Newbie with Big Fingers

Are they are manufactures that make guitars with the strings spaced farther apart without getting into a custom made one? 42 year old newbie with big fingers wanting to learn how to play. Picked up a nearly unused Costco Fender Starcaster electric guitar 6 months ago at a yard sale but I am have is major issues because of near bratwurst sized fingers, lack of inexperience and knowledge. I signed up with guitar tricks hoping to learn and become better. Is this an OK beginners guitar or should I look for something else to accommodate my size?

Hi there, welcome.

The starcaster is quite a small guitar

I would suggest perhaps a classical guitar in full size they have huge necks or a telecaster.


I am a guitar teacher and I have many students come to me with this problem that can seem impossible at times to sort.

Also if your problem is hitting other strings when playing chords.

My tip: On the C chord your third finger will most likely be the culprit! it will be going at a slight angle and hitting the D string.

The solution: try pulling your thumb and wrist down slightly so that your hand is able to point the third finger down onto the A string at a better angle so it is not going over the D as well, do not over bend the wrist as it will damage your joints.


I find posture is the hardest thing to achieve and your tutor (if you have one)will need to guide you as words are subjective, however I hope I have been of some help.
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Hi UFFA,
I picked up the guitar myself several years back, similar in age, similar in hand size it sounds like..My hands "fingers' maybe not what you normally see on a guitar shredmonster --- I stick mostly to chords, rhythm, country music, old rock etc. With proper practice and finger placement I can hit the individual strings without dampning the surrounding strings on necks with nuts as narrow as 1-5/8" which I bet is close to your Starcaster...
Seagull Guitars has models with a nut wider than most typical 6 string guitar body shapes, not sure if you are into the acoustic?? The Original S6 Seagull has a nut width of 1.8" which is much more comfortable for my hand size and they are great guitars.

There are guitars with wider necks to solve your problem, also remember that with time and practice, this problem should dissapear.

Originally Posted by: UFFAAre they are manufactures that make guitars with the strings spaced farther apart without getting into a custom made one? 42 year old newbie with big fingers wanting to learn how to play. Picked up a nearly unused Costco Fender Starcaster electric guitar 6 months ago at a yard sale but I am have is major issues because of near bratwurst sized fingers, lack of inexperience and knowledge. I signed up with guitar tricks hoping to learn and become better. Is this an OK beginners guitar or should I look for something else to accommodate my size?[/QUOTE]
I think some folks might be confusing your guitar with the acoustic Starcaster to be suggesting Classicals and Seagulls and stuff. :)

I can't find specs for the Starcaster on the web, so I am not sure if it's the same as the average Strat. Or if the Starcaster has smaller dimensions than standard. If it is dimensionally smaller, then you would do well to get a full size guitar, however, I have a feeling they are basically standard dimensions.

That said, you won't solve your problems this way. We are discussing the nut width of the guitar, which on electrics is generally 1 & 5/8" to 1 & 11/16".

Honestly, a 1/16 inch wider (that's all) nut is not going to solve your problems. Technique and practice will, though!

I'll quote something I posted for someone else on the subject:

[QUOTE=Me]Use fewer fingers where possible, and work on technique where you can't. So for an A chord, I see a lot of people jamming 3 fingers in there to make the chord. I use 2 or 1 depending. That's one thing to look for so you have less flesh competing for space.

Otherwise, practice because it can be overcome. I was watching this local dude on the New years stuff and he had seriously sausage fingers. I mean he was a [u]big[/u] guy and a finger could easily fret 2 strings. And yet he pulled off. He was awesome, in fact.

So it can be done! :)

I was hoping that someone had ideas for help with the D Major chord. I just can't seem to get it. I am growing frustrated. Yes, I have big fingers too, but if everyone else CAN get it, then why can't I?

Try this one!
Use your middle finger to bar the three strings - D,B &G, instead of using your Index, Middle and Ring fingers to fret the A major chord! Same procedure when you do the barree chords in the Key of A major! It takes a lot of practice but you can do it!!!
Now, your problem is solved!!!
Happy guitar playing!!!
Lycaean

Thanks to all that replied I really appreciated your responses and views.

I will keep up with the practice to improve my technique while looking for a larger necked or wider nutted guitar.

Best Regards

Hi, DGRAJA,
Having problems fretting D Major with your "big fingers", then improvise and try either one of the suggestions below:
1. Bar the GBE strings on the 2nd fret using your middle finger, then use your ring finger to fret the B string on the 3rd fret.
2. If still that is not possible for you, then bar the GBE strings on the 2nd fret with your ring finger, and use your pinky to fret the B string on the 3rd fret.
I say No. 2 approach is little bit difficult because the pinky is the most difficult finger to train; however, it is doable. Just practice!!!
Good luck!
Lycaean