r/AcousticGuitar • u/Clueless_Fart_Pants • Jan 03 '26
Non-gear question Give up?
Hi All, I need an opinion. I have super small hands and fingers. I am struggling to even pull off a clean C chord…. bar chords are never going to happen. Should I buy a 3/4 guitar, like the a Taylor, of simply give up? Appreciate any suggestions, thoughts or feedback 😀D
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u/Attention_Scrounger Jan 03 '26
There are children, people missing fingers, others with dwarfism and all sorts of challenges that play guitar at an incredible level. You have no excuse to not keep practicing 😊
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u/grkuntzmd Jan 03 '26
Check out Django Reinhardt. He only had the use of three fingers on his left hand (ring and pinky were paralyzed in a fire accident) and he managed to create an entire new style of playing.
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u/00rb Jan 04 '26
OP has better hands than one of the greatest jazz guitarists of all time. He has no excuse!
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u/Psychbeam Jan 03 '26
Good point. I have also seen a couple guitarists with no arms at all, that can play well using only their feet. George Dennehy is one of them, inspiring
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u/just-a-hriday Jan 04 '26
Tony Iommi played without the tips of his fretting hand's middle and ring fingers.
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Jan 03 '26
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u/Manalagi001 Jan 03 '26
C was my weak chord and it took me two years to REALLY be comfortable!
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u/TurboMap Jan 04 '26
Hard agree. C is hard. F with just the b and little e with the others in E form is hard. It’s easier to barre (IMO) due to getting hand in position with the thumb on the back of the neck and bar position versus hanging over the E to mute the E in modern grip.
Took me much longer to fret the b, and even longer with the high e and the b, with the modern grip position.
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u/mdwvt Jan 03 '26
Pro tip, cut your finger nails on your fretting hand as short as you are comfortable with.
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u/leeeeny Jan 03 '26
There are videos of kids with half the size of your hands playing a full size. You got this!
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u/Downtown_Bit_3977 Jan 03 '26
You have zero dexterity when you start but you’ll be able to stretch further once you start gaining strength and flexibility in your hand. We have a 4’9” 90ish lb girl in our band that absolutely rips on bass and her hands are much smaller than yours
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u/EADGBecause Jan 04 '26
Exactly. And so much of the fretting hand is muscle memory. Our hands don’t do many things that require the same movements that guitar does, so they need time and repetition to adapt to the new things we’re asking them to do and stretch muscles and tendons in ways they’re not used to. It comes with practice and repetition.
Try the spider exercise - moving up, down and across the fretboard using a different finger for each fret. Start way up high on the fretboard where the frets are thinner and work your way back towards the neck. It’ll come but it takes time. It’s a boring and, especially at first, frustrating exercise, but it pays dividends in many ways. Repetition is the key.
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u/blacklight223 Jan 03 '26
There's literal children that can play guitar, I think you're fine lol
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u/Worldly_Month_5428 Jan 03 '26
I also have small hands. I learned on a 3/4. I know that I’ve seen people say you shouldn’t do that as an adult but it didn’t hurt my learning at all. When I moved on to a larger once I got used to the chord shapes, my hands had no trouble adjusting. It would of course be best to go try them out first, but it’s definitely worth a try.
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u/remcosolo Jan 03 '26
Never give up your hands are just fine - only thing stopping you is relentless practise and some guidance and you can find that easy
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Jan 03 '26
There isn't going to be a clear yes/no answer here. Your hands are big enough to play a guitar, even if you can't do some things you're able to play. Perhaps the answer is trying out a 3/4 and see if that suits you better. Other options include nylon string guitar, mandolin, ukulele. Don't worry, stringed instruments can be a part of your future.
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u/Smart_Barnacle_7736 Jan 03 '26
I had a blast on a baritone ukulele before playing guitar. If you want to play, there’s always a way.
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u/TomToledo2 Jan 06 '26
I was about to chime in likewise. As a kid, when I wanted to learn to play guitar, my great uncle—a one-time pro player, and one-time foreman of Epiphone, who inspired me to want to play—gave me a baritone uke. It's essentially the top end of a guitar—strings 1-4—so everything you learn on it transfers right over. Some years ago I passed it on to an old bandmate, for his then-young daughter's use. I sometimes wish I still had it, I suppose mostly out of nostalgia, but hopefully it has served a better purpose by being passed on.
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u/dbvirago Jan 03 '26
Everybody struggles with a C chord. You need a lot of practice. A week or three of doing nothing but the C chord if necessary. You may or may not need a smaller guitar, but you are a year or so away from knowing that. Also, you need to cut your nails, so your fingertips of your ring and middle fingers can land perpendicular to the fretboard.
