Tips for Guitarists with Smaller Hands | Tom Strahle | Basic Guitar | Easy Guitar

[@iammorrison2925]

Ask someone who has small hands. They are the only ones who really know. If you imagine you've lost the top joint of each finger that's what I'm left with. My index is around 55 mm. Try Barring with that! I do but no room for error.

[@chuckHart70]

Ha I talked to a kid who was ripping some serious solos at the local GC. When I told him "Well my hands are small." he said "Eveyone says that... put his hand up... and it was smaller than mine!" So he is actually just a better player :-) through talent/practice than me!

[@TomStrahle]

Exactly.

[@maacrl]

I'm a female with tiny hands and for years i thought i could not play guitar. Thanks to video's like this one i found out that this is false. It's harder but no reason to give up guitar. I started with an 3/4 squire stratocaster, now i play a Gibson Sg and get better at it every day. I loved that mandolin and the tip about the bouncing finger is pure gold. Many thanks.

[@terryarnold7423]

maacrl reading this kept me going. Thank you!

[@suburbohemian]

I'm under 5 ft tall with the hands of an 8yo and I play 3/4's. They're perfect for me,and are much easier to travel with. I also have some McNally's Strumsticks too cus with the steel strings they have a diff flavor compared to ukes.

[@jeremymilan113]

a tip: watch series on kaldrostream. I've been using it for watching all kinds of movies these days.

[@chaimclark1519]

@Jeremy Milan Yup, I've been watching on kaldroStream for months myself :D

[@princefrancis3877]

@Jeremy Milan Definitely, have been watching on kaldroStream for years myself =)

[@suburbohemian]

Yeah, I'm 4' 10" and I got a 3/4 guitar (and a 3/4 cello, too) and whoa. Such ease.

[@ReginaHatter]

I’m 4’ 10” too and I have a guitalele (1/8 guitar) but I got a full-scale electric and... I’m determined to play her! She’s gorgeous and my dream guitar! I will defeat my tininess! Lol

[@phoenixevanidus]

I've only been practicing for a couple of weeks (I tried once before and gave up because I assumed my fingers were too short/hand was too small). More determined now than ever, I'm keeping my nails trimmed, taking pride in my pain and nascent callouses, taking it slowly, doing stretches before and after each practice, and am seeing and hearing huge improvements. But I'm posting because I just compared my spread for each hand, and yeah, my left hand *is* ...spreadier? it's maybe a quarter inch difference at the pinky - nothing like what was seen in this video - but it's encouraging. I'm excited! It's exciting.

[@HooksBill]

I've been playing guitar for 37 years now. I have small hands. About 7 inches from my wrist to the tip of my middle finger. I can play just about any size neck without an issue. Even some of those old baseball bat Gibson necks. My Martin has a decent amount of girth. It's a D-16GT. My go to guitar is a PRS CE24 with a pattern thin neck. It's not as small of a neck as some of the Ibanez and Schecter necks I've played, but it's pretty much perfect for me. I have short fingers, but I can play Every Breath You Take both of the ways demonstrated here. It's about having the right position. It takes getting use to like anything else. Develope a working technique. You can overcome the challenges of playing with small hands/short fingers and play as good as the next guy or better. Just don't give up. Don't use it as an excuse. In time you won't think about it anymore and don't be self-conscious about it. Focus on learning to play and try not to make a big deal of it. It's not.

[@lungflogger9]

Make your playing unique to your personal abilities and don't think of them as disabilities; if you have large hands make use of it with wide voicing (like Nels Cline for instance); if smaller hands make use of close voicing that are awkward to grab cleanly for those with large hands or thicker fingers. Also develop unique tunings and use capos to reduce the distance between frets as you go higher up the neck. I'm an active guitar soloist and I currently perform every week. I don't have large hands, just normal for my very short height at 5'8". I use Elixir 13-56 on my Martin but I had to work up to that size over time. I hate the sound of thin strings, personally. I play 5-finger classical right hand style mostly but can use pick or both, depending on what I want to do. For large span chords one can arpeggiate to get that two ocative effect. Here is a secret: it is mostly right hand that makes a nice guitar melody-chord performance, folks focus on the left hand way too much in my opinion. I can't grab chord voicings spanning greater than 4 or 5 frets. So I create my own voicings and melodic harmony. I was music major in college so I have the knowledge to substitute or creatively voice any chord and make my playing unique. I don't copy other players and their voicings, I harmonize tunes to fit my hands. Besides Django Reinhardt and others mentioned the famous Jerry Garcia has only half a finger on his right hand yet is highly respected for his finger-style playing. There is an answer for everyone. The main takeaway is don't copy, use your hands to create your own original personal melody, voicings and style.

[@TomStrahle]

Such a huge point (no pun intended) - one may not be able to play something the same way so invent a new way.

