Frets and fingers!!!!

I cannot fit all three fingers in a fret for A, what do ya do? Is my fingers just too dang bing?

Try using 2 or even 1 finger to make the chord. I learned it two-finger. This also leaves you an extra finger to embellish.

make sure you bend your fingers into a 'C' letter shape while playing the A chord, any chord really. Maybe you aren't bending your fingers enough?

Hey & welcome!

Originally Posted by: hillbillync2I cannot fit all three fingers in a fret for A, what do ya do? Is my fingers just too dang bing?

What kind of guitar do you have right now?

There are guitars with larger scale size (increased fret width) and also wide string spacing (increased distance between each string to accomodate large fingers).

Acoustic guitars are sometimes a little bigger, Fender electrics are a bit larger scale than Gibsons. You might have to go to a custom neck in order to get the best fit for you.

But first, go to a local music store (or a few!) and play different guitars. Tell the sales staff what you are after and try a bunch of guitars. See if you can find one that is a better fit for your hand & finger size.

I've seen many people with large fingers learn to play well without larger scale guitars. It just takes time, practice and slight adjustments from normal technique. Like using a one finger barre to handle the A, or just using 2 fingers. But I know some guys that simply had to have bigger guitars in order to get the job done.

Let us know how it goes for you!

I too am having this difficulty. I am learning on an acoustic. I have enormous fingers and physically cannot fit them into the space. I know there is a way to overcome this ... some of the greats had big fingers. I have tried to use two fingers, but can't consistently get all the strings to ring properly. I have some success just barring across with my index finger, but cannot get consistently good sound. I think if I were playing an electric, I might not have as much difficulty because it wouldn't take as much strength in my fingers to barr??? Any other suggestions???

Hi
Just a thought, if I use fingers index middle and ring fingers on A chord I also have trouble fitting in fret so..
I use Index on D (4th string) ring on G (3rd string )and pinky (little finger for us Brits) on B (2nd string).
Maybe not the correct fingering for this chord but it works for me.
Hope this is of use.
Mike

I have the same problem. Been playing 4 string bass for about 6 years. I really want to learn the guitar, so I bought a starter (left handed) and the widest width nut I could find was 42mm. Just stay motivated. It isn't easy, but I finally made it work.

Try this, it works for me. Use your middle finder for the 4th string, ring finger for the 2nd string and your index finger tucks in between them on the 3rd string.

I hope that helps!

Earle Wood
EWGuitar

Right or wrong I have always just used two fingers, Pointer finger covers the D string and the tip of my middle finger the G and B stings to make the open A chord.

Takes some practis but come as easy as any other cord if you start that way.

HillBillyny2 , there is really no reason to use 3 fingers on the A ,, your ring finger should cover all 3 strings , as they would on the bar chords and use your middle and index finger as well ,,,,, example , try this , do a simple Bo Diddly beat , E chord to an A chord ( A Chord i finger , your ring finger ) then A Chord ( index and middle finger ) to a D chord ,,,, pratice that and you will soon forget the 3 finger A chord