7 Tips For Guitar Players With Small Hands Or Short Fingers (To Reach More Chords!)
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- Опубликовано: 24 июл 2024
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This guitar lesson is for guitar players who have short fingers or small hands.
I taught dozens of people with small hands, whether they were kids or adults, so I had to find many tips to help them get more reach on the fretboard and play chords they once thought impossible to play.
Today, I'm sharing with you 7 ways that you can reach more frets, play more chords and work around this limitation of having undersized hands.
Remember: stretching is a technique like any other. You can improve it. You can do this!
0:00 Intro
0:14 Why should you listen to me?
0:55 Tip #0
1:41 Tip #1
4:15 Tip #2
5:57 Tip #3
7:38 Tip #4
9:59 Tip #5
11:50 Tip #6
13:13 Tip #7
14:32 Recap
15:16 Free course (gift)
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This is the Ambient Guitar youtube channel of Canadian multi-instrumentist Antoine Michaud. Through original ambient music, chordal guitar lessons and tips on guitar pedals, Antoine is looking to educate and inspire aspiring ambient musicians to learn everything about the world of ambient guitar and chordal voicings on guitar. 
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Cursed combo of small hands and short fingers: I am in the position where I can't even reach with my index finger on the 1st fret to my ring finger on the 3rd in the 'correct' technique. It's been so frustrating cause I can't even do the 'easy' beginner things. But the playing sideways seems to work there! And also doesn't feel like my tendons are about to rip. Thanks for the tips!
Same here. It’s so frustrating! But I hope w practice it gets easier. Good-luck!
Maybe try a 3/4 guitar like a fender mini or ibanez Mikro.
Also, look at the fret size and scale length on guitars and find ones with smaller scale/fret length.
Maybe your guitar is big for you
@@Void-Realmif i only knew about this before buying my current guitar from usa and going back to my country a week after... i'm screwed
@@dumankedi517 maybe keep trying or sell it if need be? Sometimes hands are just small. I have particularly small hands for a woman. I hate it sometimes when I see videos of guys saying oh it's totally possible you just need to learn to stretch. I was speaking to someone who is partnered with ibanez and she was saying about how you do just have to realise there are certain things you can't do with small hands and in other cases you'll have to find a different way to get the same sound/effect.
I'm broke so I had to get a cheap 2nd hand guitar. I got an ibanez gio. The grx70qa because I am poor. It has a fairly thin neck and is a full size. The thinnest Ibanez necks are some of the wizards.
I would struggle on a proper full sizd acoustic guitar for sure.
It's a shame. My music taste ideally requires a 7 string or a baritone guitar. All my music is in super low tuning. I think I have carpel tunnel or something in my left hand though so I don't think it'd be wise to handle thick strings. I think you can use thinner ones on a baritone though. Not good for small hands however.
There's a peddle you can get to drop the tuning. I just can't afford it.
I stopped playing a while back as I broke my G string and I think it needs a proper setup too that I can't afford. However I have been wanting to play again. I got some strings but I still need setup and to learn to replace them haha. I do really wanna try a 3/4. If i got an acoustic I'd deffo go for 3/4.
I think electric wise ibanez has a line of 3/4 guitars and they've tried to market them to an adult market.
What guitar did you get?
I'm 56. My hands are so small that I was told my whole life not to even bother trying to play guitar. That didn't stop me from wanting to. I'm almost 5'8" tall, but my hands and fingers are super small. My pinky is 1-7/8 inches fully stretched and wears a baby's size 1 ring. I've also reached the age where arthritis is setting in. But, I still want to play. So, I got hold of a Squier Mini-Strat. Scale length is 22.5 inches. It's about perfect for me, and I'm on with my learning. Playing guitar (especially as the proverbial "old dog") has enough challenges without having to worry about injury. After all, this is supposed to keep me out of trouble when I retire, so I want to be able to keep at it for many years to come. I can always haul this little thing into a shop and have components upgraded to make it a better instrument (not so "kiddie"). But, I have to earn that luxury through demonstrated progress as a musician. Then, I'll reward myself with better pickups and pots, maybe some better tuners. Those seem to be the weak points of this guitar. Wish the industry would make "adult" instruments in my size. Guess there's just not enough demand... yet.
Excellent tips. My hands are small, but in proportion to my small stature. I'm going to put your suggestions to good use.