[@look4keith]

Every guitar player: Plays the one note / chord that I ask, and then jumps into half a song before finishing the answer.

[@TheLordstrider]

who else rushed to measure his hand's size? (my left hand is bigger, I am shocked)

[@alanfloyd3205]

Might be the calluses on your freting hand that makes the difference.

[@VimalaNowlis]

It's a compromise. 3/4 "lady guitar" is easier for smaller hands to reach the frets but, as the neck is narrower, it's harder to avoid touching the string next to it even for small hands.

[@lisascott2841]

I was thinking of getting a 3/4 guitar but then i came across the ibanez talman so i ordered it today. The Talman has a thin body and a thin neck so it should be perfect for me. Ive got cerebral palsy so my fingers are stiff and move slow. I could never stretch my arm down around big bodied guitars and the necks have always been too wide for my tiny hands. Im hoping when my talman arrives that its body size wont be too big for me. But then again if young kids can play a ibanez talman than surely i can haha. Thanks for such a great tutorial.

[@T5Zplayer]

Hi Lisa, try open tunings G or E, you can also add simple slide riffs to this. I do keep one of my guitars in G, (Rolling Stones, Bad Company, Faces, Chris Rea, simple blues picking) great riffs and melodies often played with just one or two fingers over three fret, no more.

[@marileeplus3]

I just watched your seven tips for older players. This is the second video with more helpful tips. I posted a question on how to stretch out my fingers not even thinking about my hands being small. (I thought about getting a children's guitar). Thanks again for the helpful video! 🎶🎸🇺🇸⚓

[@dixiehurley3599]

Question where where where do I find any materials to even learn how to play dobro from very very beginning . I can’t find anything !

[@maphi1947]

My hands are smaller than Trumps. I bought a used 1971 Martin D35 in 1972. It sounded great but had trouble reaching the frets. In 1973, I took it to Randy Wood's Old Time Pickin' Parlor in Nashville and had them shave down the back of the neck to make it easier for me to reach the fingerboard. They recommended that they also sand the back of the neck to make it less slippery. The combination of those two modifications has made my playing easier and more comfortable. That old guitar sounds better and better with every passing year.

[@nvraloneme]

I playa tenor guitar - 4strings, narrower neck for my short fingers

[@wrd2thebigbird]

I’ve been playing for sixteen years now, and I’m a decent player. However, I’ve often felt that my hands are too small to do certain things. I really enjoyed your video and appreciate how you are encouraging those who suffer from certain shortcomings to stick with music. There are so many benefits to playing an instrument, and I think it is such an easy thing to give up on. So, thank you for helping those with limitations find their voice!

[@michaelgeary4978]

I'm a beginner with small hands and short, stubby fingers. I sincerely appreciate the tips. Thank you!

[@TomStrahle]

You are so welcome Michael.

[@tiptonbrett]

There's a few smaller instruments that people may gravitate towards. There's a requinto and a guitarlele. The guitarlele can be found with scale lengths as short as 17 inches and can be tuned E-e with the right strings, although A-a is more common. There's also the Ubass, which is a fun short scale bass.

[@geneschulp5072]

Good video. You did forget to mention the 3/4 scale guitars. And differences in electric or acoustic necks.

[@leanavine]

I just bought a Taylor GS-mini and it is FANTASTIC for my tiny hands! so easy to play!!!! Thanks for the great tips and lessons...

[@TomStrahle]

That's a perfect beginner guitar.

[@alanfloyd3205]

The taylor has a GS mini that is a nice sounding guitar and the frets are closer together than on a standard. Also if you can find a 24 and some change inch neck that might help as well. I have small hands and i have adapted to playing a full 25.5 inch neck. It can be done. Dont give up.

[@danluther1741]

Smaller hands & you start of with WHAT?? 😂 great vid & I subbed!

[@TomStrahle]

Haha!

[@stevengaber7977]

In addition to having short, stubby fingers, I have arthritis in my hands and trigger finger on my left index. I was initially discouraged, but persevered and am getting better. Also, playing the guitar has actually helped with my arthritis.

[@TomStrahle]

I’m so glad to hear this. I really want to do an interview with a rheumatologist about arthritis and playing guitar.

[@stevengaber7977]

@@TomStrahle That would be interesting. I've had cortisone injections in booth hands three times. It helped for a couple of months. But holy shit, those were painful! They said they couldn't do it anymore. But that was a few year ago. Maybe they could do some gain now. My hands really hurt for a few days from the injections, then I got some relief from the arthritis. My fingers, thumbs and wrists still hurt. Sometimes it wakes me up at night. I probably lost half the strength in my hands. But I'm still playing. And, as I said, I think it may be helping my hands a bit, lossening them and helping regain some manual dexterity.

