Arthritis or stiff joints

I learned how to play guitar when I was in my 30's. I still have that guitar and picked it up again last year. Got a subscription to this site a year ago and started practicing daily. It's an acoustic guitar, still love the tone.

I got in to playing long enough and consistently enough to develop some callouses on my fingertips. And could play the chords.

My problem and frustration comes from knowing the chords but not able to make the transitions to other chords fast enough to keep in tempo.

I used to play fairly well in my 30's, but I've turned 60 this year. I even bought a Varigrip to strengthen my left hand fingers. Maybe I'm just remembering how much easier it was for me 30 years ago and gave up too soon this year.

One suggestion that a electric guitar friend gave me was to put electric strings on my guitar for a while, but he said the tone might not be the same. I've played musical instruments since I was a kid so I know bad tone. That would discourage me even further.

Any suggestions?

Originally Posted by: bbsid52
My problem and frustration comes from knowing the chords but not able to make the transitions to other chords fast enough to keep in tempo.

If your physical condition is bad enough, then you might consider consulting a physical therapist (or occupational therapist) & explain the situation to see how to improve your hands.

Since you are already here on GT you might try these basic stretches.

http://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=1525

And see if these dexterity exercises help.

http://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=1292
http://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=1450
http://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=621

Lisa's tutorial on switching chords might be below you knowledge level, but it might be a good thing to practice in order to get back up to speed.

http://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=484

You can put a set of lighter gauge acoustic strings on your guitar. Classical guitars with nylon strings are also often easier on the fingers. Or you could just switch to an electric because they typically are easier to manipulate across the fretboard.

Hope this helps! Let us know how it goes at your convenience. Best of success. :)