Thank you all for your lovely comments. And Carla- I'd be honoured to be your Grandfather. I'm hoping to do another video soon but I'm pathetic with anything to do with Computers, Camera's etc. Please all be wary of some of the advice given by those fortunate long fingered guitarists. They think they know but they haven't got a clue what it's actually like. But we 'small handed /short fingered' guitarists can be successful 'cos we've got determination.
“I’m a small chap... another is someone telling you how to stretch your fingers wow if I would’ve known that I would’ve tried that on my legs years ago” this had me DYING
@@unclejeffssecretaccounttoh8774 I guarantee there are millions of highschool kids that would look at a discheveled 35 year old man with early greys coming in and call him old
@@iammorrison2925 When you click the subscribe button, there appears a bell button next to it.If you click the bell button it will change with an outline to appear like it’s ringing.That means you’ll get notifications if the channel uploads a new video
@@luismendesg He's not shoving it down anyone's throat. It's on the title so that people know he's not just some old guy with a guitar, but someone with a lifetime of practice and experience
The best thing ever said to me; "you will never be able to play a guitar well because your fingers are too short". That was 50 years and 5000 chords ago!
Morrison, I'm a 78 year old beginner. Playing guitar has been in my bucket for many years. I decided to try and learn how to play. Your video is very inspiring for an old fart like me. I have short fingers also. They may be slightly longer than yours but I feeling the frustration of learning the 1st cords. You're very inspiring. Thank you for your advice.
i was starting to get discouraged because i have small fingers and didn’t want to continue playing or learning. this is so inspiring and helpful and thank you for giving a young teenage girl a little hope during these harder times❤️❤️❤️
I don't have exactly small fingers, but they are definitely shorter than average. My real handicap though has been a pinched nerve that goes from my upper back and used to make half of my fretting hand completely numb. I'd been playing for years before my back accident though, so I wasn't about to stop playing. But for about 4 - 5 years I couldn't feel the strings until about 2pm in the afternoon when the nerve started to not be as pinched. But even so, I actually taught other guitarists how to shred for decades, and play a lot of technically demanding music from metal and prog rock, to flamenco and classical. The wonderful man in the video here is absolutely correct, it's all about perseverance. Django Reinhardt and Tony Iommi are incredibly great inspirations too. Django's fretting hand was burned horribly in a fire when he was young, and he wasn't able to get proper medical attention, so his 3rd and 4th fingers were pretty deformed. He is one of the most influential jazz guitarists in history. Tony is rock guitarist who is credited as the godfather of heavy metal guitar. On his last day at work in a factory, he cut off about half of the first digit of the middle two fingers of his fretting hand on a metal cutting machine. He used to melt plastic to make his own finger extensions so he could still use those fingers to play. Both players did various other things that not only were designed to help them compensate for their handicaps, it was in no small part those ways of overcoming said handicaps that gave them a unique playing style. Again, both of these players are massively influential in their genre. Indeed I could not be faulted for saying they are likely *the* most influential guitarists of those genres overall. If you love the instrument, just play it. The rest will come naturally. ^-^
If children can do it then surely we can do it...I seen a guy that had lost his arm playing the guitar...it was his picking hand he lost but still played the guitar better than I ever could.
I have very small hands myself and started learning guitar recently. Sometimes it's a bit hard to play certain bits that people with long fingers can easily do, but now I feel even more encouraged to keep at it! Thank you for making this video, you're absolutely wonderful and it really made me smile! Like many others in the comments section, wish you were my grandpa. I hope you're doing well and I'm looking forward to more videos!
I don’t even play the guitar nor have short fingers, but watching every 19 minutes and 16 seconds of this video has to be the best decision I’ve ever made.
Remember when you read illustrated fairy tales while being a kid, and a kind, caring grandfather appeared on a page and gave you that fuzzy feeling of safety and tenderness? This sir is just that, in human form.