[@MyKombucha]

My left hand plays an octave on the piano comfortably. My instructor never said my hands were too small. So gonna to stick it out and not indulge in the temptation of buying a smaller guitar.

[@ianrichardson3968]

Yup...That's me...There's some chords i could practice for 10 years and still not make em..So i don't waste my time on it..I find a different voicing or a different chord that sounds as near as it needs to be. There's a whole lot of open tunings to try and some of them make life easier.. Then there's a certain Seasick chap who does pretty well with three strings...Ya don't need 6...And there's the 3 or 4 string cigar box guitar option as well..Love mine...

[@ianrichardson3968]

Course if you're really strugglin...learn slide guitar..

[@kenenjee]

Thank you for your sincere and warm efforts. It's truly a blessing to me to be given different views on enjoying music with music equipments options available. Keep up with your lovely messages.

[@playguitarguy]

I have medium hands, but used to complain about having a shorter, weaker pinky on my fretting hand. Then, in the 90s, I broke that pinky playing basketball. As a result, it is slightly bent permanently. I stopped complaining and just played; compensating for the injury or staying away from impossible fingerings. Django became an inspiration. Go with what you've got!

[@kristal9255]

I got here by accident, but I ended up watching the whole video because of how nice this man is. I've watched videos of people "advising" what guitar to buy if you're a player with smaller hands before, but they were all dudes with medium to big hands who arrogantly declared that if you can't stretch then you're just not working hard enough. Well, these dudes forget that women play guitars too, and some of them typically have smaller hands. So it's not just about how hard you exercise sometimes. Thanks for the wholesome content! I loved to see all the different instruments and I loved to hear your extremely positive approach to this issue. Have a great day!

[@TomStrahle]

Thanks Kristal, I was trying to be encouraging on this subject. Glad you liked the video.

[@addisonsteiner6473]

I just discovered this guy. I like the way he teaches and learned some things from this video. Great stuff!

[@sortofanoakyafterbirth3661]

Thanks for saying your hands aren't small. I can't begin to tell you how much I HATE how some guys have ego issues and truly believe that they have small hands on these types of videos. I've come to the conclusion that mine are simply too small for a guitar. I have to turn my wrist way too much to play a c chord and even if I could stretch a bit more, it just isn't worth the effort. I'd love to spend an hour a day practicing an instrument and the guitar just isn't it. Thanks for the ukulele and mandolin ideas.

[@TomStrahle]

Bass is a lot of fun. Music is fun and it’s fun to be part of a band.

[@goofy4birds]

being petit boned and fused knuckles from osteoarthritis, I found that finding a guitar with smaller radius helped me. Some of the Fender's have a radius of 9.5 and really a game changer.

[@maximemichiels]

Hi tom could you maybe one day show a tutorial of beautiful fingerstyle songs / melodies? You are such a great teacher and would love to see that and learn new beautiful stuff if that is fine for you ofcourse

[@jamesrogers5277]

Julian Bream (whose hands were not big) once said that Django’s (a hero of his) facility was so good because he “had fewer fingers to get in the way”..!

[@easyreiner1]

Hi Tom, my problem are kurvy pinky´s. SOmetimes not easy to play.

[@maximemichiels]

That end... Woaw... Please please please...

[@paullehmor982]

If your guitar has standard scale length, say 25-25.5", and you consider getting one with shorter scale, then you can try this: Down tune all strings a half step and capo the first fret. String and fret spacing will be very close to a 23.5" scale, like the Taylor GS Mini. Moreover, shorter scales usually implies less overall string tension (if you stick to the same gauge). The sound may be a little thinner, but if you, like me, are a couch player, that's something you can live with. Also, in many open tunings, one or more strings are tuned down a whole step which means less string tension. And why not do like Tommy Emmanuel and switch to Martin Flexible Core strings (the wound strings have 10% thinner core wire)? Choosing a light gauge will give you a set that are both good sounding and easy to play. Last but not least, every player with stiff and sore fingers should try Taylor's GS Mini bass, it's as playable as warm butter.

[@melgeller8943]

i am 79 and recently took up the guitar to keep my arthritic short fat fingers from stiffening up. i have seen some videos on how to use cheeter chords such as the impossible F chord. and it has helped my playing a lot. i prefer playing a classical guitar and love playing flamenco. i usually start off quickly then hit a wall, but i i am not discouraged. i like the wider neck with a thin U neck. cannot make barre chords due to my arthritis so i concentrate on what i can play. just having fun.

[@T5Zplayer]

Sorry Paul, this is bollocks, Les Pauls and Mustangs are not thinner sounding because of a shorter scale length. I think you are missing the point. If you have a Start, and want say a Strat sound, which comes from the pickups, less so the scale length, fit a conversion neck, Warmoth etc (better quality necks anyway) and is easier to play. As this video shows, it is finger stretch that is the problem, learning to find alternative chord shapes, learning how to bounce the little finger, id the key message.