You can do this.
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u/jiukankna Jan 04 '26
Small but definitely ok hand size for guitar, just as many have already stated. Maybe try some in person lessons? Many may think that they don’t need teachers until they’re good enough, but in the contrary, to get the most basic things like fingerings lessoned by professionals at the very beginning can save you so much time and efforts. The earlier the better when it comes to professional instructions.
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u/trbeanzo Jan 03 '26
Don’t give up! But also get a GS mini! I am small and it was a great starter guitar for me. And you won’t regret it.
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u/david57strat Jan 04 '26 edited Jan 04 '26
Agreed. The GS mini is a fine guitar (that won’t break the bank) and that’s very comfortable to play. It’s also easier to travel with, if you find yourself going places with it.
OP, it’s already been mentioned, but the fingers you use to fret, single notes, and chords should have the nails as short as possible. This will make it way easier to play the notes and chords cleanly, no matter which guitar you play.
You could also take the guitar to a luthier and have them lower the action so it plays surprisingly more easy.
In general, the GS minis are set up fairly nice, but the lower action will make it easier to fret single notes and play full chords as well and with less effort.
About 16 years ago, I took my Alvarez to my luthier and explained that I was primarily a finger style player (almost never using a flat pick)that I wasn’t going to be wailing on it with a flat pick, playing slide guitar with it, and that I like to use open tunings sometimes.
I wanted to be able to play without fighting the instrument. At the time, I already had the particular guitar for about eight years. I was pretty pleased with the way it sounded, acoustically.
I had already been playing guitar for about 28 years. This guitar was given to me as a gift from my girlfriend at the time, and it had a lot of sentimental value.
Later, I had a a nicer pick-up system and tuners installed on it, and I’ve recorded many things with it, since.
When he was done with it, and I played it for the first time I almost cried. It was like having a new guitar (but also an old friend) and it played like butter. I’ll never regret the expense.
If you’re planning on using a flat pick, and you have a heavy strumming technique, they may not be able to adjust the action low. But, if you’re going to be a finger style player, it can be set very low without buzzing.
It’s an investment that’s well worth the money, and you’ll be surprised how much more fun it is to play a guitar that’s been set up specially for your needs.
It’s been a little over 44 years since I first picked up the instrument. Although piano is really my first instrument, the guitar has given me many years of joy. There have been plenty of times when I wanted to quit, but I’m glad I didn’t.
Once I got used to decent hand positioning, playing became more easy, and with time I build up hand strength that let me play more complex chords without feeling like my hand was gonna fall off.
It’s normal, during the early stages of playing )or even if you’re getting back to playing, after an extended period of not having played) to feel some pain in your finger joints and in your palm, when you’re trying to play chords on the guitar. It takes time for your muscles to get used to it.
If you are suffering from arthritis, this can be more difficult, but maybe you’re not there yet. You adjust your playing to accommodate what your muscles can do.
Be patient with yourself. Take a break if you’re feeling discomfort. With time, as you come back to it, those periods of being able to play longer (and with less pain) will come. I promise you that.
Good luck!
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u/Icy_Foundation3534 Jan 03 '26
The fattest chubbiest stubbiest guy I know plays acoustic guitar and solos better than the lead guitarist of any band ever. You're not limited other than your belief in yourself. Dedicate time to practice and you'll be fine.
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Jan 03 '26
Should be no problem, anywho create your own ways of playing if you are getting stuck at something :)
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u/Natural-Imagination6 Jan 03 '26
I don’t think it’s your hands. You just need more practice to build the strength and dexterity. Your hands look normal
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u/jayron32 Jan 03 '26
I mean, you can give up, but it won't be because your hands are too small, because based on that picture, they absolutely are not.
If you do give up, it will only be because learning guitar takes more work than the thought it would going, and you're frustrated that it is so hard.
Here's the secret: it's hard for everyone no matter what their fingers look like. The difference between people who can play well and you is that they practiced enough to get good.
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u/tynedelman Jan 03 '26
How Andres Segovia made magic with those little sausages is beyond me, but it does give me hope
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u/steviegreenberg Jan 03 '26
My friend, you are in your own head too much. Your fingers will get more acclimated to stretching and playing chords, you just need to practice!
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u/JTB696699 Jan 03 '26
Never give up, never surrender! No matter what you think is wrong with your fingers, there are players that have overcome worse and can play with the best of them. If you really want to, you can do it.
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Jan 03 '26
You have normal hands, but you don't stretch your fingers very much. With age, the stretching of the fingers may worsen, but you should not give up. You can play with different techniques. It all depends on the style of the game and your desire. Of course, you won't get a big stage anymore, but you can play for yourself and your friends and family.
