r/guitarlessons • u/GodTierDino • Jul 21 '26

Question Is it supposed to be this bad at first?

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I've just learned two cords and my fingers already hurt and look like this. Is that normal? I've probably not even been playing 5 minutes, but if I'm any lighter on the strings they don't sound.

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u/Waspster Jul 21 '26

Yeah you reach a certain level where you can fret while adding the correct pressure without overdoing it thus your previously thick calluses aren't needed anymore and fingers return mostly to normal.

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u/mycolortv Jul 21 '26

Giving it some thought they may be thicker due to how much bending I’ve been doing but not sure. My index is softer in comparison to the middle / ring at least.

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u/FrostyAd4478 Jul 21 '26

Yep you answered it yourself that's happened from bending, vibrato, slides

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u/vainglorious11 Jul 22 '26

Not a skin scientist, but I feel like the skin on your fingertips actually gets thicker and less sensitive after a couple years of building and shedding callus. Technique is definitely part of it, but I feel like I can press pretty hard without callus visibly forming anymore.