[@fatmachinistfataman5360]

Good song, but that mot small hand

[@brianlyall]

Smaller hands title caught my attention. Started guitar 18 months ago at 67, just noticed while watching that my left hand already has slightly more spread than my right. We can adapt.

[@TomStrahle]

Weird huh?

[@lionforlambs9167]

@@TomStrahle nahh biology

[@CanesFan65]

Good tips. Always wanted to play a Guitar so I just bought (inexpensive) one yesterday to give it a shot. I quickly learned 2 things. I am just as musically uncoordinated as I always knew AND I seem to have a very difficult time because my hands are smaller. It's VERY frustrating. I want so much to play but I just don't think it's going to work out for me. I have considered many instruments but kept always wanting to go with the Guitar. After this video, I think I may need to go with another instrument. My other choices were Violin (fiddle), Sax, and Hammer Dulcimer. They each have their own drawbacks for me but I'm determined to play SOMETHING. As a child, I took lessons playing the accordion but it was too much for me as well which is why I never pursued music. It really takes a lot of coordination which I just don't have especially at my age now but I will keep plucking away and hopefully little by little something will eventually just kick in and it will become second nature to me. I'm pretty sure that initially people didnt have to learn music to play....they just PLAYED and figured it out as they played. Sure it might be faster to understand music first but I'm not trying to be a professional. I just want to play 1 song really well. That will give me all the motivation I need to keep playing. We'll see how this journey goes. I will give it one year and see where I am at this time next year. Either I will have made progress or I will realize that it's just not meant to be.

[@adeliaemailnelson136]

there are some excellent players that are children…so they play with small hands. it can be done. One thing I really hate is when someone says to reach the top string with your thumb on fretting hand. It is physically impossible for me to hold a chord and reach over with my thumb. That just means I have to adjust.

[@markcummings2344]

Very good info. I play P and W at my church on a Tuesday night small service a couple of times a month, and I have some trouble with alternate fingerings on some chords. My hands are average size, but I find it hard to do a 4 fret stretch that is needed on some shapes. As a side note, for P & W, the capo is your friend, since different singers may sing the same song in different keys. With the capo, learn to play it one way (easier shapes perhaps) and just move the capo to match the key. If there are multiple guitarists, the capo works as well to give you different sounds to the same chords by playing them in a different position/shape.

[@TomStrahle]

Yes the capo is our friend. I've done several videos on the subject too!

[@nealbulens6932]

That's the best riff of Andy Summers genius of streching technique..l have small hands but he encouraged me when l begun we reach thanks to this riff- exercice good for the fingers the ear

[@pierheadjump]

😎 Thanks Tom ⚓️ Yamaha FOLK size FS800 the best beginner guitar on the planet… mid size body… great sound… & beautiful 🎸 more importantly get the guitar setup by a pro.

[@fatmachinistfataman5360]

U still can play, but not every song. I smallhand person

[@HollyJane01]

hang on - make sure you let people know that that is a baritone ukulele which does indeed share the same strings as a guitar, though soprano and concert ukes have a completely different tuning. Otherwise they might go out and buy the wrong ukulele.

[@TomStrahle]

Yeah, I mentioned that the uke I was playing was tuned like the guitar's top four strings capoed at the 5th fret. But good point that a baritone would be in the same key as a guitar tuned in standard.

[@GRJ-uz7kf]

Django Reinhardt! Gimme a break. With all respect, ALL media pontificators on this topic (invariably with beautifully long, strong fingers) seem determined to deny that the issue exists. It's not merely our limited reach but also the lesser strength iof our smaller fingers attempting to make those barres and reaches. Yes, we can play, but it's a LOT more work.

[@GRJ-uz7kf]

Nylon strings are easy on small fingers, but classical-style fat-profile neck and wide, zero-radius fretboard are NOT suitable for small fingers.

[@steveburrow4709]

9:51 - Thank you for blessing us.

[@TomStrahle]

Only fair, you all bless me everyday.

[@wixerin]

tips for people with Smalls hands- by Big Hands man

[@richardbutler4528]

Yeah ain't it ironic? I wish I could find videos by people with small hands.

[@TomStrahle]

I'm sure they are out there, but it may not say it in the title.

[@GRJ-uz7kf]

Rather than a ukulele, I recommend the guitalele--6 strings, played exactly like a guitar, merely turned up to "A."

[@MyBackHurtsALittle]

Great job as always, Tom. Finally, someone with large hands who can actually empathize with us smaller-handed folks and give realistic advice. Agree on all points for sure. One thing you didn't mention is to get a really good setup with low action (both at the12th and at the nut). If I stretch for a note, it better be easy to fret! Lastly, while 3/4 guitars are great, small handed people can find 24.8 - 25" scale guitars which make a HUGE difference over 25.5". My Seagull Mini Jumbo is 24.8 and is a great compromise with my smaller hand plus I get big sound.

