Scale difficulties
Hey there everyone! I have a smaller guitar (good enough for me) and I've been playing almost 2 months and have made lots of progress. However, I have smaller hands and am trying to play scales. I can't stretch out my pinky like I would like to. I know there are shorter scales, but I don't feel that would help too much to expand my guitar playing. How can I practice those wide to reach scales with my small hands to get better and better? Help!
# 1
Hi!
Everybody has this same problem when starting out. I remember feeling my hands were not big enough for the stretches that are called for in a scale, but eventually my hands were able to do it.
One thing you can do to make practicing these stretches a little easier right now is to move the entire scale pattern up the neck to where the frets are closer together. After some success there, you can move your hands down a few frets, and then a few more, and eventually you will be able to play the scale all over the neck.
Hope that helps!
Jon
Everybody has this same problem when starting out. I remember feeling my hands were not big enough for the stretches that are called for in a scale, but eventually my hands were able to do it.
One thing you can do to make practicing these stretches a little easier right now is to move the entire scale pattern up the neck to where the frets are closer together. After some success there, you can move your hands down a few frets, and then a few more, and eventually you will be able to play the scale all over the neck.
Hope that helps!
Jon
# 2
Look through the scale finder tool at the top of the site.. (red bar above "DVD STORE", first Icon on the left )
You can select any note (key) and then select one of 5 different patterns
for example "A" then pattern "4"
20 modes
A play button to here them at various speeds
You can set to display in step number or note
And even print out
You can select any note (key) and then select one of 5 different patterns
for example "A" then pattern "4"
20 modes
A play button to here them at various speeds
You can set to display in step number or note
And even print out
# 3
I'd really encourage you to find some stretching exercises, IMHO.
If you plan on practicing the guitar in the medium/long run, you want to be able to get past some of your limitations. There are a number of great guitarrists out there with smaller hands, and I believe they have learned to get past that.
It's just something we all struggle in the beginning, but it's actually not a matter of size, it's the stretch you're after..
So just practice some stretches and you'll see gradually that your fingers will reach farther and farther.
If you plan on practicing the guitar in the medium/long run, you want to be able to get past some of your limitations. There are a number of great guitarrists out there with smaller hands, and I believe they have learned to get past that.
It's just something we all struggle in the beginning, but it's actually not a matter of size, it's the stretch you're after..
So just practice some stretches and you'll see gradually that your fingers will reach farther and farther.
# 4
I second Jon's notion. I have seen people with small hands do amazing things, and people with large hands really struggle. The act of playing guitar isn't a natural thing, when you really think about it. It's an awkward position and you really don't use your hands in that way for many things. It's really awkward for everyone I feel, so take comfort in that. :D
The upside is, there are many ways to play all of your scales. While you can elect to do the wide stretching 3 note per string scales, there are many scale patterns that allow you to play with very close shapes. The use of the pinky is never easy, but I guarantee you once you get it worked up it's there to stay!
Start with the smaller scales first, as you you are playing the same notes. Then once you have those down, then try SLOWLY working into the larger scales. Don't bite off more then you can chew :eek:
Enjoy the journey, and best of luck!
The upside is, there are many ways to play all of your scales. While you can elect to do the wide stretching 3 note per string scales, there are many scale patterns that allow you to play with very close shapes. The use of the pinky is never easy, but I guarantee you once you get it worked up it's there to stay!
Start with the smaller scales first, as you you are playing the same notes. Then once you have those down, then try SLOWLY working into the larger scales. Don't bite off more then you can chew :eek:
Enjoy the journey, and best of luck!
Douglas Showalter
# 5