Fingers Too Big To Play Guitar ?

[@thunderbugcreative7778]

The diagram at 3:18 is describing Nut width on the right but showing "string spacing" mislabeled as "nut width" on the left. Nut width is exactly as it sounds, the total width of the nut. "String spacing" is measured from Low to high E.

[@PixelVarnox]

i love the way he describes finger sizes -sausage -french fries lovely

[@hiephoi058]

My middelfinger kills all surrounding strings

[@bogart5131]

Customize the neck, change it with a wider nut....

[@stanh24]

@@bogart5131 one can’t just put a wider nut on an acoustic without making the high and low strings too close to the edge of the fretboard. With some electrics, say a strat, or strat clone, one can get a custom wide neck. Myself, I’m recently renting a Seagull S6, and for sure gonna buy it for the extra 2 mm neck width. Besides that, it’s one sweet guitar.

[@taylorbee4010]

Get a Spanish guitar they're made for human fingers Not elvish ones.

[@91Turles]

As a begginer I was getting really frustrated with the buzz and this video really helped and gave me a boost to keep going at it. Thank you very much for sharing this.

[@xsive198]

Me: tries a C chord My Fatty fingees: lemme just go ahead and mute 4 of your strings real quick.... Its been 3 months, send help

[@africanfitnessconcept]

😂

[@juliusgaius4326]

Hahhhaahaha

[@Shanonmcnab576]

Major A chord is tough for me to squeeze my fingers into. I have no problem with Major E but Major A this is how I feel 🤬🤬🤬🤬 fricken buzzing lol. I thought I had skinny fingers but jumble everything into that area is a holy fuck moment for me 😂.

[@PepitoStyleMC]

Bro my gf had the same problem, took her to guitar center and had her grab a classical guitar, nailed the C chord on the first try

[@JohnJackson-mn4ts]

I know how you feel. It’s really damn frustrating.

[@shantianita3282]

Thank you for this video. I am a beginner and am struggling with this issue.

[@mink19611]

I am struggling with this issue and am wondering how it is going 3 yrs later. I hope you continued to practice.

[@tanveerhasan2382]

How are you doing now?

[@joelitotek1796]

@@tanveerhasan2382 also wondering the same... I'm about 2 months in and struggling super hard with fat fingers....

[@tanveerhasan2382]

@@joelitotek1796 sad

[@daveman9712]

You are describing exactly why I've twice given up trying to learn guitar. I will take another look at wide neck guitars and maybe give it another try. Thanks!

[@ianson3]

I've seen the first three videos in this series. Your focus on "fit" is very useful and I don't think I've seen many other guides that address the issue.

[@alpye]

Excellent information for a total beginner like myself thankyou

[@Trantor.Citizen]

And this is how a teacher must teach...English is not my first language, so I appreciate the clean pronunciation too. Thank a lot for this key information!

This is the first video on youtube I've seen that addresses nut width issues. THANK YOU!!!

[@madblotter]

Most useful video on this issue I have seen, and really helped me

[@eblackbrook]

That is NOT what's normally meant by nut width. Nut width measurements normally include the entire nut. An e string to e string measurement is normally described as "string spacing at the nut". The numbers you give are accordingly confused. 52mm is a typical whole nut width for a classical guitar it would be unheard of for the nut string spacing.

[@TomasMichaud]

This is well done, Nick. Thorough and easy to understand.

[@LC-mz7ev]

I tried everything from wider fret spacing to dieting. I am excited to try this method!!

[@GameWriterGuy]

nice! the diagram of nut sizes was definitely illuminating... wish I'd seen that before guitar shopping.

[@toml3651]

Thank you. This is pretty encouraging to keep trying.

[@petertreichler3438]

Very good video, but the description of Nut width and the accompanying chart is a bit off. The video defines the nut width as the distance between the grooves for the two E strings. But in actuality, the Nut width is the actual width of the Nut itself...from edge to edge. The widths listed on the video's chart are correct, e.g., Slim 1 11/16 in. (43mm), but that is the total edge-to-edge distance, not the high E groove to low E groove distance.

[@KKMDStyle]

I've picked up and put down the guitar many times over the years because of this issue. I have been inspired to stick with it thanks to your video.

[@rwyattly]

Totally answered my question! Very clear, very understandable. Made perfect sense. Thanks a lot! P.s. I searched “are my fingers too fat to play guitar” and your video channel came up! Excellent placement! Now I’m gonna go ahead and give this a 60-day effort!

