Originally Posted by: fretsmithExcellent advice from the user who sent you to the music store(s). Try some other guitars and see if something "fits" you.

The question of proper technique should be addressed first... if you're simply pressing & gripping way too hard with your fretting hand, then a different guitar isn't going to fix the problem. From what you've described Tracy, I don't think its the guitar that is the problem. Learning to play with a relaxed fretting hand will more than likely clear up the issues you're having, and improve your playing ability as well.