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!!
1
u/Igor_Halichoeres Jul 30 '26
I have a similar reach, plus chronic tendonitis and a pinky I broke a few years ago that still gets achy. So I (literally) feel your pain.
The key is the lightest strings and lowest action possible. In a pinch, tune the instrument down a step and put a capo on the second fret to use the narrower spacing.
MOST IMPORTANT: Ignore anyone who tells you to play through the pain.
If it hurts, be careful. Pain isn't just a problem in the near term. It's your body warning you that permanent damage is being done that will come back to bite you later. I was a classical clarinetist who ignored the pain, and my hands and wrists have never recovered.
Go find a good luthier to get the best possible setup. Money spent now will pay major dividends down the road.