[@vladartov2817]

Thank you for your tip about hand angling. It seems to have helped.

[@SecretGuitarTeacher]

Good to hear! Thanks for commenting :-)

[@sinagong69]

The tip about angling your forearm and elbow are good tips, especially when playing a C cord.I twist my elbow right in against my stomach which in turn forces my fretting hand to be almost parallel to the fret board. which in turn stops me muting open strings, especially the G string.

[@leojbramble]

Thank you; I've been a very amateur, very casual player for decades and still have difficulty getting a consistent clean sound. From your simple point about examining and adjusting wrist, hand, shoulder, and elbow position, I realize that part of my problem is that the rare times I do pick up my guitar these days, I'm almost always seated on a sofa; sitting in this relatively low, crouched position, I'm forcing myself into a very constricted posture that completely sabotages my mechanics.

[@SecretGuitarTeacher]

Many thanks for commenting. Good to know I've helped you see the error of your ways ;-) Hope it leads to a nice breakthrough for you. Learning guitar is difficult enough a task without making it harder for ourselves by these fundamentally physical 'bad habits' !

[@UncleFrankieSays]

Yes you are right. What I meant is the thickness of the neck front to back. I worded it wrong. Thank you for your response. Frankie

[@acuteteacher]

I am trying to learn on the half size guitar we bought our daughter years ago. I have trouble with buzz and thought it was just a bad guitar but now I realize it's just me. I think the frets are so far apart that my fingers can't reach very well for a C, but then I compare it to my husband's classical guitar and I realize this one is so much smaller than a classical. The nut width is just 1 and 5/16 which makes the strings closer together than on the classical. I am also playing a concert ukulele and a tenor ukulele as an advanced beginner. It's much easier. The strings are farther apart and the frets are closer together. I just don't know if there's any hope for me with the guitar, but your video has encouraged me to keep trying. Thanks so much.

[@starterback]

I would like to add that I practice every day at least 45mim to an hour, sometimes twice a day. Then frustration sets in when no matter what I do just can't get the chords to sound clear.

[@ericlee7383]

This was 5 years ago. Do you still play?

[@46ace]

These first few videos are outstanding and cover "fit"information I have not seen in any other beginners videos! Thanks!

[@sjazzp]

Fat fingers beginner here, great tips especially moving the arm and shoulder to have the wrist and fingers in the best position. Very helpful, thanks for sharing.

[@caosonnguyen3336]

Yep the guitar that I had has nut width that are far, far too tiny for me. Now I know thank you!

[@johnnylongstroke7413]

Where were you 40 years ago! I'm going to give playing another chance. Thank you for the information.

[@fredve3984]

I like your video. Thanks for posting. But I did want to point out that the width of a guitar nut is measured from the outside edge of each side of the nut, not from E string to e string.

[@IronManXXX]

Thanks for the encouragement man. I have smaller palms, hands, and short fat fingers, but I want to play and working for it...

[@paulgrudowski7485]

You make a lot of sense. Thank you

[@SecretGuitarTeacher]

Thanks for your kind comment. Glad you liked it :-)

[@williamgrand9724]

Good advice, thank you!

[@bluespupil414]

Thanks!!! New to guitar playing and honestly frustrated with that issue. This has given me some 'workarounds'.

[@Retro6502]

Thanks so much! The bit from 4:00 - 5:15 is gold. I played around with guitar for a few weeks about 20 years ago and never got very far. (No teacher, pre-KZbin). I always felt like I was tying my hand in a knot 😁 I've spent the last few years learning another instrument and I'm really enjoyed it. I was recently inspired to give guitar another try and bought one this weekend. Yesterday was Day 2 and the difficulty ramped up quick with the D chord. It was very difficulty not to mute one of the strings. I was certain I'd made a mistake and my fingers were just too big for this guitar. What you demonstrated with moving the elbow, shoulder, and wrist helped me to find a position where i could the get my fingers more parallel. It's going to take some practice to ingrain it, but I feel like what you said opened a door for me.

[@8-bitsteve500]

I wish you all the best of luck. I'd never even held a guitar until I bought one just over a week ago, I'm now hating my fingers for being too wide, I can get the D chord after some practice but the 2nd chord to learn was the A and it's almost impossible for me to get. Hope you have more luck than me.

[@Retro6502]

​@@8-bitsteve500 Yeah it's definitely a challenging instrument to get started with. The fingering I Iearned for the A chord is slightly different than the standard one. It's meant to easily slide between E, A and D. Maybe that would help? It's from this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eHPdXn2vp5dmg5Y I also came across another teacher who teaches 2 finger versions of the basic chords to help get started. I haven't used these, but I was considering it as a way to keep moving forward if I get stuck: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jXislJl6eLysqbM Hang in there, you'll get it!