Hi jimle22, I am now 71 myself with short stubby fingers, arthritis and fybromyalgia, ME. Many years ago I played fingerstyle guitar in Church worship bands then when the muscle/joint problems started, unable to press the strings firmly enough to obtain decent clarity of the notes/chords, I gave up playing altogether. Many, many years later, I missed playing worship songs so dug out my Yamaha APX5A (which ironically I had bought as an upgrade to my EKO Ranger just as my problems started) set it to open D tuning and played slide. Although not an ideal guitar for that style (I would have liked an inexpensive resonator but the only ones I have been able to try out locally haven't given the tone I want and I am unable to travel the country to find a suitable model), it did provide a base for learning slide. Also open tunings allow easier chord shapes in some cases as even if you hit the wrong open string say in open D it is still within the scale. I now try to adapt my fingerstyle playing to easier arrangements, chord voicings etc. It is frustrating, but now having come to terms with my limitations, I can still find some enjoyment in my playing. If you wish to hear any of my simple slide pieces let me know and I can send them to you. God bless. NW
Cliff's Notes version: -Get a guitar with a skinny neck/travel guitar -Work with F shape on multiple chords? -Get a capo that doesn't get in the way -Just kind of do what you have to to play the chords as closely to correct as you're capable of. Thank you for the info. 👍Heading to GC to embarrass myself now. :D
I have thick fingers and was discouraged by the closeness of the guitar strings when I was young and one day I received a chord book by Mel Bay...he had short, stubby fingers and took photos of him fingering every possible chord on the guitar...there's no excuse for anybody to give up because of...well...because of any reason actually.
Me too. I started getting discouraged because my fingers are short and chunky so when I press down they always touch the string below. It may take me longer but I won't give up 💪
For short thick fingers, it helps a lot having the action very low (1,4mm on E to 1,2mm on e). So fretting a note will need just a bit of the fingertip without touching the other strings. Also helps: to swap the nut with a wider spaced one, needs to be custom slotted by a luthier (or yourself if you know how to do it)😃
@@MemeHero I have no idea. I had that book 58 years ago. I'd like to know where it is, where my trombone is, my french horn, my alto horn, my silver trumpet, my standup bass, my bagpipes, my hairline, where lots of things are.
This made me think of my grandpa who loved to play the guitar and tought me when he was still with us. Made me smile and shed a tear. Cheers from Sweden!
This video made me cry, he is so wholesome and a huge example of how to keep going in life even if you have obstacles in between. Thank you so much, great man! Greetings from Argentina.
Dear Lau. Please don't cry - you'll make me cry. I've had to overcome many obstacles which I haven't mentioned but I believe that many, if not all, can be overcome if you think long and hard about a solution. Nobody ever said we were put on this Earth to have a good time. Life is a bit like a puzzle and it's up to oneself to think ' Right how the heck can I get round this next problem'. You're a wonderful person and best wishes to you in Argentina.
I've been playing the guitar for 6 years with very short fingers. In the last few weeks I was feeling a bit down because I can’t seem to be playing as clean as someone with long fingers, even if they played for only like 2 years. You gave me a lot of motivation to keep doing what I love. Thanks for that buddy, you rock!
Thank you Jim Jamm. Even after all my years I sometime have to concentrate on this because unlike fortunate long fingered players you can't just hover over the strings and you have to keep modifying your hand position. Keep going. You've got more 'balls' than most of them 'cos they probably wouldn't have started given our difficulties. Best wishes M
As an over 60 with shortish, fattish fingers and pretentions to play the guitar, I found this such a wonderful video. What a fine, inspiring and encouraging gentleman. I take my hat off to you sir. You have given me new hope to press on with my guitar. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
Dont give up !! im in your boat.. Wide bulky fingers and they're short, not as short as Mr Morrison's but roughly 2-7/8" long fingers . my finger tips just wont fit in fret areas. Suspended chords are your friend . sound the same and more room.
If your fingers are shorter than mine I take my hat off to you. You're the first person I've heard of in my 50 odd years playing. Don't be self conscious - be proud at what you've achieved . Best Wishes
I’m subscribing to your channel because you have all the problems I have and a delightful accepting attitude towards them. I’ve been playing for 63 years and have struggled with short fat fingers, now arthritis, trigger finger and whatever else old age brings. Thank you for letting me join the short finger club!
I too have short fingers and my little finger is folded back into my palm due to trigger finger and have been playing and teaching guitar for over 30 years. Keep up the good work.
I have small fingers too! the only way i was able to overcome bar chord, is to find the right position and pressure, by picking tips that suit me from those youtube video, practice, practice and practice!
