Good finger stretching technique?


FenrirWulf68
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Joined: 05/09/14
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FenrirWulf68
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Joined: 05/09/14
Posts: 5
07/11/2015 9:44 pm
So, I have been playing a lot of Rocksmith when I am not doing lessons here. There are a few songs I've played that have some chords that have you stretching across 5 frets? Not sure how to get my pinky that far out to make the chord. Anyone have any good exercises to do to improve my reach? Thanks in advance!
# 1
lmoranti
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lmoranti
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07/11/2015 11:38 pm
So hopefully as I explain this, it will make sense:

1. 5th Fret finger 1 6th fret finger 2 7th finger 3 and 8th fret finger 4. Play finger 1,2 1,3 1,4, 1, 4s (stretch pinky to fret 9). Then do reverse 4,3, 4,2 4,1 4, 1s (stretch 1st finger to 4th fret). do this on all 6 strings then move down 1 fret and start over working your way all the way down

2. This one is a pain in the A$$! Start at 10th fret 1st string finger 1. 11th fret 2nd string 2nd finger. 12th fret 3rd string 3rd finger, 13th fret 4th string 4th finger. Strum all 4. Now take 1st finger move down 2 frets (1st finger only!) play all 4 strings. Now move 2nd finger down 1 fret. Play all 4. next 3rd finger down 1 play all 4 and then 4th finger down 1 play all 4. Move 1st finger back up 1 play all 4. Repeat all the way down the fret board. As you get lower on the fret board, the frets get wider and it is a difficult stretch but it is possible and is one hell of a stretching exercise.

Hope these help
# 2
john of MT
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john of MT
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Joined: 10/08/09
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07/12/2015 12:17 am
There are some good exercises on GT. But outside GT, this is my absolute favorite; http://www.justinguitar.com/en/TE-101-FingerStretchExercise.php .

Make sure you follow Justin's instructions closely, i.e., emphasize getting a good clean tone before increasing speed.
"It takes a lot of devotion and work, or maybe I should say play, because if you love it, that's what it amounts to. I haven't found any shortcuts, and I've been looking for a long time."
-- Chet Atkins
# 3
ChristopherSchlegel
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Joined: 08/09/05
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ChristopherSchlegel
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Joined: 08/09/05
Posts: 8,328
07/12/2015 2:07 pm
Originally Posted by: FitnessWolfThere are a few songs I've played that have some chords that have you stretching across 5 frets? Not sure how to get my pinky that far out to make the chord. Anyone have any good exercises to do to improve my reach?

Being able to get your pinky to do that much work requires that it has enough strength & dexterity. With that in mind, first make sure you are properly warmed up & stretched.

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

Next, this tutorial to build up your pinky strength & dexterity.

https://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=1292

Then, use these trill drills to work on finger independence & control.

https://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=1829

After working with these exercises for a while you will be in much better shape to play those parts! I use these exercises regularly to warm up & stay in shape.

Best of success!
Christopher Schlegel
Guitar Tricks Instructor

Christopher Schlegel Lesson Directory
# 4
FenrirWulf68
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Joined: 05/09/14
Posts: 5
FenrirWulf68
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Joined: 05/09/14
Posts: 5
07/12/2015 9:43 pm
Actually all of those made sense. thanks for the advice and links. Just did the 2nd 12 bar blues lesson with Anders and adding that 3rd note to the riff really was stretching my pinky pretty good. I started to cramp and had to take a break. LOL!
# 5

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