• From: Rugby, England
  • Registered: 2011-07-25
  • Posts: 71

Topic: Finger Exercises

Hi Everyone,

Does anyone have any good finger exercises that they use? I'm asking because I've always had trouble separating the ring finger and pinkie on my left hand, they both seem to want to do the same thing!
I have got some books about guitar playing and most of them have the "caterpillar" exercise where you move each finger individually in order to the string above or below on the same fret. I've been doing this for a long time and I have got better but I still find if I have to move just my ring finger to change chord my other finger wants to move with it!!
Really annoying and especially bad when doing lots of barre chords where these two fingers really have to be independent.
Looking forward to any suggestions

Cheers

Dave.

"We cannot hold a torch to light another's path without brightening our own." (Ben Sweetland)
  • dino48
  • Honoured Member
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  • From: los banos,california
  • Registered: 2007-04-06
  • Posts: 6,801

Re: Finger Exercises

try moving up or down two frets at a time. get a palm sized ball , and keep squezing it or a hand /finger exercizer at asporting goods store.

my papy said son your going too drive me too drinking if you dont stop driving that   Hot  Rod  Lincoln!! Cmdr cody and his lost planet airman
  • From: Probably Somewhere
  • Registered: 2010-12-09
  • Posts: 2,446

Re: Finger Exercises

Do scales with just those two fingers.

  • zguitar
  • Don't call me Sir
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  • From: Mentone, Ca
  • Registered: 2009-01-10
  • Posts: 1,367

Re: Finger Exercises

I posted this one awhile back on another thread.....


I recently came across one that I physically cannot do. I can sorta get it on the low end of the neck but up at the ninth like the vid says is impossible. My fingers just don't stretch that way.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xvKw4WUXd-Y

I use these two to warm up:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iCoEgJ5XHoc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BqZwb0Dv … ure=relmfu

They're simple but my darn pinky needs to be re-taught every time I play. He doesn't listen very well.

Keep Rockin!!!!!!!!!!!
  • Zurf
  • Zurf
  • Blunt but well meaning moderator
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  • From: Virginia, USA
  • Registered: 2007-06-27
  • Posts: 7,522

Re: Finger Exercises

Bear in mind that the pinky and ring finger moving together is a genetic trait, like whether or not you can roll your tongue or whether your earlobes are attached or not.  You can learn to overcome it with practice.  I just want you to know that there's a reason why you're having difficulty with that and that you shouldn't blame yourself for having to put in some extra effort with it. 

- Zurf

Granted B chord amnesty by King of the Mutants (Long live the king).
If it comes from the heart and you add a few beers... it'll be awesome! - Mekidsmom
When in doubt ... hats. - B.G. Dude
  • From: Rugby, England
  • Registered: 2011-07-25
  • Posts: 71

Re: Finger Exercises

Thanks for all the suggestions people. I will keep plugging away.
Wow zguitar! I think we just found one of Zurf's mutants!!! Damn that's hard.
And thanks Zurf, nice to know it's not my fault. I'll have a word with my parents and blame them next time I play at a party!!

"We cannot hold a torch to light another's path without brightening our own." (Ben Sweetland)