I also have short fingers, but not only that, my fingers refuse to straighten, They are curved (won't lay flat) and I had to adapt to playing bar chords with the side of my index finger. It looks awkward, it feels awkward, it hurts, but it works. I cramp up after about 20 minutes playing but it never stopped me from playing in my sons band a few times. It's worth the uncomfortable effort. 👍
I play the ukulele as it is more comfortable to play with small hands, even with it's compact size my index finger can beardly reach across the fretboard but it's enough to play all bar chords. Maybe you could consider trying the Uke it's a good alternative if your fingers just won't stretch enough to play bar chords in guitar .
my fingers always mute some strings because they're so short and i cant get them to stop touching the strings under, but seeing you and how far youve come, i feel more motivated and confident that i can do it too. Thanks for the video!
As a similar short finger guy, I practice selftaught on electrics (slimmer neck, smaller body) and found a way to cheat chords by fingering them incomplete and playing upper or lower half... later I learned that those were basically power chords 😂
"But it suits me, cause im such a small bloke" the way he said it was so sweet. As a small handed guitarist, its wonderful to see such a seasoned musican with similar issues as me. I don't usually watch long videos such as these but this man has a real likable personality
i have small fingers... and i got on this video for this... but now,i dont care about my small fingers!!!! i met a lovely person!!!! I wish you all the best Sir!!!
I found you just at the right time I don’t have short fingers and I was having some issues changing chords and getting frustrated You made me to stay motivated
I’ve been trying to learn guitar and my hands are so small... TINY! I’ve been PRAYING that someone else with small hands could help me and relate to my struggles. This is so helpful and on top of that you’re so cool and kind. Please keep making more videos! You’re amazing!
I have small hands/short fingers and have played guitar for over 30 years on and off. I personally didn’t expect to learn anything from this vid but still watched it all til the end cos he’s such a nice guy to listen to, and he makes a lot of sense …… he also kept me smiling for 19 minutes 😊 Thanks for sharing, Mr Morrison 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
What a pleasure it was to watch your video, Mr Morrison. This needs to be shared far and wide and not just with guitarists! Your warmth is exactly what the world needs right now.
You're such a lovely and entertaining person. I think it's amazing that I can sympathize with you so well! Age, gender, continent, ... Nothing really matters ♥️ Thank you for sharing!
I was having a bit of an off night until I watched your video. You put a smile on my face and even made me laugh out loud. My 80 yr old dad won’t play guitar anymore because he complains about his short fingers holding him back. I’m going to have him watch this. Thanks so much. I subscribed.... and rang the bell :)
This man seems like the sweetest most kindest person that any human would be happy with as a grandfather Also thank you because im trying to learn with short fingers 😌
Just started playing guitar again, have shortish fingers. Alway had trouble in past with chords,which eventually made me pact up. But just listened to you video, never going to give up again. Thank you
A lesson I learned for piano is; Stuff 'correct' technique and do it how it works for you. I'm just realizing that the same goes for guitar. Thanks sir!
The way you play guitar with small hands is the same for people with big hands...practice...if you don't practice, it won't matter what size your hands are, you'll never be able to play the guitar...or any other musical instrument...with practice, you'll learn how to compensate for practically any percieved disadvantage....it's the discipline of practice that turns talent into ability...
The more you practice the more you improve but if your fingers are not long enough to reach a note or chord you can practice till you're a hundred but you will never reach it -it isn't the same. I guess you have good length fingers. Best wishes.
Haha, this was great. After seeing you stretch for a G7, I realized I too often make mountains of molehills. My hands are certainly bigger than yours; maybe I should be worrying that my heart is too small, not my hand! I jest, of course. I will remember you and your encouraging words anf inspiring example next time I'm tempted to get discouraged in making music.
I’m a ukulele player, which is a much friendlier instrument to small hands, but I’m learning guitar. Went looking for some tips, and not only was your video helpful and encouraging, but you also seem like an absolutely lovely person. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience!
I am 63. I recently hired a caretaker as I am recovering from a lung transplant. My caretaker is an 18 yr old girl, who saw my guitar in the guitar.. She asked if I played and I said | hadn't played much since I was diagnosed with stage 4 emphysema in 2011. She said she was teaching herself. I said, "show me your stuff". She played the Beattles BLACKBIRD. I told her she had a knack and that I would give her some tips if she liked. .....Now I am her coach. A funny thing happened. She came to clean my apartment and found an old man on mothballs, cleaned him up and found an old gem. I fell in love with guitar again. No, I fell in love with life again.