Really good tips, my hands are average size, and none of the stretchy examples in this video were challenging at all, precisely because I was already applying yours tips. But when I was a beginner, I was convinced I had small hands and I would never be able to play things like that. I believe this is 90% down to because the brain/fingers are not trained enough to be in those positions without a lot of excess tension. But over time you build up the required strength, but without the tension.
My hands are only 6 inches long and my longest finger is 3 inches. My guitar arrives today, so hopefully these tips do me some good. Whenever I feel discouraged, I go watch 9yos shred to pump myself up.
Going to do this too lol I want to shred and play Sleep Token (metal) but my tiny hands are discouraging
@@avante-gardegeckos1233how’s it going
Excellent tips that will definitely help me. 💯🎸🎶
Very useful tips, thanks!
My favorite band is a bunch of Japanese Women and I can't believe that the guitar players (Kanami Tono) has bigger hands then me so if she can play fast so can I!
But yes it rather hard to find videos of people giving tips on playing faster that don't have hands that are noticeably bigger than mine lol
I like your capo tip. I struggled playing a shuffle blues in E in the open position because my pinky couldn't reach far enough, but put the capo half way up the neck and it's really easy!
Thanks for these tips! Very helpful for me and my kids. :)
Are you teaching your kids, Craig? Awesome!
Great tips! I’ve always struggled with my smaller hands with certain chord shapes.
Also, love the videos but seems like I’m watching a headless guitar teacher!
10:35
F CORD KILLS ME.
@@daviddupre6905 try B chord
@@daviddupre6905 I found on a Stratocaster 9.5 inch radius forget it. On a Bullet Mustang I instantly did it and it has a 12in radius. On my ALT30 Ibanez the nut is a bit wider than my other two guitars but it has a thinner neck and it takes a lot of practice to pull off, and its radius is 15.7in. I am getting there though as my only string not playing out on it is the B string it thuds so first finger placement, as well as rolling the finger to the exact spot, seems to be the demanding thing for me. For we small handed, and small finger, people we need flatter necks to pull it off. I could not do it at 9.5in and I can only imagine the old 7.25in.
I grabbed my guitar to try these chords and way way way above my level. I'l stick to beginner open chords over these for a long while.
Great tips!
Thats amazing.. thank you! I was struggling a lot. The index finger tip was great!
Glad it helped :-)
This has given me a new lease in confidence now thank you!
I’m 6’2 and my mother who is 5’3 has bigger hands than me lol. I’ve been struggling badly with reaching barre chords and I think these tips will definitely help. I also may have to consider buying a shorter guitar. My hands really are that small lol
Absolutely useful tips, I've never heard of them! (I am a hobby guitar player with a small hand and short fingers).
OMG your fingers are really enormous
I've been doing #7 since '97😂. Both a Rickenbacker 325 and 320 are short 21" scale guitars. That's all I play and even some of these chords are challenging on that because I have tiny hands.
I'm going to try these tips and also trust my ear in the process.
Excellent video, exactly what i was looking for
Great to hear, Jason! Thanks for watching :-)
Thank you, great tips, I have actually been doing some of these things without knowing it.
Really Helpful video. Thank you
My pleasure!
For me having short fingers and tiny hands... This comes in handy! 👍🏻
Stretching the index finger is a breakthrough for me. Thanks!
Excellent vidéo 😉
THANKS A LOT MAN!
Thank you so much :)
thank you so much for the help God bless you and your family
🙏🙏🙏
Great video. Tip 3 was a lightbulb moment.
Great lesson! That chord at 10:50 works without capo. The notes A, C#, D, B make this chord..I just play the root note (A) using open A, The next note is on G string on 18th fret it’s (C#) I use my fourth finger or ring finger for C#. Then I place my first finger on 15th fret (D note) on the B string.. Then my pinky finger goes on 19th fret high E string (B note) you might need to mute D string whatever. I’m not playing this chord above 12 fret. I play it an octave lower on my acoustic (same chord) easy access (not using 2nd finger on the bass).. I don’t use my 2nd finger at all on this chord. works for you
Helpful tops Antoine, thanks.
Ive got big hands but still really struggle when trying to play some of the 12 bar blues Status Quo riffs when you really do have to stretch the pinky to reach those alternate notes, reaching across 6 frets or so.
Thoughts?