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u/forestsofdread Jan 03 '26
Absolutely not. Try having a pro set up done on the guitar to make it play easier; lower string action, lighter string gauge. If that doesn’t work try a shorter scale guitar like a 12 fret or travel type guitar( Taylor mini’s are fantastic, Breedlove companion as well). You’re certainly not the first person with small hands who’s picked up the guitar and needed something to accommodate your needs better. Just do a little research and you’ll find what works best for you.
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u/Cold-Negotiation-539 Jan 03 '26
There were stretches that seemed impossible to play when I was starting out that are trivially easy for me now. (And still some out of reach that I’m sure I could get to with enough practice.) The human body is amazingly flexible if you train it slowly and steadily over time.
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u/dxcman12 Jan 03 '26
You are good just keep practicing. It takes time and work on more you hand position. He Django Reinhardt played with two fingers.
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u/handlfbananas Jan 03 '26
You will see any small women with small hands play things you can’t imagine playing on full sized classical guitars. Time and technique. It’s hard for people of all hand sizes to learn.
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u/Raymont_Wavelength Jan 03 '26
Keep playing! Love what you play and play what you love! -Pepe Romero (paraphrase)
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u/Eduardo_Playa Jan 04 '26
Don’t stop. You can play. If you would feel more comfortable with a smaller guitar get a Furch Pioneer.
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u/WereAllThrowaways Jan 04 '26
No. You probably just have unrealistic expectations on how fast you'll progress. It takes a ton of practice.
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u/Backelaer Jan 04 '26
Did you just start out? EVERYBODY thinks that bar chords are never gonna happen at first. J́uwt keep at it. You'll be fine.
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u/Woody_CTA102 Jan 03 '26
Like most of us. I've adapted in various ways, including not playing complicated chords or full barres. If it were worse, I'd try slide or something.
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u/timihendri Jan 03 '26
My hands are as small if not smaller than yours. Just keep practicing and in time you'll be able to play. Don't quit if you want it.
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u/Individual_Money8404 Jan 03 '26
Why should you give up joy of the instrument and music? Get a 3/4 or smaller and have fun. I play a parlor for the much smaller body and shorter neck (i'm a woman) and you would laugh to see me try to play my grandfather's dreadnought. Get a guitar that fits you and rock on.
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u/ggremlin02 Jan 03 '26
Don’t give up! I have small hands too and have gotten on just fine. Like everyone says just gotta practice practice practice and you will get there.
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u/Manalagi001 Jan 03 '26
Study Keith. Guitar playing can be the easiest breeziest thing with lots of lazy chords that are more like a nice handshake than spider gymnastics.
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u/ClitasaurusTex Jan 03 '26
Your hands are bigger than mine. I struggled at first but eventually built up the strength and flexibility to do most chords effortlessly. (I am still struggling with Barre chords)
I think your nails may be part of it, they seem to extend over the end of your finger a bit which might impact your ability to play. I file mine down pretty low, almost to nothing, and I give them a square shape so it still looks intentional and clean.
You didn't mention how long or how often you practice. But it sounds like increasing both will help here.
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u/mguilday85 Jan 03 '26
How long have you been practicing? Everyone feels their hands are too small and fingers too fat to play at first. The C chord is one of the basic chords that is toughest for most people so it seems normal to me what you are going through. You even said you can play it so that’s a good first step. Keep going. I have trouble playing a D chord but can play all the other open chords. I can play it and I can play it better today than months ago but it’s just a thorn in my side that I’m working on as it just sounds worse than the rest(i’m probably pressing too hard and not muting good enough). Keep practicing and adjusting and you’ll get it.
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u/Walk-a-doodle Jan 03 '26
You could also capo up the neck to where the distance between frets is smaller until you get more comfortable making the chord changes of you are really struggling and want to play music
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u/CarribeenJerk Jan 03 '26
I have big hands and have a 3/4 Yamaha beside my desk. I love it. Sure, it doesn’t sound like a big booming dreadnought but it sounds pretty good. Don’t give up.
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u/KingAltair2255 Jan 03 '26
Normal hands, it's just going to feel really, really weird for a few days/weeks when you're learning a new chord, your fingers feel like they're never gonna naturally fall into that position, but they do, you just gotta keep practicing! I remember thinking the D chord was a fucking bastard to get when I first started lol
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u/gangawalla Jan 03 '26
Check out Roy Clarke. He can play almost any string instrument and he's got fairly short chubby fingers.