[@8-bitsteve500]

@@Retro6502 Thank you!

[@random_an0n]

i used to hate the D chord and would avoid any song with it lol,but i learned it in a day and now i can go to it without thinking,the trick is to twist your wrist and play it at an angle,now its the easiest chord i find

[@lemmysverruca]

Great video, thanks. Just one thing. The nut width isn't measured from the grooves but it's the whole width of the neck at the height of the nut. I just measured the distance between the grooves on my e-guitar to be 35 mm, while according to the manufacturer it has a "width at the nut" of 43 mm. What you mean is usually called something like "string spacing at the nut" or "nut spacing".

[@Tigerex966]

3:26

[@bhaskarkc5519]

Thx!!! Sir

[@GuitarsAndSynths]

I found the thinner neck of the Gibson Flying V guitar is great for my small hand size. Just played last night and so far able to play some chords and notes without issue or pain.

[@GuitarsAndSynths]

Yup except now I am paying the dues with sore fingers after learning chords and have to build the callus up to avoid pain. Chords are the hardest thing for me as a new guitar player!

[@GuitarsAndSynths]

Getting there slowly some callus forming after a week and pain is getting less. Feels weird though.

[@hristochobanov6660]

thanks meight. I bouth a guitar 2 days ago and had these promblems. And you reashured m that i will overcome them. I will keep your words in mind amd hopefully i can learn to play it because of you. ☺

[@Jonrocat]

ive played bass since i was 12(now 33) and i just tried to learn fade to black intro on 6 string, lets just say with my size fingers it didn't go well

[@jimleffler7976]

Great tips! I had No idea about the length of the nut ,and only slight knowledge about c shape, u shape, v shape. Great video, thanks!

[@cvision83]

Thank you sir. Your very simple demonstration of the depth vs. width of the actual finger tip was like a revelation to me (so simple never really considered it I guess), so thank you very much!

[@zoltan567]

I've just measured my guitar's neck, and it's 43 mm (slim according to this video). I've got a huge hand, One advantage is, that muting, for me is very easy. This video is very nice, but I just do not know how to get these specifications online. I would really like to WATCH a video where specific guitars are mentioned for a bigger hand. I walked into several shops, to try out guitars under 300$ and all of them were slim nuts. So probably they produce a wider range of sizes (as far as the neck concerned) I guess. Please comment on it if I'm mistaken.

[@jonpogue427]

I just got a guitar for my 55th birthday and have short fat sausages. I am learning to play. Never have before now.

[@scottcampbell9536]

I'm a beginner, but when I measured the width on my guitar from high E to low E, I got 35 mm. That's so far out of whack that I surfed around the web a bit, and came up with the conclusion that the term "nut width" -- and the numbers in the chart in the video -- is supposed to refer to the full edge to edge width of the nut. I agree that's not as definitive a dimension as string to string, but I suppose it does define the width of the neck at the headstock, which could be related to hand size.

[@SecretGuitarTeacher]

Yes, it's worth bearing in mind that neck width can't really be altered whereas string spacing can be quite easily altered by replacing the nut. You can have a problem with overall neck width - in which case the only real remedy is to change guitar. Or the neck width can feel ok but the strings are too far apart or too close together in which case you can buy a replacement nut. Some nuts are loose and some glued into place - if in doubt consult a guitar tech person. 🙂

[@downhill240]

Excellent tips here!

[@theHAL9000]

Terrific overview on subject.

[@ArkilShaikharkil]

I'm in love with the shape of "U"

[@stephencorfield7720]

Ive got really large wide fingers but it helps me play guitar easier using a couple of fingers for some chords instead of three fingers. So its never stopped me playing one bit on all kinds of necks and guitars. If you have fat fingers dont worry you will find its not a problem.

[@nidumite]

Great vid explaining the basics in an understandable way, would just like to say that cutting ones fingernails regularly also helps, mine seem to grow so quickly, only noticed since playing about on the guitar. Thanks again.

[@dabz4506]

I appreciate the effort. Nice vid mate !