Decent tips my friend, I have taught many people guitar over the years, many who have said their hands are to big, small or finger are too fat or stubby, my honest belief if that it doesn’t matter what size hands and fingers you have anyone can player the guitar no matter what with plenty of practice, as you said a lot of it is about having the belief you can do it and also it’s definitely about learning guitar technique and hand positioning, which obviously comes with lots of practice, it annoys me how many people who end up giving up playing after a few weeks thinking they can’t do it and because they can’t play like Clapton, Page or Hendrix after a few weeks of trying!! What I explain and what I love about playing the guitar for over 30yrs is that every time I pick the guitar up I learn something new or I can improve what I’m playing or my technique, and that I’ll never completely master my instrument, there are always things you can improve or learn new things.
I can 100% understand why you are so successful at playing and teaching guitar! A big part of teaching guitar is being able to motivate your students and make them believe that they can do it. And also to stay an eternal student yourself and never stop learning and improving. I agree, most people give up way too soon. Thanks for your comment!
@@AntoineMichaudGuitar What's your opinion on recommending a Stranberg Headless Euro Neck 6 string guitar for beginners to help with ergonomics and play ability?
Warmoth also makes a 24.75 neck for Fender style guitars.
Good my friend 💐👍💯 x 💯
Antoine I really appreciate this! DO YOU HAVE SUGGESTIONS FOR PLAYING THUMB OVER TECHNIQUES WITH SMALLER HANDS?
PS: Mustang, Duo Sonic and I think Jaguar Fenders and Squiers are 24” scale length.. so 1.5” shorter than standard Fenders and we’ll over 1/2” smaller than Gibsons too.
That alot help, can u explain what shorter scale guiter cant not play or how they effect the sound and....i dont know just ask. I practice stretch my finger in 2 month and my friend play same song perfectly in 1 week
I have small hands, but can easily do 3 NPS runs, I just had to work a little harder, but well worth it...
I really like ambient guitar, but I've always wondered if I'd need a huge pedalboard or if there alternatives more minimalistic...
Watch this video I made a few months ago. I show you how it's possible to play ambient guitar with just 2 affordable pedals, that's it! Minimalist Ambient Guitar Setup: ruclips.net/video/lOHu1s7zxx4/видео.html
@@AntoineMichaudGuitar thank you for your answer
Thanks Antoine this is great video and I've saved it in my 'Guitar Folder' here on YT! Are you from Quebec?
Yes! (Montreal)
lmao his intro was the best. funny guy
Oh yes they are! I know. It’s always a battle. Much easier to do hammer ons and flick offs if you’ve got longer fingers. Cantilever effect.
Great lesson and very helpfull!
Please Antoine can you do a Eddie Van Halen chords video?
That would be great!!!
THANKS so MUCH
CHRIS from Austria!🔥🤟🔥🤟
I just love how long he went on about his hands...
Yes. Took me years to find that it's not necessary to play huge 5- and 6-finger chords. In most cases 3 or 4 notes are plenty, and less muddy.
Great stuff. You forgot to mention Allan Holdsworth. I met him 2x's in NYC to chat, and shake his hand. Great guy. Phenomenal player. His guitar solo on Tony Williams: "Red Alert" is other-worldly.
You're lucky to have met him! I you haven't seen it, I tried some of his hardest chords for fun in this video: ruclips.net/video/SQGRA1Q2Pu0/видео.html
@@AntoineMichaudGuitar I actually had a drink with him at a bar ( honest truth ). Very chill-guy. Non pretentious, low-key. I will check that video. Keep up the great content. oNe LovE from NYC
I have ridiculously small hands. My fretting hand doesn't properly cradle the neck, instead of my thumb being on the side of the neck it's on the bottom 🤣🤣But, I kinda make it work. I sound decent, just look very very awkard. Some of these tips have helped me though! Thanks for sharing!
What about the guitar you're using, is the neck narrow? I've tried Ibanez and most of them have wide neck about 43 mm at the nut
My Uncle Tony is a dwarf and he can play Recuerdos de la Alhambra on a full scale classical guitar no sh!t. And RDLA has some big stretches.
I don't have small hands and I still have problems playing wide intervals. It really comes down to flexibility in the hand. Someone with smaller hands and more flexibility can get wider stretches than me. I took lessons from a world renown flamenco lady; a small lady. Her hands were so strong and so flexible. She could make massive stretches with her little girly hands. Try for 4+ months before you say, "i cant do it"; not 4 minutes.
Thanks
Spend some time finding a guitar neck profile you like. Dont go for the massive C shape necks, they are hard for smaller hands i found.
I met Marty Stuart and was surprised how small his hands are! I have relatively small hands for my size, but his hands are smaller than mine. Listen to his playing. Doesn’t seem to affect him…
3:16 i have short round sausage-like fingers. this is what i like to do when playing ska..just eliminate the lower strings to play high strings..