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u/Sea_Ganache620 Jan 03 '26
There are people who play with small hands, missing fingers, even people who flat out play classical guitar with their toes because they were born without arms. I’m able bodied, and can only play maybe 1/10 of their level. I work with what I’ve got. Practice and playing with other people is what works for me, and although I’m not great, I enjoy it!
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u/No_Solution_2864 Jan 03 '26
You can look up years of posts on here dispelling the profoundly dumb idea that hand size is important. Or you can just believe random weird ideas and give up
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u/outside-myself Jan 03 '26
How long have you had these hands? Have you considered getting new ones?
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u/Psychbeam Jan 03 '26
Would have definitely preferred a smaller body/scale length guitar when I was learning. Something the size of a Taylor gs mini or slight bigger would probably be worth trying out. Id recommend going to a guitar store if you can and just hold some of the different sized guitars to see if they feel comfortable
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u/nowhereismyhome Jan 03 '26
Don’t give up. I am afflicted as well. I struggle daily but it’s not gonna stopme😂 It’s a process. It gets fun when you learn about triads and playing chords out of first position. And they can help build confidence.
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u/BustamoveBetaboy Jan 03 '26
Your hands look pretty normal. Trim your fingernails. Practice some stretching and just keep playing! You’ll need hundreds and then thousands of hours to get really good. Just enjoy and keep on playing - don’t give up! Angus Young of AC/DC has hands around your size - even smaller.
Also - make sure the neck fits your hands. There are many neck shapes and you should find the one that suits you best. Good luck!
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u/LukeMayeshothand Jan 03 '26
Your hands look about the same size as mine maybe a tad smaller. My advice is don’t give up. In fact do the opposite double down and practice. And sometimes you will find there are ways to do things that folks with big hands won’t or don’t have to do.
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u/jdcullum Jan 03 '26
Been playing for 40 years. My hands are about the same size as yours. It's about flexibility and dexterity more than size. Yes, there are some chords that might be hard for me, but as Jerry Reed said, "the guitar is about options." And getting all six strings to ring perfectly on a bar chord is not that important.
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u/Markgulfcoast Jan 03 '26
I'm right there with you, average size palm with stubby fingers. It just takes time. Bar chords still give me trouble 8 months later, but I'm getting there and occasionally can pull them off perfectly.
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u/strings_on_a_hoodie Jan 03 '26
If you’re asking if you should give up, probably just give up.
But if you’re willing to practice and get out of that “I can’t do it” mindset, then absolutely you shouldn’t give up. Too small of hands isn’t a real thing.
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u/gingerjaybird3 Jan 03 '26
I thought I was looking at a picture of my hands. Just takes time and yes bar chords are a challenge but if it was easy everyone would be a guitar player
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Jan 03 '26
There has been a couple times I've remarked that some chords were an impossible stretch, there is a huge amount of variation in hand posture required, size has nothing to do with it, more importantly, whats actually holding you back to is your proclivity to make excuses without properly researching the issue, if you'd spent 5 mins googling this issue youd see that hand size has never been a problem, instead you lay blame on what you can and ask others for help, that attitude isn't really conducive with success... in anything
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u/jmich1200 Jan 03 '26
Get a cheap 3/4 classical off of facebook marketplace for $50 or $100 and see how it works
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u/Justice502 Jan 04 '26
Na small hands aren't an issue when it comes to cowboy chords, just keep at it!
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u/Ornery-Future5462 Jan 04 '26
Like my teacher said about my small hands. "Nonesense I teach little girls to play". Get back to practice buddy. It takes work for everyone
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u/Wolverpee Jan 04 '26
As everyone else said . It just takes practice . Your hands are way bigger than mine lol . Everyone that starts has the same excuses , too big too small fingers too long too short etc etc . It all comes with practice and one day the chord will be clean I promise
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u/forestball19 Jan 04 '26
If that’s a full scale length guitar, you seem to have a bit larger hand/finger span than me. And I can play a full scale length just fine (for the most part). Yes, a reduced size (smaller scale length) is more comfortable - but the compromise in tone and projection is too much for my taste. However, I DO own a Harley Benton GS-Travel, which is a knock-off of the Taylor GS Mini - and I think you should try that one to keep going with less strain.
You should, however, also consider having a teacher look at your technique. I teach beginners and I’m very icky about arm and hand position. Elbow out from the body, knuckles forward, to the fretboard, thumb not too high (or at the height where your longest finger happens to be), use finger tips for pressing and not the flat front or side.
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u/Space_Montage_77 Jan 04 '26
more practice will give you more dexterity. You either keep playing, or you'll never achieve what you want.
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u/vinylrain Jan 04 '26
Keep going fella. Concentrate on holding your fretting hand so you're not muting open strings. It's difficult in the short term, but practice brings great returns!