[@TomStrahle]

Very true. I totally forgot that.

[@toddsutton5672]

your just playing chords with a 2 fret spread between your fist and second fingers. absolutely impossible for me. been playing 9 years now. im an old starter 57 now. carpal tunnel in both hands some of that stuff just wont work, lol and i have short fat fingers. my middle finger is 3" long and .750 in diameter. lol

[@TomStrahle]

As I said there are many guitarists who have similarly small hands.

[@T5Zplayer]

Hi Todd, open tunings like G or E may be more accessible, I have a similar problem, no stretch. barely make 4 frets. So in standard I stick to basic chords for strumming and pick songs I can play in this range. (Same problem singing, have to pick songs I can actually sing to) Shuffle stuff like Andy Summers over 5 frets I have learnt to bounce the little finger as cant keep all fingers down, also, I didnt start until I was in my late 50's, but am getting better because I have learnt to compromise. I just now need to grow a pair and go busking :)

[@maggiechessher355]

Really helpful video thanks. Didn't catch the name of the instrument after the banjo, that you played flat on your lap?

[@Spudroe]

Dobro. I think that is how it is spelled.

[@dustyrose5825]

Thanks for this. I'm picking up the guitar again after many years of non-playing due to other concerns and carpal tunnel problems. Like the people who posted below, my hands were always tiny but now, at 76, they're even smaller and, yes, arthritic. My Ovation Celebrity is just too big and so I've decided to go for the Little Martin. I'm excited to play again and refuse to be intimidated by the five-year-olds on KZbin who play perfectly articulated guitar!

[@TomStrahle]

Perfect. Have a blast!

[@5688gamble]

Even the mandolin helps with guitar playing, I have one, and a violin, the chord shapes are different, but it helped me to figure out how chords are formed rather than learning them in rote and to recognize patterns, beginning with violin and mandolin especially helped with scales and playing melodies and in developing an understanding of theory and training my ears more for violin, everything from playing to just tuning an instrument became easier. Many of the chord shapes are mirrored (if you aren't using the B string or the e string) because going up a fifth and down a fourth take you to the same note but once you get a feel for it you can actually play around with all sorts of crazy tunings and know how to play chords and scales more intuitively!

[@robharms1659]

The best tip for players with smaller hands is to realize their hands are almost definitely not as small as they think they are and virtually no one has hands too small to make the stretches to play %99 percent of any music they want to play or have ever heard. People think they their hands are too small because they have difficulty in the beginning making stretches other seem to make easy. Players who have played awhile and can't make the stretches are almost certainly using bad form in the way they are placing their hand on the neck of the guitar. When you are making any sort of stretch your thumb needs to be under your middle finger and closer to the bottom side (1st string/smallest string side) than the middle. If you place your fingers on the 6th (fattest) string on consecutive frets (3rd fret, 4th 5th 6th for example) and keep your thumb under your middle finger and towards the bottom (away from you) your fingers no matter your hand size will be sitting almost on an almost 3 5 7 fret stretch with no effort whatsoever. With a little practice in hand position you will find those stretches aren't so bad or so far and your hands probably aren't as small as you thought... and even if they are a little small the stretches become easy. There are 11 year old girls playing classical guitar. Trust me it isn't your hand size that is the problem. Practice! Good luck :)

[@AlexanderShelestov]

No one says we, the short-fingers, can't play in general. But it's much harder for us to reach the same level, and it takes much more time and effort. And yes, at the end we still have limits. It's probably ok if playing guitar is a huge part of your life or a profession. But I wanted to play guitar just as a hobby (one of a hundred) and just can't spend so much time every day to stretch my index finger 6,5 cm long to be able to play further and better.

[@NicoleGDesign91]

Thanks for the video! Very Helpful. I bought a Taylor GS mini as my second guitar and was finally able to play barre chords. Smaller scale was more comfortable for me. I have issues with arthritis and joint pain but love playing guitar.

[@paullehmor982]

I agree, the GS Mini is very comfortable to play and it sounds way more and better than it's size suggests.

[@LaZaritasjourney]

That is great information! W😀W, this helps a bunch! Thank you so much! I APPRECIATE it and APPRECIATE you! P,S., I saw your thumbnail about three weeks ago and clicked on your KZbin channel and enjoyed your teaching! Thbx!☺🎸

[@TomStrahle]

You are very welcome. Thanks for watching.

[@robzagar4275]

Jerry Garcia lost half a middle finger on his right hand too!

[@kenwoodXI3]

Some great advice. Got to love genuine contributors like this.

[@GuitarsAndSynths]

Well I have both small hands as well as fat short fingers! I play electric guitar.

