Originally Posted by: 1ne_2wo_3hree
If being able to play the guitar requires me to proceed beyond this stage I am just going to have to call it a day. As hard as I try I just cannot do it.
Rick
Lets see if we can talk you down from that ledge you're on! First off, are you playing an acoustic like Lisa is in the video, or an electric guitar? If you're on an acoustic, then that exercise is significantly more challenging. Here's on tip to start with:
-put guitar in lap ready to play.
-extend your arm in front of you like you are motioning someone to "stop!".
-spread your fingers as hard as you can.
-now, relax just a little, let some of the tension out of your still spread fingers.
-turn your palm towards you and place your fingers over the fretboard, starting at the first fret... any better in terms of reach? If so, then you know you CAN stretch to reach those notes, but your technique (when you add your thumb and adjust your wrist) is throwing things off. But at least you know its doable.
-Practice/try to do the exercise for a very limited amount of time... for now, with it seeming impossible, no more than 2 minutes. When you feel frustrated, stop. You're done with that exercise for the day. When you attempt the exercise, have ZERO expectations of success... don't worry about "failing"... just try it, if you can't do it today, it really doesn't matter.
Eventually, you'll probably find that you can do it, and later even add four fingers. But, its not a requirement to learning guitar. Its a good idea to stretch your fingers prior to playing, but if you can't, that doesn't mean you shouldn't play. Instead, just stretch your fingers in the air in front of your. Do some gentle rotations with your wrist. Play some chords slowly, experimenting with how little pressure on your finger tips you can get away with before note start to buzz.
Lastly, when you feel "stumped" try to take some time just being creative with the instrument. Just experiment and have fun, without worrying about playing a specific piece of music. Stick to solid technique that you already have down, even if its just very simple strumming or picking a few notes slowly. I incorporate some "creative time" into every practice session. It really helps remind you that this is supposed to be fun!
Stick with it Rick, and you'll get there.