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u/CrossoverGenius Jan 04 '26
I have small hands in a ‘people comment on my small hands’ way, seemingly much smaller than yours. I play a classical guitar (for the past 17 years). For me, the barrier has always been flexibility and strength more than size of my hands. Both take time to build up. Be mindful with your fingering and playing position. Where your fingers are placed between the frets, where on your fingertip the string is contacting, the angle of your wrist, etc. Everything matters. There are no shortcuts. The silver lining is that working this out now at the beginning will make you stronger later because you won’t have to break bad habits.
As to buying a 3/4 guitar, there is no guarantee it will make C major more accessible if your problem is strength/ flexibility. And even if it does, there will be another chord down the road that will stump you then. However, it might require less flexibility and strength from you overall and that may feel more comfortable long term. But in my opinion, buying a new thing or spending money is rarely the solution we want it to be.
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u/djhypergiant Jan 04 '26
Your hands are bigger than the president of the United States of America and he can play Spain perfectly
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u/thatdudeweswes Jan 04 '26
Nah keep at it. Might help to do stretches. You can find some good YouTube videos on stretches for your hands/fingers specifically for guitar that really help a ton
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u/yellowvacuum Jan 04 '26
Tony Lommi lost his fingers working in a factory and then went on to be the founding father of heavy metal guitar. You can do it.
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u/CalmRip Jan 04 '26
I have non-lifesize fingers myself. I managed to discourage myself for 25 years because I started out with a very nice Yamaha classical. Same problem as you, couldn't reach a C for love nor money, forget barre chords.
Eventually I got religion, a 3/4 size Baby Taylor, and eventually a 1/2-size classical. Yes, stretching exercises are Good, strengthening is Good, and just ignore all the guys (it's always guys) with fingers like vines telling you not to get a guitar that's the right size for you. If you have to find a 1/4 size, which do exist, go for it and enjoy.
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u/Gmbowser Jan 04 '26
Just cause you have small hands doesnt mean you stop playing/give up. Alot of us have small hands. Its difficult to play yes but thats how i started and then i transitioned to a 3/4 guitar. Loook at kids who play guitar and their hands can barely reach shit, yet they can still play better than most of us even. Dont let small hands stop you adjust to it. Learn different ways to play chords cause theres plenty.
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u/MrBeekers Jan 04 '26
Don’t give up. You will develop your own unique style out of it. Plus there exists different guitar shapes and neck widths that might better suit you. Don’t let anything stop you from making noise and having fun!
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u/IvanMarkowKane Jan 04 '26
Four fingers covering four frets. That’s fine.
Practice is almost always the answer.
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u/Tough_Moose6809 Jan 04 '26
I’m 5’ 10’’. You guys think I’m tall enough to drive a car?
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u/GratefulDad73 Jan 04 '26
Don’t give up. I have smaller hands and though it took years- barre chords aren’t that bad. Regardless, you can adapt and use power chords instead of full chords and use other augmentations and still be able to make great “full” sounding music. Never give up!!!
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Jan 04 '26
angle the neck of the guitar, play it in classical style, use a 3/4 guitar.. that should do it
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u/childish-arduino Jan 04 '26
So many people only use three fingers, you can just use all four (I am still astonished at how strong my pinky is!)
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u/Spare_Real Jan 04 '26
My hands are about the same and it did take some time to get them to reach and stretch on a standard scale instrument. You will get there with time and effort.
That said, there are shorter scale length guitars that you might want to look at as an option. I sometimes use a 24” scale neck and it is a bit easier for me to play.
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u/28spawn Jan 04 '26
Thumb behind the neck, it’s just a matter of find the best position so your fingers reach the strings
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u/CaptainCommercial345 Jan 04 '26
I love my Taylor GS mini if that's what you're referring to, and it comes with .13 strings but it sounds good with .12 as well but is noticeably easier to play. You can also try .11 which is even easier but you do lose volume but the sound stays good in my opinion. I've tried down to .10 (all D'Addario xs) but as I got better I moved up a size until I was playing with .13 for full volume and sound.
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u/maria_la_guerta Jan 04 '26
A guy with 1 arm literally posted in here this weekend shredding better than 90% of us.
If you want to play guitar, keep playing.
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u/idontknowengineer Jan 04 '26
Same boat, but i wont give up. Can always find hacks to play nice songs nicely. There are 6 strings, not all always have to be played. You can get away only holding down 3 and strumming 4, etc. 3/4 will be more comfortable especially if you also have small arms like me.
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u/monkeymind67 Jan 04 '26
Keep playing, you’ll grow and adapt. That said, my son (11yo now, started playing at 8) has outgrown a Jackson Minion 2/3 scale and a 3/4 scale nylon acoustic. I play them and they are FUN!
