Originally Posted by: DucchesHi everybody![/quote]
Hey & welcome to GT!

Originally Posted by: DucchesWhat's getting to me at now is that I know where I'm supposed to put my fingers on the fretboard to play the notes, but I can't seem to get them to ring clearly.

It sounds to me like an issue of soft fingertips.

This is typical of any guitar beginner. You simply have to keep practicing until you've built up a bit of toughness (calluses, i.e. an extra layer of dead skin!) on your fingertips.

When you play a fretted note, place the very tip of your finger right behind the appropriate fret (as the music notation indicates). It is important to use the tip of your finger. Beginners find their fingers can be tender & occassionally are tempted to use the pads of their fingers. With time (and dedicated practice!) your fingertips will harden with calluses. It takes time, be patient. It is worth it.

From the last knuckle of your finger to the fingertip, arch your finger so it is pointing straight down into the string & fretboard. This will give you the most leverage & power. In addition, your fingertip should be right behind the fret you are playing. Don't place your fingertip on top of the fret! You will get a muted sound right on top of the fret. Also, don't place your finger too far behind the fret. In that case you won't get enough leverage & you will be making it too hard on yourself. Right behind the fret is the best location.

Your thumb should be placed directly opposite your fingers on the back of the neck. Your thumb should provide just enough pressure to keep your hand firmly in place on the neck and opposing pressure to help your fingers hold down any fretted notes.

Other things to consider are string height & string guage. It might be possible to lower the strings closer to the fretboard. This can make them easier to press down. This is called lowering the action. Also, a lighter, thinner guage of string can make it easier to play.

Any reputable music store should be able to handle this. But, don't just ask them to do it! Go to a local store, try several of the guitars. Ask them if they have a guitar with action & strings lower than yours. Then you can get an idea of what you might personally benefit from. If you decide to do it, take your guitar in & ask them what's best for you, ask them for their professional advice. If they adjust the action or change the strings try it out on the guitar before you leave. Don't just pay & walk out assuming it is better!

However, before any of this starts to get out of hand, you need to remember first and foremost to practice! The finger strength and dexterity necessary to play guitar is primarily built as you practice.
[QUOTE=Ducches]My nails are cut pretty short for work, so its not that.

Fair enough, but how short is "pretty short"? Nails on the fretting hand need to be short enough to completely avoid interferring with your finger getting the most leverage possible on the string. Otherwise, you might be fighting a losing battle.

I wish you & your daughter the very best of success learning the guitar. Let us know how it goes!