learning the chords with fat fingers

[FONT=Tahoma]I decided the other day to learn guitar...I'm on day 5. I'm doing ok teaching myself, but am having trouble learning chords. The problem is that I can't seem to arch my fingers enough to hold down the needed string and not stop the one above and below it from playing. I've heard I need to be patient and just practice, but are there any other suggestions how to get my fingers and wrist used to bending that awkwardly? Thanks.[/FONT] :confused:

It comes with practice mate, hours and hours and of it and it hurts like hell at first !!

I have been playing 20 years and Im due some serious wood-shedding, it's just the way it is done, no pain no gain etc etc !!

Console your self with the fact that if it was easy, everyone would be doing it and when you do finally achieve something that sounds good you can rightfully feel very proud of it.

[FONT=Tahoma]I appreciate everyone's replies so far...and that makes sense. I guess I was really frustrated that I couldn't just do it right away. I did try one thing last night, though, that bugged me: I measured the distance between string 1 and 3 on the 3rd fret and then measured my 3rd finger...my finger was bigger. Now, I'm hoping that doesn't mean that there are some people that just physically CAN'T play guitar, cuz that would be depressing. I'll definitely keep practicing, though. Thanks.[/FONT]

Pretty much anyone can play the guitar ie: my 8 year old brother can play chords with his small fingers so im sure you will be able to. Practice is the only word of advice.

When I first started I had the same problem. But I practiced everyday for like an hour and a half. Just as everyone said..practice. You need to get some good calisus to play chords without touching another string.GL.