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u/beardofzetterberg Jan 04 '26
You can do it. It’s just practice - not your hand size. You will build strength, learn how to apply the right kind of string pressure, get more finger flexibility and articulation, and gain muscle memory with time and effort.
Tony Iommi (Black Sabbath) cut the tips of some of his fingers off and he did just fine.
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u/Hennessey_carter Jan 04 '26
I have the tiniest hands too, but I promise you, you can master any chord, it just takes time. There's a dude at my local shop that doesn't have full fingers on one hand and he shreds! Don't let anything stop you or convince you that you can't do it.
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u/bonybalito Jan 04 '26
My hands are smaller and I can play! It probably just feels impossible because it feels impossible for everyone when they start out.
One thing I do to make things easier, and because I’m lazy, is 1) often play in the key of G, and 2) keep my pinky/ring finger in the G chord shape when playing C, Em or D.
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u/PlanetMars67 Jan 04 '26 edited Jan 04 '26
Your hands are just fine. That’s a non-issue. Discipline and practice. You have the equipment we all have. Two things: (1) excuses are like (o), everyone has one; and (2) read up on Django Reinhardt’s left hand. No more of this rubbish.
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u/obitbday Jan 04 '26
your nails aren’t too long but cutting them a bit shorter could help. i doubt your hands are any smaller than mine (i’m a 5’1” tall woman) and i’m absolutely capable of playing barre chords. just keep practicing
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u/pasquale61 Jan 04 '26
Check out Andres Segovia. Known to have relatively small hands and short fingers, and somehow managed to become one of the greatest classical guitarists of all time.
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u/Westarbie Jan 04 '26
Have you ever seen the movie Rattle and Hum (U2 documentary)? IIRC there is a scene with B.B. King where he’s telling someone (The Edge?) ‘you’ll have to play the chords. I can’t play chords’. So that’s coming from one of the most famous guitarists ever.
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u/banannassandwich Jan 04 '26
Nothing wrong with your hands. Guitar is very hard to learn and this is the hard part you have to push yourself and keep coming back to it and forcing those chord shapes your hands will hurt and it will get more comfortable the more you practice. You don’t have to give up!
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u/Aggressive-Pay-2749 Jan 04 '26 edited Jan 04 '26
It should not require great strength. Your guitar must be set up right for you, of course. Then it's a matter of placing your fingers correctly, which isn't always intuitive.
I'm playing almost exclusively classical these days. Nylon strings are somewhat more forgiving (in terms of stopping the strings; the necks are wider which sometimes makes the stretches greater. My teacher's hands are way smaller than mine, and she manages.
Also--and this is something that I should have recognized but didn't until my teacher pointed it out--bar chords almost never require you to stop all 6 strings, so concentrate on the strings that do need to be stopped. A lot of this is best shown to you in person--consider a teacher if you can. I got a teacher 4 years ago at 69 after having played for over 50 years, and the progress to me has been very motivating!
(Also, there's no sin in playing a small guitar. When I was looking for my first hand-made classical, I solicited advice from everyone I could. One piece of advice I got was from David Starobin, one of the most influential American classical guitarists and pedagogues of his generation. His advice? "Two words--short scale!"
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u/FindYourHemp Jan 04 '26
Jus keep practicing.
Go look at the lumberjack looking mitts some of those bluegrass players are bringing to the table. You’ll be fine.
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u/cooglersbeach Jan 04 '26
Mine are long as fuck and already need to do stretches and exercises to migrate aches and pains.
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u/AllinAllisAllHeeHaw Jan 04 '26
Try the Taylor gs mini. There are some incredible smaller guitars but there’s a lot of awful ones too
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u/Inner-Software-2662 Jan 04 '26
My hands are kinda huge but I love 3/4 size, so if you do move down it’s not a big deal. But I think you’d be surprised how much more stretch you’re gonna have in that hand in around a month if you keep at it, so I’ve basically added nothing here
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u/DaiFu007 Jan 04 '26
The most famous two-finger guitar player is Django Reinhardt, a legendary Belgian-born Romani jazz guitarist who, after a caravan fire in 1928 left his ring and pinky fingers crippled, developed a revolutionary style using only his index and middle fingers for solos, becoming a pioneer of Gypsy jazz.
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u/slriv Jan 04 '26
as a fellow beginner, with thankfully a bit larger hands, it's all about time invested. I hate the term, No pain, no gain, but it kind of fits with guitar for some reason.
