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Optimizing Reach - Tips for Small Handed Players
🕑 Added 2018-11-04 23:14:07 +0000 UTCHello friends,
In today’s session I want to talk to you about how proper technique and posture can compensate for having smaller hands. We’ll begin by adjusting the way we hold our instruments, and position our thumb and elbows before tackling one my favorite stretching exercises. Let’s get started!
Announcements:
Moving forward I would like to respond to some of your private messages in video format. This will give me more opportunities to provide value to my patrons, while also cutting down on the amount of time I spend typing responses. The majority of these lessons will be available to my $5 patrons and up, however the video and resources will be provided to the patron that asked the question regardless of patronage.
In the coming days I will be retiring my $1 tier in favor of a $2 tier for new patrons. Don't worry, if you are an existing patron at the tipper level, you will be grandfathered in. This change came after a lot of consideration, and is due to the fact that I plan to increase my creative output, feature more artist, and is also based on the Patreon fee structure, which is not favorable to the $1 tier. Thank you all for your support and understanding, I look forward to taking Swiftlessons to the next level with your help. Enjoy!
Section #1 – Proper Playing Posture
Throughout my 15 years of teaching the guitar, I have coached countless small-handed players on how to optimize their finger length. My advice is very simple; hold the instrument in a way that allows fretting arm to move freely, especially your elbow. Take these three tips to heart:
• Hold the guitar at a 45° angle for better range of motion.
• Pivot your elbow inside when extending your pinky.
• Lower your thumb for optimal reach.
Section #2 – Major Arpeggio Stretching Exercise
Now that we have optimized our playing technique, let’s give ourselves a good stretch by arpeggiating a major triad. Be sure to coach your fretting hand when necessary (see video) and to give yourself a good massage under hot water after a rigorous practice session.
Featured Tutorial:
Links:
Comments
I have the probably common habit of wanting to look at the fret board while I'm playing... can't do that when you're holding the guitar at 45!
So glad Stephen, these small but important details have been quite beneficial for me as well. I have large hands for my stature, but still can't imagine playing effectively without these techniques.
I don't have small hands but still found this lesson very helpful...
Great idea Rob to share answers; I have a smaller hand and have figure out these techniques out of necessity so you are spot on. Love your lessons.
Yes, please, more of these
Great Idea to answer by video
Like it and I vote for more!
Great idea! Helpful info, like this format. Thanks!
Like the idea of questions to video. Thanks for doing this!
Thank you, thank you, Thank you!!! From a short-fingered small-handed, 60 yr old fighting severe rheumatoid arthritis. Playing guitar is my respite, my rehabilitation, my preventive care. My even day life-saver.
I like the idea of sharing answers to questions with the rest of us. This first one asked by David is helpful to me as well.
Thank you! I just gave up on a piece because I couldn’t do a reach so hopefully this will help!!!
