I have struggled a lot at first... I have super small hands... I mean 10year olds (I'm a teacher) most of the time have already longer fingers than me... I was partially using this as an excuse subconsciously when I was struggling with new moves, exercises and songs.

I still sometimes look at people with long fingers with jelousy.

The bottom line is. Keep on practising. I have overcame all exercises eventually I know I will hit my physical limitation many more times on my way again but I know I just have to keep going and eventually I will find a compromise or a solution to it. You can always change somethign slightly it you hit a hard wall and make it special/unique and yours on;y = which is great. 


As you have said some people miss fingers or even arms alltogether and they still found a way... You want to find excused you'll find them. You want to overcome your disadvantages? You will. Keep going, practice, try not to get frustrated (it's hard, I know) and you don't have to play everything like everyone else does.

You don't cry about someone doing backflips and other super hard things on their bikes you just enjoy your simple bike ride because you like it, right?

It is similar with guitar playing. And if you want to do some sick things on the guitar in future, you will. What is even better, it will be personally tailored only for your as you work round through your limitation you will find your own style and methods which again... IS AMAZING. As being unique and special is what makes everything in world so interesting.


So... just keep on practising, playing and having fun. Focus on the joy of doing it and the rest will come with time. All you have to do is just not stopping :)

If you have wrist/joint pain of any kind, do not be afraid to go lower with your string gauge. The sound doesn't change really but your comfort of playing is greatly improves. It changes the way you play (harder/lighter, etc.) as well. I remember being so furious about being forced to go lower string gauge from 10s but eventually I checked through 8s up to 11s and as I love 10s and I find them perfect (I have them on different guitars with lower tunings) 95% of time I play on my 9-42 with shorther guitar scale 629 mm.


Faster you find your own gear that works and is the most comfortable for you personally. Quicker you will enjoy the playing and learning new stuff.

I've read it many times... many many times... But only at the correct time I have finally understood it. What works for others does not have to work for your.

Make stuff yours and unique for you. You can try and copy everyone else (you may even reach their level, but you will always stay a copy). Build your own style, set of gear, etc. (even based on your idols, etc.) and you will be number 1 always, because it will be you and nobody else. Then the only race you will have will be with you alone to get better than you are and you won't have to compete with anyone else/

Sorry for all spelling mistakes... Unfortunately spell checkers doesn't work on guitartricks forum... WHICH SUCKS/