[@mns8732]

I find push ups on my fingertips builds strength and elasticity for guitar playing. I'm 65.

[@andytate5670]

as a guy with smaller hands the best advice I got was try and force yourself to use your little finger, which is murder at first, I know guys with smaller hands than me who have been playing guitar for years who don't use their little finger and in fact marvel at how I use mine despite having small hands. learning Triplets is also very useful. I just remembered I have a really good friend, who has Rheumatoid Arthritis in both of his hands and he's an excellent finger picker but he really doesn't stretch his hands that far because of his disability, he uses mostly the basic chords with really clever fills and added notes and of course he uses different tunings and mixes in a capo. Some of the stuff he creates blows my mind when you consider his difficulties.

[@TomStrahle]

That is great advice.

[@jeannerushton9974]

Thank you so much for the encouragement!!!

[@scotthively2827]

Very interested in for lack of a better description stretch cheats or perhaps the proper approach/technique for chords where your index and pinky are at the edge of their range of motion. Surprised you didn't have a guitalele in your show and tell. I am thinking about one of those for travel.

[@phillipholt1073]

I had a"uke"when I was younger! I'm only worried about my six stringers! Once in a while I try to play the harmonica! 😎Phillip

[@jay23883]

I know I’m late but I need help my hand from top of my middle finger to wrist is around 7.2-7.3 inches and my hand span is 9 inches the only thing I’m worried about is that I want to play Spanish guitar and the nut width is usually bigger on Spanish guitars the one I want has a nut width of 2.05 inches, and from tip of my middle finger to knuckle is a bit over 4 inches. What do you recommend? Thank you in advance.

[@T5Zplayer]

Hi I have a similar problem, classical is a problem for me also because of the neck width and scale length. I bought a 7/8 Yamaha and is more manageable. Full bar is a bit easier, but half bar still a problem as I could keep 2 out of three strings down, I ended up doing a hybrid semi full bar, but with the reduced scale length I could get 3-4 frets, if I want to get 5 frets stretch I would probably need to get a smaller guitar, but quality goes out the window, I cannot find a well built 3/4 classical guitar. I have played a steel string parlour guitar with 24" length, that is something I am going to pursue. I have found a couple of Luthiers here in Malta where I am working, and a couple in the UK who can build to my spec, it is a cost, c£1000, but you get what you pay for. The USA has wall to wall Luthiers so no lack of choice, but suspect cost wise not much difference. Funnily enough, the exception to the rule, I have a Yamaha Silent Nylon guitar, and find the neck, which is 25, playable, and through earphones or amp, sound better than some of my other acoustics. Go figure.

[@danraan]

I use 3 rd 4 5finder for a cord. 1 finger half on cord

[@Edward-MTBKR]

Fender has some 24" scale guitars. I have a Fender Duo-Sonic HS, very comfortable for small hands.

[@TomStrahle]

Good call.

[@peterpiazza5935]

Jose Feliciano was only 5' 5" tall and blind to boot and played guitar very well.

[@TomStrahle]

Great point.

[@sarahplanted8338]

Thou shalt not fret. Got it! 😊

[@patworley9331]

Great video and great comments also. Thank you.

[@AlexanderShelestov]

Why I have never met any short and thick fingers guitar player on KZbin? Instead, just a lot of videos like this one from a guy with normal or even long fingers, giving some tips for short-fingers?

[@TomStrahle]

I got many requests to do this video. You are right, it would be best if someone out there with short fingers did it and I'm sure someone has. I just mainly wanted to encourage players.

[@AlexanderShelestov]

@@TomStrahle I see. I just wanted to see it once in real :) And I'm still searching.

[@michelle7185]

TYSM for this video. Very encouraging and informative and thanks so much for all the reference links that you provide. The puns were great too! :D

[@TomStrahle]

I'm so glad you liked it Michelle.

[@BuzzyWhitlowIndy]

Good information. Thank you for your encouragement

[@АндрейМартини-ч6о]

Small hands or small fingers!!!!! I need some tips

[@keithr99]

This was super useful. thanks!

[@mgre95]

I totally cracked up when you said "BASSically"

[@TomStrahle]

Haha, without even trying I tell Dad jokes.

[@camillakrebseilertsen7961]

7:50 howdy partner

[@TomStrahle]

Yee Haw!!!

[@uraipandenkaew3909]

Thanks so much, Tom.

[@mrs.hollerbredkennels-jana7891]

The intro song is beautiful!!!! And thank u so much for doing this video for us females especially with small hands. Not meaning that females can be the only ones with small hands, but I've talked to alot of them that has the same problem. I just cant (after over a year) get my technique right. It has really made me not wanna even pick it up anymore. I am having alotta thumb & wrist pain developing becuz I wasn't taught proper hand positioning/posture while holding the guitar in the beginning. I just wasn't taught proper fundamentals. And didn't really realize that there was an issue until I started developing the intense pain as I started doing more difficult chords & things. Plus, I have tension which is never good. But again thank u!!!

