Definatly stretch thats what my guitar teacher had taught me when I was learning...(of course you never stop learning) :) Also, remember that like everyone said your hand and fingers are not used to it and of course your going to have some frustration when beginning. Don't worry you'll get used to it and before you know it you won't have that problem any more...Definately stretch though...and you can do it anywhere...lol just stretch your fingers out...I used to pull on mine to get them to stretch further...lol :)