66 yrs old just beginning

I just tried the spider Exercise..I can't get my fingers to spread to the frets..the high E B and G aren't as bad as the D A and low E are there any stretching exercises I can do or is just practice practice practice...thx for any help

Try higher up the fretboard.

Index finger on 5th, 7th, 10th or even 12th fret - whichever feels comfortable.

Work your way towards the lower frets over a period of a few weeks.

TBH, I think this lesson needs redoing, but starting on a higher fret.

I'll give it a try..thx for the help

Any time. The world can always use more guitarists (especially ones who work toward improving)

First off, as an older player myself (just turned 65), let me say WELCOME ABOARD!! If you've never played before you are tuning in (no pun intended) to a world of fun. There's a lot of work ahead too, but have fun with it or you will wind up quitting after a while. (Personal experience.)

It may take a while to get your fingers used to the spread. I know I laid off for several years and had to go back through getting that finger spread. I would at times just spend a couple of minutes spreading my fingers across the tabletop or even with other fingers pushing them apart. Eventually you'll get comfortable with it.

As DraconusJLM said, try higher up the fretboard. As you gain distance, drop down the fretboard back toward the nut. You'll get there, I promise.

Anyway, welcome aboard and hope your journey is enjoyable and educational.