Originally Posted by: johnv31552Hope this helps all the beginners out there. I started to pick up the guitar about two months ago, and was able to build callouses on my finger tips within about a month of playing. I played short sessions of practice, like 15 minutes at a time, and then dipped the tips of my fingers in rubbing alcohol. It seemed to develop them very quickly, and worked well for me. One caution for beginners, do not start playing right after you have taken a shower or bath, or washed dishes as your fingers are delicate when you have had them in water. Wait at least a half hour before you start playing, so that the moisture has evaporated from your pores. Try the alcohol, it worked for me.