[@salmanahmad710]

Sir, I am a 35 years old guy from Pakistan that has had a passion since my childhood but never really got the chance to fulfill it. Quite recently I got my hands on a Yamaha Acoustic/Electric Guitar that I am learning on. This issue is one that is bothering me the most. I have seen a few videos addressing this issue but wasn't quite satisfied with the material but I have to say your video and the way you presented it, keeping it simple and very well explained MADE ME sign in and press the LIKE button. I am going to practice for now to see if I can learn the right technique before I declare to myself that the instrument does not fit me. Rest assured, I will be referring to your videos in the future as well. Thank you so very much for this. : )

[@aviladsm]

Thank you for this video!

[@MartinJG100]

...and finger nails on the fretting hand! Interesting videos. First time I have seen anything going into this sort of detail. Thank you.

[@01narrator]

This made me realize I had accidently bought a smaller guitar. I will be returning it and trying to get one with a wider neck. TY!

[@bkshah9288]

thankyou so much for your beautiful video to help us thankyou

[@marksumner1796]

Thanks. Very informative.

[@jimmywooten956]

Extremely...extremely helpful....thank you so much...had my guitar 2 days and wish I had watched you earlier...its an old Air Line ...just says Japan on the inside label.

[@gamer7138]

I started playing on a strat but it really was just a pain so I went to the guitar store nearby played a lot of different guitars and ended up buying an Epiphone Les paul because it really was easier to play and just felt better

[@timmytheimpaler1750]

Gaaaa thank you - I'm super new to playing and was soooo aggravated- I'll keep practicing and harden my finger tips.

[@nelsonechevarria7009]

Thank you for the video.I have watched this video several times and the conclusion is that standard width guitar necks do not and will not work for me which is why I ordered an electric guitar with a 51mm wide nut and 8mm spacings for the guitar strings from China because standard width guitar nuts with standard string spacings just won't work no matter how I try to place my fingers,wrist and shoulder.There are people that have big hands but they also have tapered finger tips and that is not the case for me because my finger tips are thick and will not cooperate.

[@davidanderson3727]

thanks for the video..

[@dapperninji646]

Even if this channel is dead. I know from college never not take old knowledge especially when it's free will be adding this channel to my guitar learning process.

[@Mylifebelikeeee]

Very true!! I am just now beginning and I keep slanting my guitar to face me so I can see the notes I know I am probably doing this wrong I just got a small acoustic at toys r us to experiment on but now I may need to get a bigger neck acoustic for my fingers but I will practice angling my fingers better for now until I can find the perfect acoustic for me thank you so much for this video

[@noru_ego]

Thank you Sir

[@pragtiprinters9984]

thank you very much sir. i am struggling with the same issues. the video was an real insight.

[@bcs2em625]

i think my problem with my fat fingers muting the adjacent strings is mainly due to hand placement. I find that I can't seem to have the fingers come down on the string from directly above because as a newbie I constantly move the guitar neck out away from my body to look down & view exactly where my fingers are placed on the frets. I can't just put them in the chord placement locations by memory without craning my head & turning the guitar neck up slightly to make sure they are on the right locations. I think I'm going to have to view my playing in a mirror at least until I get the "muscle memory" to know exactly where to place my fingers to make a chord & then transition to the next chord.

[@AnxietyAddict]

Really enjoying this 'sound bites' series of vids, I always pick up little bits of info from you I hadn't previously thought about. More to come I hope.

[@kennethbrown2887]

Thank you for this lesson. I am having some problems with my two middle fingers. I can see minor improvements, but I think this video will help.

[@kennethbrown2887]

The guitar that I have appears to be the right one. after listening to your video, I made some adjustments and there were significant improvements. I have been practicing for at least five weeks with a teacher. I trained 40-60 minutes every day. My expectation is a bit demanding and I want to see improve on a large scale, but I'm fine. I will continue to research and learn as much as I can from people like you. When I come across materials that are helpful I will purchase them, because I really want to be good at playing. I love music!

[@ArtsFracture1.0]

I thought I Could find a video that explicates so well my problem thanks a lot you´re very kind.

[@deca006]

Awesome video. Thanks very much!

[@miket4224]

Thanks. I am a beginner with this problem.

[@datsport4929]

Thank you so much for the tips. I have owned a guitar for many years and every now and then pick it up and then disregard it because I thought my fingers were to fat and short........now its time to practice..............

[@datsport4929]

Thank you for the knowledge and inspiration. Cheers:) tRace

[@gamedodo5397]

i found out that the old guitar my dad has was for children and the nut size was 38 mm no wonder why i wanted to quit i couldn't even play a single note without muting gotta visit the store and get me a { c } neck guitar with at least 50 mm nut . thanks a lot for saving my hobby i couldn't have seen such an informative video

[@shunkajun]

Very good Video , thank you so much

[@agupta247]

very good advices Sir....i am an average height indian which is 5'9" but I do have big chunky hands....i am beginner guitar player at 30 and was facing much difficulties till I saw this video that adjustment have to be made to get best results

[@YAOG]

"nut width" made me chuckle. I'll never grow up.