G'day from Australia! Thank you for this video. Your fingers are even shorter than mine and it's great to see someone without Jimi Hendrix-size hands telling us short, fat fingered people how to overcome guitar fingering problems, especially barre chords. Very informative. It seems to be all in the wrist and the palm shape. Wish I'd worked this out 30 years ago before bad habits and creaking joints kicked in. :-D Cheers. (P.S. I'd love to see a photo of you with long hair in your Beatles suit!)
So much respect to this man! Im trying to learn playing the guitar by myself and I already got frustrated because of my short fingers, but now that I see you can do it I‘ll keep it up
Don't know why I watched this because MY middle finger is 3 3/4" long but you, sir, are a delight! You remind me of a kid I went to school with, Dave Belsey, who was an amazing piano player in spite of having short fingers. When asked how he managed it he simply said "I can move them faster than most!" Have a great 2021, keep on strumming!
Seeing the struggles of my 14 yo, stuck with his first fat-necked east german strat clone, wrapped up by a lovely chap in 2021 on youtube is just wonderful. Luckily for me, your first tip: "find a thinner neck" was made possible by circumstances not long after and until this day I can caress the beautifully thin neck of a beauty "made in Japan".
@@iammorrison2925 Re-reading my comment, I was reminded that english ain't my native tongue, meh. I was referring to my 14yo self :) Luckily, nowadays also Ukuleles are vastly popular and available so it's no real problem for any child's or small hands to enjoy all of the stringed instrument pleasures.
Never give up! Music can enrich your life in ways you'd never imagine! Try some easy play alongs like America's "horse with no name" in E minor and A major.
You're adorable💖 I'm a tiny lady who took up the ukulele instead since my short fingers made the guitar hard to play but now gonna keep trying as you suggested and will definitely keep watching you👍
I was amazed by the comments on your video. I'm sixty now,have a little longer length set than you, but I am amazed at your attitude in general. At one point,sir,I fought off tears in comparing my life to yours,being a smaller man. God has certainly blessed you.
My dear friend. Thank you for you lovely comments. Yes ,God certainly has blessed me. I am Small, bullied when younger, struggled quite a bit financially, had pretty awful health but I've got a fantastic wife, wonderful Children and grandchildren and I'm has happy as I could ever be. What I was given was an incredible determination to overcome the difficulties I had been given to deal with in life. I never quite made it as an entertainer and one day I might do a video of my somewhat unbelievable journey through life. God Bless You. M
sir, you are a great man you never gave up you really proved the saying "where there is will there is a way". my fingers aren't short like your's but still you have inspired me.
From one old twit to another, I have a bunch of chipolatas for fingers and am struggling a bit with muting strings next to the ones i need to make a chord, I am persevering and your video cheered me up no end, thank you, ring the bell!
Such a sweet man! I admire his passion and relentless attitude. Playing an instrument can be powerful.. I believe anyone with the desire to learn and play deserves the ability to play. I hope this man helps those who struggle with similar issues. Sending peace & love from Missouri, USA -Todd
Thank you for the great advice and encouragement. I am a brand new beginner at guitar (as of Christmas morning) and have short fingers. While I have been practicing several hours a day trying to learn proper technique, it have been a struggle. I refuse to give up but was starting to wonder if there was any hope. You have given me that. Thanks again!
Thanks alot mate. You literally solved my dilemma. I was gonna drop the idea of playing a guitar since i struggled reaching for the frets. Watching you gave me an insane boost to not care about my fingers and just shredd away. Rock on Sir👑
Thanks for being one of the most delightful guitar "sages"..I've learned so much about perserverance and tenacity..and yes guitar tips for short fingers!!
THANK YOU, SIR! I'm with you; I'm 67 and just learning to play the guitar. I also found that a thin and narrow neck are my best bet. My middle finger is only 2 3/4" long, and some chords are a really hard stretch (like the open C). I end up with my thumb all the way at the bottom of the neck. I also learned to pull the guitar back against my body when playing barre chords for more leverage. I appreciate you wisdom, and for passing it on. Hope you have a Happy New Year. Tom Dellinger New subscriber from Florida, USA.
Mr. Morrison, thank you so much for your wonderful video! My middle finger is only 2 3/4" and I knew I was struggling. I'm so encouraged to know that not only was I not imagining it, but that I can still successfully play guitar! You are a kind, warm, and charming gentleman. So glad to know you!
Thank you so much for making this video! It helped me feel better. I've played for a bit but I still get frustrated sometimes at bar chords. It feels nice to have someone who can understand and give advice.