I do like your video, it will help alot for small guys.
But, Agnus Young, Slash, John Frusciante, Eddie Van Halen were the tiny guys and it didn't stop them from playing not as good as some bigfer guys.
My fingers are medium but curved , i find rounded fretboards easier and when i play barre chords my index finger nearly strays into next fret
Your pinky is longer than any of my fingers, thanks for the tips though
I really need help as I don't want to give up trying to learn guitar, but without someone to help I just may have to. My problem is that I have small hands. As IamMorrison says if you don't have our tiny sized hands you just can't relate. So a C-Chord is doable for me on 25.5in scale guitar but getting to a different chord is a struggle. Not a serious problem I am just bringing that up. Where my problem lies is my wrist to the tip of my longest finger is 6.5 inches. Hard to make chords. Now here is the one that made me quit for six months as I was in 24x7 pain with a loss of mobility and that is I cannot get calluses. It is a hereditary issue as they begin to grow, and I go to bed one day to wake up to baby soft fingertips again where everything is painful. SO painful that I do bad things, subconsciously, to stop the pain, and it hurts my wrist and thumb joints. How can I play the guitar without calluses? I ask because with them the notes ring out more, but when they go back to soft the strings around the touching fingers are dead due to the pudge caused my a soft pressing onto a hard. I do not have Gorilla grip/Kung-Fu death grip as I work hard to not. I have 3 guitars (2 electric/1 acoustic) and all are set up the proper way with proper string height. My playing position is the 45 degree Classical position as it seems to work the best.
I find that not only are my hands quite small but my fingers are also stubby. That means I have a problem muting strings when I don't want to. Any tips for this? Maybe the subject for another video!
Obviously a nice subject for a video too! Thanks.
I can never stretch my fingers to 9 to 11 when doing the Born to be Wild so it would sound without damping the strings so it sound bad
cursed with a short pinky these tips are great
Regarding tip #1, is it applicable to all chords using all four fingers? I have short fingers, and I'm in difficulty playing chords that need all four fingers. I feel more comfortable with only three fingers. 😂😂
You does have a gigantic hand
I was ready to be annoyed at small-hands advice from a guy with incredibly long fenders. But this is really good.
OMG...your fingers lengths are 1.5x of mine!
my fingers may be small but a good thing abt that is that my fingers don’t press strings and make a buzzing noise
The best thing about having small hands is that they make whatever they are holding look bigger.
I have big hands and short fingers
First mistake - this is electric guitar whereas classic guitar (the wooden one) has wider and bigger body and neck. Not the same thing.
Hands like that probably makes hitting the 3rd and 12th fret at the same time no problem lol
I have pretty small hands and stubby fingers for a grown man. I’ve been playing guitar for 13 years and my hands are still a problem.
My pinky is 50% of height of the finger next to it.
I not only have short fingers, but they each have fat proximal phalanx meat.
So the e string is guaranteed to get covered by them everytime I play chords like C or Am...
Sometimes this frustrates me a lot that I just want to smack my guitar on someone's head. 😂
I've found myself doing some of these... curse these violin hands 😂
MOST GIBSON AND EPIPHONE GUITARS HAVE SMALLER NECKS THAN STRATOCASTERS ........ALSO YOU PLAY SCALES ON A STRATOCASTER STYLE NECK INCLUDING NOTES ON OPEN STRINGS ....
Yet, by looking at your fingers they are long and thin just like all of the other people I see on RUclips who play and or teach guitar.
i have small hands and i play a 7 strings guitar 26.5 scale, with some effort any can do it, obviously i can't do that monster shaped chords but common !!!
Trying to play chords with your thumb sucks with short chunky fingers
It's called playing triads and is what all electric guitar players play 90% of the time
Use your capo. I never play any chords in the first 3 frets. From fret 3 Cmaj is a breeze....
in Asia, there are plenty great guitar players with small hands and short fingers..
...Take short- cuts on chords....yes, I have figured that out. But the state of affairs is that the better guitar players, top guitar players have massive hands and can mute the low E- string, even E & A ...Guys like Hendrix and Vaughn....Hendrix in fact doesn't even need his large hand...plays with his tongue...
Another 6 foot guy telling short people how to play. Literally killing my vibe with these condescending channels
His ideas are good watch it.
well you still dont understand.
Why not just buy a scaled down electric guitar to your liking?
That's point #7!
@@AntoineMichaudGuitar oh sorry, my bad