Trouble Fingering with Left Hand

I'm having trouble with Fundamentals 1 Chapter 4 because some of the fingering is hard (my hands aren't that big). In the video, the instructor wasn't moving his hands much, so each finger was always ready for its next job. I had to move my hands a lot more, so some of the fingering was hard, even looking, and very hard not looking.
Also, when I decided to see what was in Chapter 5, the F was really hard. I had most of the strings sounding good, but I just couldn't get the high E.
If anyone is wondering, I'm playing an acoustic guitar (the kind with the softer, gentler strings.)
I found Lisa McCormick's spider legs warm-up, and I'm probably going to try doing that some more. Is there anything else that could help me?

Originally Posted by: TaylorSwiftYAYI'm having trouble with Fundamentals 1 Chapter 4 because some of the fingering is hard (my hands aren't that big).[/QUOTE]
All I can say is it gets easier with time. I had a hard time believing that when I first started, I haven't been playing very long but it's already much easier. Just hang in there and let it happen.

Originally Posted by: TaylorSwiftYAYwhen I decided to see what was in Chapter 5, the F was really hard. I had most of the strings sounding good, but I just couldn't get the high E

I know what you mean, and the B major is a hard one as well. But like I said it will come. I'm playing them both with little trouble now.

[QUOTE=TaylorSwiftYAY]I found Lisa McCormick's spider legs warm-up, and I'm probably going to try doing that some more. Is there anything else that could help me?

Your state of mind will help you the most. Keep practicing and don't let things frustrate you. The feeling you get when something comes together and you can suddenly do what you couldn't before is well worth the trouble.

Have a safe and fun New Year.

Originally Posted by: TaylorSwiftYAYI'm having trouble with Fundamentals 1 Chapter 4 because some of the fingering is hard (my hands aren't that big). In the video, the instructor wasn't moving his hands much, so each finger was always ready for its next job. I had to move my hands a lot more, so some of the fingering was hard, even looking, and very hard not looking.[/QUOTE]

The instructor certainly has decades more experience than you :) Practice will make it all happen for you.

[QUOTE=TaylorSwiftYAY]
Also, when I decided to see what was in Chapter 5, the F was really hard. I had most of the strings sounding good, but I just couldn't get the high E.

Try doing a forum search for "F Chord" and check out the bazillions of people who also find it the hardest chord to master at first. It was for me!

Hang in there and keep practicing. Good luck!

Hi Taylor-

Spider Legs Warm-Ups was designed to help with exactly what you are talking about. Keep at it - start slow, and gradually work your way up. You are on the right track.

Keep us posted - Lisa

As new player myself (started during summer of '09) I am using this site along with 1/2hr in person lessons once a week.

At first, I was like "I will never be able to change chords smoothly or play an F Chord" Well, it's sort of like magic but if you keep practicing these things come around believe it or not. I am 42 and have 3 kids so my practice time is limited, but any amount per week is beneficial.

I was amazed at my guitar teacher who can play pretty much anything and without even looking at his fingers! At this point I can play the basic chords (G,C, D, Am,etc) fairly smoothly and starting to understand how it starts to becomes second nature.


I am still very much a newbie but starting to understand more and more how to get around and it is becoming more fun. Good luck!

Crikey - I know the feeling! I've been learning less than 3 months, F and B are THE worst!! But just now I got the F without having to try too hard! I don't know how - it just happened! Yay!! I also have small children so I fit practice in when I can. Thats what makes GT so great - its always there, day or night! We may just be singing Auld Lang Syne tonight with me playing - thats a first in this house!! Happy New Year! :) :) :)