You’ve decided to learn the guitar, which is an outstanding choice. However, you probably have a lot of questions about different aspects like, does finger size matter? Will playing guitar elongate your fingers? What about fingernails? Do you need to cut them off or grow them longer? It’s sensible to ask things like this before choosing the right guitar for you. Fortunately, I’ve played a while now, and I’m happy to share what I learned and what other musicians have shared with me. Your fingers are going to make a difference. However, that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Some fingers have an advantage, and others will learn new skills as you play. I will walk you through everything you need to know about finger size and playing guitar, so you’re prepared before you ever play your first chord. Luckily, any hands can learn guitar. A little extra challenge won’t stop a dedicated music enthusiast, but it might help you do more with your hands.
Does finger size matter for guitar? Finger size does matter for guitar. People with smaller hands or short fingers will have a more challenging time reaching strings to play. Alternately, a person with extra-large hands and wide fingers may find they have trouble only hitting one note at a time. For most people, average-sized hands are no issue.
Average Finger Length Guitar
There is no particular average finger length for the guitar. Finger size does matter for the guitar, but not the way you think. While your finger size may impact how you learn to play, adapt the guitar to your hands, not the other way around.
Measure the span of your hand (in millimeters) from your pinky tip to thumb with your hand stretched out. Then measure the length of your hand from the line at the base to the end of your middle finger. Doing this should give you a good idea of what size hands you’re working with.
Most hands can handle a 4/4 guitar, although some will need to stretch further. However, you can downsize to a ⅞ if necessary. Alternatively, you can look at custom guitars or even begin with a smaller size often marketed to children. After all, if kids can learn, then adults with smaller hands certainly can as well.
A 4 Fingers Exerciser Hand Strengthener from Amazon will help you stretch your fingers and reach your musical dreams. With an adjustable two and a half to six-pound resistance, you can strengthen and stretch your finger muscles. Best of all, this compact, portable exerciser is slim and can travel anywhere so that you can stretch on the go. Get yours by clicking here.
Do Guitar Players Have Long Fingers
Generalizing about what physical attributes “all” guitar players have is ableist thinking, and it won’t help you learn music. Your finger size matters for playing guitar because you need a guitar that is the right fit for your hands. That said, you may notice that a lot of guitar players tend to have long fingers.
This trait is common because it makes playing a little easier. Someone who has less difficulty learning is often more inclined to continue pursuing their passion. However, some fantastic guitarists have unusual hands.
Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath lost the tips of two of his fingers at age seventeen. Jerry Garcia and Les Paul also had serious hand issues that never stopped them from playing. Meanwhile, Django Reinheart only had eight fingers to play with.
A little extra reach can make it easier to hit your chords. Fortunately, even smaller hands can do stretches to lengthen their span and strengthen the fingers. Better still, there are many different ways to play the guitar, and people evolve their own styles all the time. Not having a natural advantage only means you need to find a path other than the most comfortable possible option.
Whatever size your fingers are, the TJSM Finger Stretcher from Amazon is an ergonomic way to stretch your fingers for playing guitar. Improve your endurance with this crack-free, tear-resistant, non-toxic, and BPA-free hand exerciser. Plus, the TJSM is a universal fit for any hand. Learn more when you click here.
Does Playing Guitar Make Your Fingers Longer
If you know much about biology, then the answer to this question is going to be surprising. Finger size matters for guitar, but you’d assume that genetics and not practice are the final determiner in finger size. Shockingly, you’d be wrong.
Regularly stretching the fingers can help elongate ligaments in your fingers. Practically speaking, it makes your fingers longer. Although no one will gain an inch, a few millimeters can make a huge difference in grip.
Playing guitar won’t change the bones inside your fingers, but it will help your stretch out the muscle and other connective tissue over time. Practice and stretching will elongate your fingers a little bit. Particularly the fingers on your fretting hand will eventually show a small variation. They will be longer than the fingers on your picking hand.
You can balance this out by doing regular finger exercises on both hands. The same tools that help you stretch and strengthen for playing will help you balance your fingers on the different hands if you continue using them long after the need has passed. It is this regular stretching that adds a small amount of length.
You can extend your reach with the MU2827924 Guitar Expansion Trainer. This ingenious yet simple device helps you stretch ligaments and reach further. The soft silicone material is ergonomic and portable. Better still, the materials for this finger exerciser are environmentally friendly. Have Amazon ship to your door by clicking here.
Do Guitar Players Have Long Fingernails
Some guitar players have long fingernails, especially on their strumming hand. The length of your nails has nothing to do with finger size for the guitar. Instead, it’s about the way you strum a string.
It’s important to understand that you do not need long fingernails. Some people can’t grow them, and others have nails that break too easily. However, good fingernail grooming is essential for playing the guitar.
Torn and broken nails will only cause more damage and pain to your fingers, so always trim. Meanwhile, for guitarists who want longer nails, you need to decide why and grow or groom accordingly.
Strumming or Picking Hand Nails
Most often, guitarists choose longer nails on the strumming hand. The side surface contacts the string to make the sound. There are products you place on the tips of your fingers to simulate the sound, or you can use a regular pick instead.
If you want strumming ‘talons’ make sure you file a smooth, even curve along the side of the nail. Don’t just file back and forth like a receptionist on a TV show. It’s best to file the fingernail from the underside at a ninety-degree angle.
As Hub Guitar points out, “ When the fingers pluck the strings, the skin contacts the string, and the nail assists the finger by creating a platform with lower friction, allowing the string to smoothly release from the finger. So it’s most important that the side of the fingernail that contacts the string (normally the thumb side) is filed into a smooth slope, acting as a ramp for the string to glide off of.”
Fret Hand Nails
This hand usually doesn’t have long nails. Even if you prefer a longer nail, it won’t do you much good on your fret hand, and it’s often best to keep the nails short. Ensure you trim and file them evenly, so your nails don’t get in the way of playing.
Keep a set of nail clippers in your guitar equipment if you plan to practice anywhere but at home. Since longer nails will get in the way, you may need a quick trim on the go.
Practice your chords anywhere with the ChordBuddy from Amazon. This brilliant pocket guitar substitute will help you keep your fingers in shape no matter their size. The easy access app will help you learn songs in the lesson plan as you work your fingers out. Moreover, this is made in the USA, so you can feel good about helping stimulate the economy as well. See the outstanding Amazon reviews by clicking here.
Final Thoughts
Are My Hands Too Big Or Too Small To Play Guitar? – YouTube
While finger size does matter for guitar players initially, don’t let it intimidate you. Anyone can learn. Large fingers or small, there are always ways to work around that grip.
Additionally, aspiring guitar players can do many finger exercises. There are tons of useful resources and devices to help you get the reach you need to play better. With a little extra effort, your music will be just as good as anyone else’s after some practice. Plus, you might gain a few millimeters on your fingers through stretching.
If you’re lucky enough to have long, thin fingers, you may have a slightly easier time playing guitar. For the rest of us, it will take more work, but keep playing, and you’ll get those hard to reach notes in no time.