How do I get more space between middle- and ringfinger?

[da_beaver]

Hi!
My problem is that I cannot get much space between middle- and ringfinger. When I put my middlefinger in the 7th fret I can hardly reach the 9th fret with my ringfinger. How can I improve this?

I could not play something like this for example, where you need much range between middlefinger and ringfinger. :(

http://s11.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=28GZD7EJ5JFY40WVO1GNMEMIAW

[earthman buck]

Just keep at it, man. I would suggest stretching your fingers even when you're not playing guitar. You know, if you're at work or school or whatever and not doing anything that needs both hands. Just try to stretch it a little farther each time, soon you'll be doing it comfortably.

[da_beaver]

Is stretching safe when you're not "warmed up"? Can you not tear something?

[rockonn91]

only if your like pulling your fingers in opposite directions. but ive never heard of anyone pulling anything in their fingers... muscles arnt big enough, i guess.

[pure]

its all in the thumb. try this:

put your thumb at the top side of the neck of the guitar (so if you had just your thumb on the neck, it would hang on to the neck) and put your middle finger on the 12th fret. now try to get your ring finger on the 15th fret.

pretty hard, isnt it?

now, put the thumb on the lower back of the neck and put your middle finger on the 12th fret.

this time if you stretch, it can easily reach the 15th fret, and with a little effort, reach the 16th fret.

ok now try this:

put your thumb the lowest it can go, touching the bottom edge of the neck. now put your middle finger on the 12th fret, and you can reach the 16th fret easily.

the reason it gets easier is because the lower your thumb is, the lower your wrist is, and the easier it is to stretch.

try this now: sorta lift your guitar so the body touches your chin. now put your middle finger on the 12th fret and stretch your ring finger. amazing! you can reach the 17th fret! wow!

hope that helped.

[da_beaver]

:eek:

I don't think I can do this. I could maybe do this if I put my indexfinger in the 12th fret but not when I put my middlefinger in the 12th fret. I'd like to see a pic of this, do you have a pic?