[@TomStrahle]

Ukulele or bass could be good call. Both are a lot of fun and neither are as hard on the hands.

[@mrs.hollerbredkennels-jana7891]

@@TomStrahle Thank u for replying back with a really good suggestion. After watching the video I remembered that my daughter has a ukelele that she MIGHT let me borrow to see how I can do on it. I am in love with bass as well. I told everyone that the next instrument I get will prob be a bass. So thank u. I appreciate all u do. U r super talented.

[@skintslots]

The intro song is by The Police as Tom referenced Andy Summers,one of their guitarists.

[@gwthomas52]

Well done, Thank you.

[@BaronMichaelDeBlone1066]

A very useful and considerate video to make, might help a few disabled folk who would otherwise have felt discouraged. I have seen a clip of Django and could not believe my eyes or ears! My restriction is that I have shorter but now somewhat fatter than average fingers although as with my above comment feeling more encouraged by the naming of the famous musicians you highlighted. I first tried learning bass on a 3/4 but could not get used to the feel, it just felt so wrong. Then I learned most of my open chords on a Hohner Marlin which has a fairly narrow neck making the troublesome F slightly easier to at least attempt although my changes were very undeveloped at the point when I quit for years. When I picked up again a decade later on the same instrument, my fingers (which had swelled in the intervening years) including nails on my left hand used to catch the open playing strings and it nearly drove me mad although occasionally unintentionally achieved a jangle slightly reminiscent of the Byrds etc. I actually felt more comfortable playing a classical of an old girlfriend's which she then gave me after saying it sounded so nice. Sadly this had been left out unplayed for years when I acquired it and the tuning pegs had become brittle. The relatively brief time I spent on it proved invaluable though so I kept it in spite of only three pegs being still functional - now making it a 3-string whatever. Next I went for a Takimine acoustic-electric after trying one in my local guitar shop and liking the ring it produced (mainly for acoustic purposes with a view to later development on the other side which as yet has not happened). Playing on wider necks for a while then made it easier for me to play a Tokai Love Rock (Gold Top) which I have stuck with as my chosen no1 electric guitar. Not surprisingly, I still have difficulties with my index finger when it comes to barre chords although my chord fingerings in general have improved with age such that the catching the vibrating open strings has all but been eliminated thanks to the slightly wider neck than the Marlin. Almost giving up on barres, I found that instead of barring with my index finger, I learned to jump back and forth between the highest and lowest strings (when omitting the bottom E and playing on 5 strings). This was a reasonable compromise for strummed chords (which I will keep working on intermittently for all 6 strings) but an actual improvement for arpeggios given the better feel and versatility I get with the pads of my fingertips. I hope this info is of some use to anybody with short fingers.

[@TomStrahle]

Thanks for sharing this. I think it will be quite helpful to others.

[@BaronMichaelDeBlone1066]

@@TomStrahle You're welcome.

[@3dougj]

Good video, thank you for the good information.

[@TomStrahle]

You are welcome Doug.

[@horaciogomez4368]

Just found your channel at 4:30 am (could not sleep). Now I am all wired up! Thank you for this video as that is my problem, your small hands tips just gave me what I needed.

[@wilhelmina99]

Encouragement is great, and you're great at it.

[@TomStrahle]

Thanks Bill. Join me live Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 9am Pacific time. I’m doing livestream lessons.

[@James-hh1lq]

Paul gilbert lol

[@PB200559]

Excellent Tom

[@manithor7572]

What did we learn from this video that people with small fingers shouldn't play the guitar😄

[@TomStrahle]

Yeah, some might get that from the video for sure. The thing is it's fun to play music no matter what instrument you play. Less fun if you are frustrated.

[@manithor7572]

@@TomStrahle 👍👍

[@bntaft5133]

Thank you, Tom.

[@TomStrahle]

You are very welcome Berry

[@richardbutler4528]

Thank you man, that was very inspiring. I'm gonna give it a go.

[@jontelundin8]

Hey Tom! Have you worked any more with Justin?

[@TomStrahle]

Not lately. A little with the team though.

[@jontelundin8]

Tom Strahle okay, what does ”a little with the team” mean?🤔

[@TomStrahle]

@@jontelundin8 With his producers and other co-writers.

[@fredlyr1]

Taylor has come out with the Academy series of guitars with slightly smaller body, neck length and width. They claim it's easier to play while sounding great. I'm looking forward to trying them soon.

[@TomStrahle]

I will check them out at NAMM.

[@slowswimmer9169]

It isn't only a matter of size but plasticity and dexterity (micro movement) as well. If you start at a young age your hands will adapt. I started guitar lessons in my forties, and my little finger is just 2 inches long. Now I have tendonitis and God knows what else, to deal with.

