• From: Bedford UK
  • Registered: 2009-01-15
  • Posts: 2

Topic: 5 Fret Stretch

I just took interest in my old electric guitar again after many years and just found the tab for ZZ Tops 'Tush'. Theres a basic rock pattern in it that stretches from fret 3 to fret 8. Theres a video on YouTube where a guy plays the riff. When I pause it and look at how his fingers stretch from fret 3 to fret 8 it looks so easy. I can just about get from 3 to 7. If I keep practising will I manage to get from 3 to 8 like the guy on YouTube?
Any tips on how I can achieve this?
Cheers, Phil

  • From: Madeira Beach, Florida
  • Registered: 2007-12-05
  • Posts: 3,312

Re: 5 Fret Stretch

Here's an exercise to try. Good Luck!

http://www.justinguitar.com/en/TE-007-FingerStretch.php

Rule No. 1 - If it sounds good - it is good!
  • From: Texas
  • Registered: 2008-08-05
  • Posts: 256

Re: 5 Fret Stretch

That's just not right neutral

"Rhythm drives the Rock-n-Roll train"

Gibson Les Paul/PRS Custom/Ovation Celebrity Koa
Line6 SpiderIII 75
  • Registered: 2006-03-04
  • Posts: 2,662

Re: 5 Fret Stretch

It's all about thumb placement on the back of the neck. The lower you go the further the reach, and years and years of tendon streching...............

Give everything but up.
  • From: A black hole in deep space
  • Registered: 2007-10-28
  • Posts: 7,865

Re: 5 Fret Stretch

it took me awhile but like southpaw says years and years of tendon stretching to play a 5 fret Fmaj 7 1st fret top note is A smile

"Growing old is not for sissies"

Russell_Harding's Website

  • Registered: 2006-03-04
  • Posts: 2,662

Re: 5 Fret Stretch

topdown wrote:

Here's an exercise to try. Good Luck!

http://www.justinguitar.com/en/TE-007-FingerStretch.php

This is a fantastic lesson. I'm gonna "borrow" it for a few of my upper end intermediate students. Good find Jeff ! Do this alot and your life on the guitar will become much easier. Justin Sandercoe is THE MAN!

Give everything but up.
  • From: Bedford UK
  • Registered: 2009-01-15
  • Posts: 2

Re: 5 Fret Stretch

Been trying various exercises to stretch fingers on the frets this weekend.. Find the biggest pain is in my thumb muscle. Will keep persevering tho. There are some great Hendrix runs on YouTube that I will play one day......