Don't Be So Sure You Can't Do It.

My Pinky Won't Reach: I've got students with long, skinny fingers who insist they can't get the pinky to stretch. How do you change that? Stretching exercises, hand position, and practice. I'm the first to admit that physical limitations exist, but you really need to give it a chance first. There are lots of good exercises that can help you overcome at least some of the limitations. Think of it as physical therapy for your guitar playing. The key with stretching and strengthening exercises is to approach it like any other exercise program. Don't over do it, be patient, and be consistent.

Barre Chords: Ah, the dreaded barre chords, the scourge of guitarists everywhere. The problem with barre chords is the flat part of your index finger isn't toughened up, so at first it's very difficult to get all of the strings to sound. The mistake a lot of people make is to try and hold down all six strings without actually making the chord. Remember that when you play the chord even though the finger covers all the strings it's only playing 3 or 4 of them. The fingers in front of it are doing the rest of the work.

I Can't Play the F Chord: Again, the problem is toughening up a different part of your finger. Flatten the index finger out so it covers the first and second string. Place your thumb flat in the middle of the guitar neck and use a clamping motion to hold the strings down. Move this up and down the fingerboard until you can get both strings to sound clearly. Pay close attention to the placement of the thumb and index finger.

Put It All Together: The trick or secret is simply to not accept the idea that your hands are too small, fingers are too fat, or whatever your excuse is. Spend some time each practice session with the idea that you can do it if you continue to work at it.