The Energon Pub

[Venomous Prime]

I picked up my guitar again and I'm giving it another go.

Right now I'm trying to learn the Misfits version of the Monster Mash.

the tab i'm using says to put my index finger on the top string on the 5th fret and my ring finger on the second to top string on the 7th fret.

the only problem is it hurts like hell stretching my fingers that far.

is there a way to get my fingers to stretch farther?

or is that just something my hand is going to have to get used too?

[God Magnus]

Try switching to the ukulele. Worked for Don Ho.

[AlienQuiksilver]

That's an A5 power chord, if i'm reading your description correctly.

If you're not used to barre chords like that ... they can really be a pain. There is actually 1 more note involved in that chord, but it's a double of the root note, so it can be left out.(which is the case in the song you are playing)

Basically what I'm saying is that you can use your pinky instead of your ring finger for that exact chord ... I often do. My guess is that you're sitting down while playing your guitar. It's typical for this chord to give troubles. Try standing up, use a strap ... MUCH easier to nail that chord. For me anyway ... YMMV. Standing up allows one to adjust the angle of the guitar neck relative to the body rather easily. Sitting down, you would have to go on pure wrist angle manipulation.

Experiment! If you have long finger nails ... I don't know what to tell you. This stuff just happens automatically after a while, once you find your groove.

Find what works for you and stick with it! If any more questions PM me, I've been playing for 18 years.

[GremlinGrimlock]

Technical..can't help yas...but what helps me finger stretches...
like the piano guys,two...if yas are playing a lot or going semi pro..
don't do exercises or bits,that make your fingers bigger or muscular...
stretching will develop what exists. Gradual to...you ain't made out
of rubber,or might cause damage if...yas go too fast...grim....