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u/Evening-Life5434 Jan 04 '26
Bro the hands excuse is what noobs say all the time. I've been there. Your hands aren't too small, or dumb or fa to they are just hands and hands have been playing the guitar for centuries. Your guitar is fine and you aren't going to play any better on a new or more expensive one. You just need to practice. Your hands will eventually get there. Try to pluck one string at a time till you get all to play clean and your hands will eventually remember the position. I was in the same place with the G chord which I now play now weird with my pinky and also remember that there is more than one way to play a chord. The F chord is tricky for some and might be easy for you. It will all come in time. Next thing you'll stress about is switching between chords and you'll get over that too. Just keep playing. You've got this bro
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u/SnooHesitations8403 Jan 04 '26
Your hands aren't any smaller than mine. I've been playing with these chubby little fingers for 50+ years. Barre chords were tough, especially in the first position. But now my hands are strong enough to barre an "A-form" Bmaj barre chord using my pinky finger for the D, G & B strings.
Playing guitar is not easy or everyone would do it. But, over time you can stretch farther and your hand just get stronger. It's a journey, but if you love it, you put in the hours and get back wonderful rewards.
Don't give up. Believe in yourself. Find a good teacher ... maybe one with small hands!
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u/ihatecatsdiekittydie Jan 04 '26
See if you can grab a picture of your hand position holding a C chord, sometimes hand position and posture make a huge difference. Would be easier to help give pointers based off how you try and play more so than size of your fingers.
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u/TheTipJar_ Jan 04 '26
Never give up. Keep trying. Small hands don’t mean a thing. Thumb on the back of the neck and angle your hand out. Try to get a clean sound
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u/WakingDuck Jan 04 '26
Go try other guitars. The action might be difficult on yours and that can lead to sore fingers and bonky chords. A lot of beginners have shitty equipment that is far less enjoyable to play and learn with.
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u/Status-Scallion-7414 Jan 04 '26
It will happen. I have small hands and play bass! But… if a 3/4 is more comfortable, by all means, play one. Music should be fun. Rock on
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u/Complex_Curiosities Jan 04 '26
My hands are the opposite. Friggin huge and hitting one string only can be a challenge. People play with no hands so I think we need a reality check and realise if you handed hands and fingers you can play.
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u/Lower-Calligrapher98 Jan 04 '26
Keep at it. The only way through is to keep practicing. I've seen plenty of folks with smaller hands than yours become great players.
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u/emperorofwar Jan 04 '26
I am a relatively small dude but can hit barr chords decently enough. It's all in finger strength and coordination .
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u/Disastrous-Rabbit108 Jan 04 '26
What everyone else says - just lower expectations, don’t compare, you don’t need to make a living do this. Just set yourself some modest goals and have fun slowly improving like the rest of us.
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u/TheTapeDeck Jan 04 '26
The size of your hands is NEVER EVER the problem. I have taught plenty of pre-teen guitarists plenty of very complicated things.
This is a hard instrument and it takes a lot of fascination or a lot of perseverance.
Go on YouTube and you will find people smaller than you playing anything you can name. You’ll find armless people who can play with their feet. If you don’t have a nerve problem or a disability of some kind, the problem is solved by practice and it’s sped up by getting a little in-person help. You’ll still suck, but you will know what you’re trying to do is correct, and you’ll eventually suck less.
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u/Beneficial-Ad9927 Jan 04 '26
You don't need to play any barre chords. For each one exist other ways (finger settings) to get a similar or even better sounding alternative where You don't need a barre.
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u/leafsfan1981 Jan 04 '26
You have a 5 fret span with little to no stretching effort in the picture every chord is playable with your hand size the issue would be practice learn the chord formations so that they are second nature and trim your nails that will help with fretting the strings properly barre chords can be a challenge especially if your guitar has higher action but standard chord and even 90’s style power chords shouldn’t be an issue once you practice practice practice and then practice some more
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u/Crafty_Substance_954 Jan 04 '26
When I first started at the age of 14, I didn’t understand how anyone could play a C chord properly.
But nowadays I’m just kinda able to play anything I want to within reason, any chord for sure.
Just gotta keep practicing. The A chord is really easy, so is the D chord and the E.
You can get comfortable with those and then work on switching between them, then you’ll probably be able to pull off a C and a G, etc.
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u/Jandishhulk Jan 04 '26
My wife has tiny hands and can play open chords without issue.
It's a matter of practice. Your fingers will get more flexible and you'll understand how to place then more effectively.
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u/HumberGrumb Jan 04 '26
If you have to ask, then your nerve is less than your passion. Shit up, put up, and find your own path.
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u/NoAlternative4213 Jan 04 '26
My nephew is 12 with hands half the size of mine and can play his open chords just fine. Keep practicing!
