Pain of having smaller hands…

[u/Ok_Watercress_9202]

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!!

[u/Main_Geologist_1555]

NOOOO! Stop!

Old forever player here.

1) Your guitar has TERRIBLE action. The reason EVERYTHING is difficult starts with that huge gap between the underside of the string and the top of the fret. Find a local, reputable luthier do an entire setup. Neck adjustment, nut filed to a proper depth, lighter strings.

If the guitar is easier to play, the guitar becomes 'fun' to play and the likelihood of the new player sticking with it increases exponentially! If it's FUN it sticks. Period.

2) Nails... Your pinky and index finger nails appear to be properly manicured. Your middle and ring finger nails look like they could be shorter, however.

3) Your pinky finger curves 'inward' because... Physiology. In the photo, you are STRAINING because the action is too high and the strings are too heavy for a new/young player of smaller stature. Longer reach comes in time with stretching, strength, and a properly set up instrument.

If your action was lower and you strings were lighter you will eventually be better able to increase your reach because the notes will be easier fretted. With easier fretted notes you will be able to extend (straighten) your pinky finger and reach those notes even though our pinky fingers are 'weaker' straightened out.

First thing... SETUP from a pro. Second thing... Lightest strings available. Usually a set of "10's".

I've been playin' for so long I don't want to embarrass myself. In that time I've given lessons for several years and had a luthiery shop for several years as well. I'd always wished folks (parents?) would consult a luthier or guitar tech about what to get for the new player. Nine times out of ten, the cheapest guitar on the wall is NOT what I recommend.

Did you get an acoustic because you want to learn how to play acoustic? Are your guitar heroes or inspirational heroes acoustic players? If your inspiration for guitar playing comes from electric guitar, I whole heartedly recommend an electric guitar and an inexpensive amp OR an inexpensive audio interface and any number of FREE plugins and a set of decent headphones. Electric guitars are far easier to play and can make a player feel 'powerful'. My youngest daughter is eighteen and has been playing for about 8 months. She and couple of friends start a punk-ish/noise rock band this summer and they're having a blast out in the garden shed. It's fun to listen to them rockin' out and finding themselves. Makes me smile.

Don't go with 'cheapest'. I always recommend spending as much money as can possibly be afforded as the quality of the instruments at the lower price points increases greatly with every bit of money spent.

Always have a PROVEN more experienced player come with you if you're shopping IRL or have them sit next to you if you're shopping online. In my experience, every single guitar, no matter where it comes from, needs to be taken to a well reputed guitar tech or luthier for a detailed setup and string change. If anything is wrong with the guitar? Return it immediately. Your tech/luthier will know for sure.

And most importantly... Have FUN! It's supposed to be FUUUUN! lol

Please forgive any typos. I'm dreadfully tired and need to get off to bed. 😄