[@hdrjunkie]

Damn you, now I laughed when I heard hi. Say it.... lol

[@markphillips573]

Hello Nick... I just stumbled across your video on neck widths... I had been adding a little video on youtube called: playing "To Cyprus" for showing a new wide neck guitar I have on ebay... then I found you here. Cheers from Mark Phillips.......

[@andreasfetzer7559]

Very good explaned.

[@MrYarabandi]

Thank you.

[@noelbeavers2692]

Well done. Thank you.

[@bor3433]

My finger is the same thickness as the space between first and third string, when i push from top at a right angle its not geometrically possible to not mute both strings even by making sure the palm is also positioned so the wider part of the fingers is tilted.

[@peter5807]

The nut width is measured from the outer edges of the nut.

[@philliphaines6955]

Capo on at least the third fret, is my cure for hotdog fingers and arthur itis !!!

[@djolekosta]

Thanks for the advices, sir.

[@sakthicon]

Thank You

[@SahanAnu]

Thanks a lot for the knowledge and the motivation ..

[@SillyMoustache]

He was doing soo well, but, I'm afraid there i9s an error on the graph about nut width. Strangely on a guitar or any chordophone nut with is the extreme length of the nut (which is usually bone not plastic) and coincides with the width of the fretboard where they meet. Whereas "string spacing" at the saddle (i.e. the other piece of bone emerging from the bridge) IS the distance between centres of the 1st and6th string....at the saddle. Therefore whilst the most common "nut width" for most guitars is a measly 1 & 11/16" so the actual string spacing over that nut is often about 1/8 on each side less: i.e. 1 & 3/16" - which as the gent says is really not much space to clearly fret all strings clearly. This minimal width comes from the change of the guitar from a fingerstyle instrument to a rhythm one where clear fingering is less important. Sadly we have been pushed into accepting it as standard. This is OK for some with thinner fingertips, who "close chord" or simply strum, but if it doesn't work for you - it isn't your fault - look for a better suited instrument. Note (12 fret guitars are often built as they used to be before the rhythm guitar came in and have wider necks).

[@SillyMoustache]

Hi SGT - nevertheless - your video is helpful and informative and I share the "Challenege" of "FFS" (Fat Finger Syndrome) on most rhythm width necks (1 & 11/16" nut width etc. Regards,

[@thomasstevens1436]

Excellent information and advice. Thank you.

[@jamesbarker1994]

Thanks for this! Number 3 is great, and will use 1,2 for my next guitar

[@GuitarsAndSynths]

Wow this is so helpful thank you! I wish more guitar teachers focus on helping student pick right guitar and teach these things.

[@kyotosal]

Thank you so much. My guitars has a 43 mm nut width. So I will be looking for a guitar with a 47 mm nut width. Your table has been very enlightening. Thanks again.....Sal : )

[@stanh24]

Good luck finding a 47 mm nut on a steel string guitar. Even 45 mm are hard to find. My rental Seagull M6 Original is one.

[@patrickhandy1]

Thank you!!!

[@arvincasupanan]

Thank you 😙

[@ahmeds.mansour1293]

This is so easily explained and straightforwardly comprehended.

[@jaffarbaqi]

Except for the fact that nut width is actually the length of the nut itself, not the distance between e an e.

[@starterback]

These video's are just what I needed. I have been taking guitar lessons for about four months and still have trouble getting chords to sound clear. I have a good teacher, I have no doubt he knows what he is doing.. In my experience teachers spend time on teaching you notes on first, second and third strings in the beginning, but spend little time on technique. Why your chords are not sounding clear. Teach you finger exercises to do at home. He moves on to something new when I'm still struggling with the song from last week. Is this common practice. I think if you don't learn the right way you are developing bad habits that will hinder you to improve at a steady rate. Thank you

[@sergior4498]

Thank you for this video. I am a beginner and am struggling with this issue. Ditto

[@sanox8qx]

YO DITTO YOU WANNA COME OUT HERE

[@sanox8qx]

YO DITTO HOW YOU FOUNG NOW WITH GUITAR??!

[@jab7168]

I like this guy.....good video

[@UmarAshfaq1]

really good knowledge thats what i needed