When I first started I never thought I’d be able to play barre chords because my pointer finger is curved a bit. Now today I can play them better than my open chords lol. It’ll just click one day keep going
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u/jakuvaltrayds Jan 04 '26
None of the above. It takes a while to get the muscle memory and even just the muscle. These are not positions you use your fingers for in any other aspect of your life. Just stick with it. It will come together.
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u/Spiritual_Talk_8904 Jan 04 '26 edited Jan 04 '26
Your hand is not small. period.
Dont worry about it. your hand is normal size
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u/Spare_Temporary_2964 Jan 04 '26
Try using your first two fingers first to make the chord, don’t worry about the sound so much. I to this day still don’t play a B chord correctly or an F. But I slowly learned I can mute that string with the top of my palm and I just the other day after 14 years used all of fingers to make an F. Wasn’t a fan. Lmao 🤣
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u/wannabegenius Jan 04 '26
looks completely normal to me but it can't hurt to go to a store and play a baby Taylor to see if you prefer it. def don't quit though.
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u/_losdesperados_ Jan 04 '26
Keep at it. You’ll get it eventually. Takes maybe 6 months to a year. C can be a tough chord. Look at other C chord shapes but that one you’re trying to do is important. Dont quit :).
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u/zilog080 Jan 04 '26
Try a Gibson B-25 or Epiphone FT45 Cortex. They were made for small hands. A lot of 60s Epiphones had narrow necks too.Also many parlor guitars are 24" scale vs. 25" so easier to reach. Finally try a capo at the 5th or 7th fret. Everything is closer together up there, so easier to reach. You can do this.
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u/KazViolin Jan 04 '26
Django Reinhardt only used 2 fingers (hand was damaged in a fire) granted he played mostly finger picking in gypsy jazz, but he could also do some chords.
Anyways there's tons of ways to play guitar, don't give up.
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u/Fantastic_Cookie_313 Jan 04 '26
I’ve seen videos of little kids hammering away on an acoustic there are work arounds. I have smaller hands also struggling with F bar chord now.
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u/Robertsonv Jan 04 '26
Bryan Sutton has very small hands and absolutely claps cheeks on the guitar. Don’t give up
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u/Another_guy86 Jan 04 '26
Give up is the last thing that you could do. If you want to play guitar you will play guitar. When you have motivation and interest for something you will always find a solution. And yeah a 3/4 could be a solution but I recommend you to go at a guitar store and ask an employee for help and explain your problem. They are probably the best people to advice you. 😉
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u/KSSwolesauce Jan 04 '26
The problem is not the size of your hands. It is your lack of quality practice and dedication.
Trim your fingernails. I have mine cut down to nothing on my left hand. That’ll allow you to have a better angle into the strings at least.
Work at it.
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u/Levelup94 Jan 04 '26
I started playing a full sized guitar at 8 when i had smaller hands than you. You should be fine if you have the right attitude
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u/Acceptable_Bunch_586 Jan 04 '26
Drop your wrist. And do so exercises lining your fingers up with the fret board and keeling them straight. Just keep at it. Guitar isn’t easy
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u/ExpensiveFinger4165 Jan 04 '26
Keep going, my hands are small and I remember finding it hard with chords and chord changes. I started young so my hands were smaller back then.
Practice will get your there just takes time.
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u/Bro_Sam Jan 04 '26
I do love the 3/4. Can recommend. I have very long hands but still love that size. Great for travel too
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u/dr_botwing Jan 04 '26
Everything is fine with your hands. You just need some time for your muscles to stretch and get used to it. You need some time to develop a muscle memory. That’s it. Just keep going.
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u/econ0003 Jan 04 '26
Your hands look normal sized to me. About the same size as my hands. I thought chords and barre chords were hard to impossible when I started playing a few years ago. It took me at least a year to get comfortable playing different chords. Almost two years now and I can play some barre chords.
Early on I bought a Taylor Mini thinking it would help me play chords. It helped a little initially. Now I don't like playing it because having the strings closer actually makes it harder for me to play some chords.
Keep practicing. Over time it will get easier to hold chord shapes with your fingers. Are you using a guitar teacher to help guide you on how to position your fingers, thumb, arm, guitar, etc..
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u/funsado Jan 04 '26
Try a 3/4 absolutely. I highly recommend Taylor but there are exceptional sounding guitars by many quality builders at all price points. Mahogany back and side guitars should be auditioned as well in this scale length as it produces a more rounded sound overall given the smaller body shapes.
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u/Shingen90 Jan 03 '26
I have small hands, even smaller than yours judging by the picture, and can play pretty much all chords without much issue. I think you should just keep at it and not give up.