[@bobdeluxeandtheideals1356]

🔥🔥🔥

[@TomStrahle]

Thanks Bob!

[@philkelly9148]

II also have short fingers, my first finger is 65mm or less than 3 inches and my second finger comes in at just 3 inches. I am 56 and started playing at 12. solos are not a major issue other than long stretches and pulls off more than 3 frets (middle solo to Reelin in the Years Steely Dan for example). Where I had always had issues and still do is some chords that require all 4 fingers and a chord that might go frets. Take a D major 7 at the 2nd fret, trying to get my pinkie across to the 5th string on the 4th fret is hell and whilst I can get there it normally means one string not sounding fully.Barre chords are also hell, if I do play then I can only normally play the 6th to 3rd and 1st as the 2nd normally ends up be muted by my other fingers trying to stretch. As for trying to the do the Status Quo trick of playing a bar chord but using the pinkie to hit a note on and off a further 2 frets such Caroline is never going to happen.Also I cannot do the thumb on the 6th string that long fingered guys tend to do to give themselves a way of muting the 6th string if its not required or giving themselves an extra finger such as playing a D chord but holding down the F# on the 2nd fret 6th string. so when I play open mics the E string is constantly sounds even if its not meant to as I cannot mute. I even considered having a 5 string guitar!!Ii have therefore had to try and adapt. I have tried lots of these you tube videos and I am not knocking you long fingered guys trying to help but one the other comments is correct, you cannot understand if you have long fingers. My cousin taught me a lot and he could hold down a B shape where the 3 fingers together like an A shape , he could bend is 3rd finger outwards to play all three strings with the top bit of one finger.In the end I have had to accept that I will never be able to do things long fingered guys can and so I end up a lot of the time playing on the A to top E Strings unless its a G or C chord. IF its barre I just do the best I can but sometime I play then by just barring the 2nd and 1st string so the E 6th will be open.It frustrates and pis*es me off no end but then again I am also 5'3 and always wanted to be 6 foot so I guess you just have to accept things.I always wanted to play piano like Keith Emerson but with my fingers, seriously?However thank you for trying with your videosRead more Show less

[@TomStrahle]

I totally understand that it is difficult and even impossible to play a song created by someone with a completely different physiology. That’s what make it even more valuable to create your own music or interpret other’s music your way. When I get discouraged at my limitations in music or other arenas I alway remember Django Reinhardt who could do more to advance guitar with two fingers than I could do with four.

[@2760ade]

Assume you are talking about 'I Am Morrison' when you say one of the other comments is correct. He turns up on a lot of guitar videos addressing the matter of small fingers/hands. He has a few videos on his own channel with tips for small fingered guitarists. He is right about guitarists with 'normal' sized fingers not really understanding the physical limitations. I have very short and stubby fingers and it has always bothered me that I cannot play as well as I feel I could with longer fingers. I practice a lot but know I will always have limitations. Please keep on playing though if you enjoy it, as I do!😀( Keith Emerson is one of my heroes also, would love to play the keys with his dexterity.....not going to happen!!!)

[@MM-bg7in]

I have shorter fingers and a little chubby. I started with a 24.5” scale the first week and then switched to a different guitar with a 25.5” scale. It’s a little more of a stretch but I now have more room to squish my fingers behind the fret. Go figure.

[@HumberNorton]

I loved the fact that you suggested that maybe the guitar isn't the right instrument for us and perhaps try another as you demonstrated. I've looked at a hundred of these videos and you're the only one to suggest such blasphemy! Now I'm encouraged to get back to guitar until I decide if I want to try something else! "Tip-toe Through the Tulips" with Tiny Tim! Remember???

[@TomStrahle]

Haha. I don’t care if I play guitar. I just like playing music. Mandolin, bass, uke, oud, they’re all fun.

[@MMPPunch]

Yes, agree Tom, it's all about the joy of music. I ripped a tendon years ago in my left (Chording hand) while playing flag football, and quit playing for nearly 30 years. Basically, the tip of my left ring finger has limited mobility. However, I started playing again about 5 years ago, and loving it, loving the "music". On my 5 year of weekly lessons. I also arrange Jams at my house about 3 times a month, also attend an invitation only JAM once a month, an occasional Open Mics, etc. And, I enjoy your videos...

[@TomStrahle]

Oh my gosh a friend of mine did the same thing. He was reaching for a flag on someone’s belt and he caught their belt loop with his finger and tore his tendon’s. I’ve never played flag football sense.

[@MMPPunch]

@@TomStrahle that's similar to what happened. Mine got caught in the quarterback's back pocket while trying to pull his flag, and they were not supposed to be wearing pants with pockets.

[@grinningintheirface2685]

Natural men dont have this problem... buy a ukelele.