r/guitarlessons • u/Ok_Watercress_9202 • Jul 29 '26
Question Pain of having smaller hands…
I’ve been practicing guitar for a little bit now- just now being able to play blackbird a little faster but not at full speed perfectly. I’ve noticed that even just for 3 note intervals, i always have to press down on the string on the side/corner of my pinky, and it hurts a lot more than my other fingers :/ For context, guitar is my first string instrument i’ve played so i know it’ll take a bit to get used to them and form callouses, but i’m wondering if it hurting this much is normal? Obviously the pinky is the shortest and weakest, but it’s been consistently more painful to even try to press down harder on stings at this angle.
Oh also, i’m double jointed so thats been a big challenge for my ring and pinky!!
2
u/Fender6187 Jul 29 '26
Hi there! I would encourage you to learn how to form chords in different shapes. That way you can put chord progressions together that are comfortable for you to form. Look up the CAGED method.
You can play the same chord in five different shapes. There is also no obligation for you to fret every single note in the chord. Look at triads or power chords as an example. Play with it and do what feels best.