finger stretches

[wiechfreak]

I can barely stretch 5 frets with my index and pinky, and even just playing this major scale exercise i work on, my finger gets sore from being stretched it fewels like. Anyone know any good finger or hand stretches?

[rmuscat]

your best bet is to try. Play streches as you describe (example from 3nps scales) on your fretboard daily Start on the high frets and move backward on the neck.

Remember that stretches have physical dependence, you muscles must stretch phyiscally. So the only way to get there is be patient and exercise daily.

Always come up to your maximum and practice for a good amount of time at you maximum (NOT BEYOND) stretch. Extend further after a month or a few weeks (by moving always a more down on the fretboard). You have to judge on that depending on the progress and monitor obsessively the pain factor to avoid any damage! If it hurts have a break or stop.

well hope that helps

[DemonSorcerer]

I agree, Robert...the thing is to get better, not to hurt yourself so you can't play guitar anymore...so be sure to be very aware of any pain in your hands and PAY ATTENTION TO IT...don't over stretch, 'cause that can lead to a major injury...and nobody wants that...we all have physical limitations that we just cannot surpass...so be sure to understand your own difficulties...

David

[Wicked_Dreams]

And as with any other form of stretching, WARM UP.

And after major stretching, don't go directly to lightning speed stuff, cool down a little.

[shinkyo00]

Paganini's 5th caprice has nice stretches in it!

[Sentinel]

There's some good stretching exercises at guitar.com. They're in the 'Shut up and play yer guitar' section.