger finger and have been playing and teaching guitar for over 30 years. Keep up the good work.
Dear Chris . You've had a difficulty that I don't have. I take my hat off to you.
What a pleasure it was to watch your video, Mr Morrison. This needs to be shared far and wide and not just with guitarists! Your warmth is exactly what the world needs right now.
Thank you so much Michael. Best wishes. M
Well, I just watched this with Married Life from Up playing in the background. Would recommend.
thank you for this
oh my
This sweet man is using a guitar and short fingers to teach a wonderful life lesson to us all.
What a nice thing to say John
I found you just at the right time I don’t have short fingers and I was having some issues changing chords and getting frustrated
You made me to stay motivated
That's great Steve. Stick at it -you'll get tremendous pleasure.
I’ve been trying to learn guitar and my hands are so small... TINY! I’ve been PRAYING that someone else with small hands could help me and relate to my struggles. This is so helpful and on top of that you’re so cool and kind. Please keep making more videos! You’re amazing!
Thanks Sutton
This man seems like the sweetest most kindest person that any human would be happy with as a grandfather
Also thank you because im trying to learn with short fingers 😌
Thank you. Be determined and you'll do it.
I am a senior citizen who is returning to guitar since the 60s! Finally I can find guitars that I can play! I appreciate you!🎸❤️🌹
i didnt watch this for the guitar, i watched it because i saw a beautiful man on my screen, best 19 min of my life.
Thank you so much.What a lovely thing to say. It's a wonderful confidence booster when someone says something nice about you. X
He took my last excuse...and now I like this gentleman even more. God bless
Sausage fingers UNITE! 🤘🏻
As a similar short finger guy, I practice selftaught on electrics (slimmer neck, smaller body) and found a way to cheat chords by fingering them incomplete and playing upper or lower half... later I learned that those were basically power chords 😂
I was having a bit of an off night until I watched your video. You put a smile on my face and even made me laugh out loud. My 80 yr old dad won’t play guitar anymore because he complains about his short fingers holding him back. I’m going to have him watch this. Thanks so much. I subscribed.... and rang the bell :)
I don't have much of a grandfather, so you are my idol. thank you for being such a wonderful and helpful man. You give me hope.
Don't cry KG. I'll be your grandfather.
Don't know why I watched this because MY middle finger is 3 3/4" long but you, sir, are a delight!
You remind me of a kid I went to school with, Dave Belsey, who was an amazing piano player in spite of having short fingers. When asked how he managed it he simply said "I can move them faster than most!"
Have a great 2021, keep on strumming!
Thank you so much Jeffrey.
@illuminOz you must have small palm then my middle finger is 3 1/2 and my hand is 8 in
@illuminOz i did mine underneath lol
You're such a lovely and entertaining person. I think it's amazing that I can sympathize with you so well! Age, gender, continent, ... Nothing really matters ♥️ Thank you for sharing!
I was amazed by the comments on your video.
I'm sixty now,have a little longer length set than you,
but I am amazed at your
attitude in general. At one point,sir,I fought off tears in comparing my life to yours,being a smaller man.
God has certainly blessed you.
My dear friend. Thank you for you lovely comments. Yes ,God certainly has blessed me. I am Small, bullied when younger, struggled quite a bit financially, had pretty awful health but I've got a fantastic wife, wonderful Children and grandchildren and I'm has happy as I could ever be. What I was given was an incredible determination to overcome the difficulties I had been given to deal with in life. I never quite made it as an entertainer and one day I might do a video of my somewhat unbelievable journey through life. God Bless You. M
The best advice i ever received from a teacher was " the only thing stopping you from playing guitar is yourself." Best advice i ever received.
What a bostin bloke, I could sit and talk and listen to you for hours, thank you so much for this video, really made my night. I'm 67 and just starting guitar with smallish hands. All the best.
I am so glad I found this video. My day is now 100% better watching this precious man teach me how to play something that I have no idea how to play.
Thank you DFoc and best wishes
You, sir, are a treasure. These were the most unstressful 19 minutes and 15 seconds of my week so far. Sure, my fingers are on the short side and my beginner stage guitar playing is atrocious, so your advice is appreciated and will be applied. That said, the true joy of this video was your gentle manner of speaking and your sincere purity. I haven't seen your like since Mister Rogers and Bob Ross. I have subscribed to your channel and will follow you from now on.
Thank you Peter
Haha, this was great. After seeing you stretch for a G7, I realized I too often make mountains of molehills. My hands are certainly bigger than yours; maybe I should be worrying that my heart is too small, not my hand! I jest, of course. I will remember you and your encouraging words anf inspiring example next time I'm tempted to get discouraged in making music.
I love you grandpa ♥️ I really wish you were my grandpa... I too have short fingers so I was searching for relatable videos because am facing a hard time playing guitar and I got this video... You are so cute 🥺 lots of love 💗
Id love to be your Grandpa.
You sir are not a little chap...you are a Giant. Thank you for carrying me for 20 minutes. Especially after a rather tough day. 😊
G'day from Australia! Thank you for this video. Your fingers are even shorter than mine and it's great to see someone without Jimi Hendrix-size hands telling us short, fat fingered people how to overcome guitar fingering problems, especially barre chords. Very informative. It seems to be all in the wrist and the palm shape. Wish I'd worked this out 30 years ago before bad habits and creaking joints kicked in. :-D Cheers. (P.S. I'd love to see a photo of you with long hair in your Beatles suit!)
