Hey Stonefly.

Welcome to Guitar Tricks! Here is a set of warm ups that may help you with your questions and troubles. These are designed to help with proper hand position, and finger strength and stretch.

”SPIDER LEGS” WARM-UP EXERCISES
http://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=621

The Fender Acoustic is pretty standard and should be fine, unless you have some sort of special circumstance.

Keep us posted- have fun!

Best wishes, Lisa