Stretching fingers

[West]

My hands are on the small side, but I never had a problem, even in the beginning, making basic chop chords, so they're not TOO small. #So why is it that the G string gives me problems? #I'm having a hard time stretching from the 2nd fret (A) and the 6th fret (C#). #

If a song goes from A to C# and back to A, I either have to take my index finger off the A to hit the C# with my ring finger and then jump back to hit the A again (which is that clunky flying fingers thing) or just use my pinky for the C#. #I don't have this issue on the other strings; it's only on the G when I'm going all the way across the fretboard. #I've experimented with different thumb placements and angles, but I just can't get it cleanly (usually my index finger gets dragged up too close to the Bb).

Yes, I have the finger busters book; maybe a few more weeks with that will help, but so far, it just looks physically impossible.

Any advice? Am I doomed to pinkying that sixth fret or picking up my index finger? #Which is worse?

[Tim2723]

You may have to do as so many of us here have done. The interdactyl webbing between the fourth and fifth fingers can be surgically altered to allow the greater stretch. The operation is performed as an out-patient procedure.




Just kidding. Keep practicing and the stretch will come.

Welcome to the Cafe!!

[lastchair]

You're kidding! Right? Problem solved with the violin scale length mandolin.

[AlanN]

Yes, the G string is the prob. Play an A scale up to D: A, B, C#, D (pinky). Look at your fingers, they should all be down on strings. Do it again.

[West]

Lastchair: Not kidding!

Tim2723: I never knew there was such an operation! I called my doctor this morning and he set me up with a specialist.

AlanN: Acutally, I can do that. I don't really have flying fingers; they stay down when I go up that scale. The problem is that if I try to go back down to the A from the D, my finger is too close to the fret and it muffles.

But I hear everybody saying to suck it up and keep practicing and the stretch will come, so that's what I'll do!

[JeffD]

You may have to do as so many of us here have done. #The interdactyl webbing between the fourth and fifth fingers can be surgically altered to allow the greater stretch. #The operation is performed as an out-patient procedure.
Oh my gosh!! You scared the potatoes out of me.

You would have spilled your coffee laughing if you could have seen my initial expression when I read that.


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[Tim2723]

Yes, of course I was just kidding around with our new friend.

Seriously though West, some folks are lucky and never have to struggle with it. But for the rest of us mere mortal types, it's a No Pain No Gain sort of thing. Keep working with your thumb position and the angle of your hand. Like everything worthwhile, it will come with practice and work. Once you've got it, you'll forget all the effort that went into it and just play your heart out for the rest of your life!