Ha Ha Me too!
I’m a ukulele player, which is a much friendlier instrument to small hands, but I’m learning guitar. Went looking for some tips, and not only was your video helpful and encouraging, but you also seem like an absolutely lovely person. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience!
So much respect to this man! Im trying to learn playing the guitar by myself and I already got frustrated because of my short fingers, but now that I see you can do it I‘ll keep it up
Hello fellow short finger guitarist. I was just shy of my 9th birthday when the Beatles hit America. It was a wonderful time. I didn’t get a guitar until I was 13 and all I wanted to do was to learn a Beatle song so I could play and sing along with them. I’m still playing and singing those songs at 66. And, of course, other artists’ tunes. It’s a fun hobby and it’s great that you’re helping people learn the instrument. Thank you.
Just started playing guitar again, have shortish fingers. Alway had trouble in past with chords,which eventually made me pact up. But just listened to you video, never going to give up again. Thank you
Best wishes Gary
Mr. Morrison, thank you so much for your wonderful video! My middle finger is only 2 3/4" and I knew I was struggling. I'm so encouraged to know that not only was I not imagining it, but that I can still successfully play guitar! You are a kind, warm, and charming gentleman. So glad to know you!
This video gives me hope Mr. Morrison. I always thought that having small hands meant learning the guitar was, uh, out of reach for me, but you've shown me that it might be possible.
OMG I just want to hug this man!
A lesson I learned for piano is; Stuff 'correct' technique and do it how it works for you. I'm just realizing that the same goes for guitar. Thanks sir!
I don’t necessarily have short fingers, but this video makes me wish I did so I can be like this legend Mr. Morrison here! Thank you for existing sir!
You,Sir, are a treasure! As a 68-year-old who has only been playing for two years and who also has short fingers, I know how frustrating it can be.
Same here. First guitar player on RUclips who says he has short fingers and actually has short fingers. The others have no idea what having short, thick fingers is like.
I did the same, Jody. I am so Covid conditioned at this point, everything seems to be a response to it. But at least I have had more time with RUclips and my guitars because I’m stuck at home.
we must protect this man with our life
This is the wholesome content I live for.
Thanks for inspiring me! I'm a self taught beginner guitar player and have short fingers as well. I've felt lonely with my guitar problems. Finally I've found someone who understands what I'm going through and knows how to deal with it.
My main problem with short fingers is that with certain barre chords, the placement of the thicker joints and the thinner, softer parts of the finger, causes strings to mute, no matter how I place it. I see guitarists with long fingers effortlessly replace a capo with the index finger alone and get clean notes from every single string. I couldn't even imagine doing that. There's always 1-3 strings muted or buzzing, unless the other fingers fret in front of that specific string. I play electric guitar so it's less of an issue than with acoustic, but it's still bothersome.
Hi Morrison,
Thank you for this video it was very informative! I’m glad I’m not the only one with this issue
sir, you are a great man you never gave up you really proved the saying "where there is will there is a way". my fingers aren't short like your's but still you have inspired me.
thank you for your teaching
"You must persevere and find solutions"
thank you
Thank you Sylvester.
Ah. I’m so happy you stuck with it and didn’t allow yourself to be discouraged, Mr. Morrison. So honored to have spent this time with you.
By the way, the bell...is for notifications. If someone turns the bell on, it sends them notifications the next time you put a video on this website.
Cheers, mate and good vibes, always. ✌🏻
This guy is such a star, he's got skills, he's got character, and he's got humour. What's not to love about him. My kind'a guy 👍
THANK YOU, SIR! I'm with you; I'm 67 and just learning to play the guitar. I also found that a thin and narrow neck are my best bet. My middle finger is only 2 3/4" long, and some chords are a really hard stretch (like the open C). I end up with my thumb all the way at the bottom of the neck. I also learned to pull the guitar back against my body when playing barre chords for more leverage. I appreciate you wisdom, and for passing it on. Hope you have a Happy New Year.
Tom Dellinger New subscriber from Florida, USA.
Life lessons! Persevere...find solutions...yes dear...brilliant!!!
Thanks alot mate.
You literally solved my dilemma. I was gonna drop the idea of playing a guitar since i struggled reaching for the frets.
Watching you gave me an insane boost to not care about my fingers and just shredd away.
Rock on Sir👑
Such a sweet man! I admire his passion and relentless attitude. Playing an instrument can be powerful.. I believe anyone with the desire to learn and play deserves the ability to play. I hope this man helps those who struggle with similar issues.
Sending peace & love from Missouri, USA -Todd
My fingers are longer but not as long as some guitar players. I have trouble with some chords. I LOVE this guy, he gives the simplest most practical advice. He as real as they come.
This a very good example of making what you have work for you. No sense whining about what you don't have.
I've been picking for many years with my little "badger claws" for hands. Thanks for the tips and the inspiration. "Liked" and "subscribed."
Was going to scroll past until I read "world class authority" hahahahaha. What a legend.
Don't put yourself down guvnor! You're doing very well! quick, clear and talented much better than the next US president ! 👍
After 2k lesson videos this guy helps me more then anyone else ever did... internets ruined tonight
This is one happy man. He should do a video on being happy with what life throws at you. I would adopt him into my family any time.