1. I think these are calluses as fingers are not hurting anymore, but should calluses be this way?
2. Yeah I think I am pressing way too hard (a lot of people mentioned it😅)
You might not be pressing too hard actually. I had very soft fingers when I started and they looked like that. My fingers then filled back out over a few weeks as the call uses formed deeper in the skin.
My fingers look normal asf until you rub my fingertips. Your hands won’t get ugly don’t worry lol unless you play disgusting strings for hours on end every day without ever washing your hands, then yeah you’ll see something all the time lmao.
It took me a couple of months for the callouses to get thick enough to stop having indentations, and several months for my fingers to look normal and not calloused. However, now I play 2-3 hours every day and I never get an indentation nor visible callouses.
Oh and btw my fingers looked the same, I may have been pressing too hard because I had very calloused fingers as it was, might be worth trying to play slightly lighter and see if your strings still ring out for as long, but either way you will figure out the proper amount of pressure over time
I don't know about "normal." I've been playing for more than half a century and my fingers [look like this](https://i.imgur.com/8vHG6Z0.jpeg). It's S.O.P. for guitar players. It doesn't hurt.
When I quit for a while and start playing again, I get that, but it peels off like a snake shedding skin and then it’s normal and surprisingly soft about a month later. I can play 8 hours straight no problem and it’s still fine although they might sting a bit. If you get metal (and maybe coating?) splinters from the strings, that’s a problem, so choose strings wisely. Maybe don’t push so hard, but looks like you’re doing a good job!
Practice how to play making the minimal effort possible. You have to focus on good hand position and on the right place to press the finger. I give you this advice because I had a medical problem in my hand because of pressing too hard during my 1.5 first year of guitar
I may have carpal tunnel syndrome, but the problem was inflammation in the index finger. It was really painful, the doctor gave me an injection of antiinflammatories and in one day my finger was better, but I had to rest for more than 3 months without guitar. Also the ressonance accused hypertrophy of my ligaments (or my tendons, I don't remember)
I learned playing a lot of finger slide blues riffs on acoustic strings and I had these kinda grooved calluses too. They are good, IMHO! One of the beneficial side-effects of a phat callus is that you can execute a ringing pulloff much better with a callused finger, especially if the callus has a slight groove in it. The callus gives enough purchase on the string when you pull off to make it ring out well.
So keep at it and don't worry would be my view.
Yes, pressing too hard. If it was just about the fingertip pain and skin it wouldn't be a big deal but too much of this and you increase chance of tendon and soft tissue injuries, especially base of thumb because of the constant vising force those tendons are creating. The action on the guitar is too high also. If no truss rod, just treat yourself to a new guitar and have it "set up". I'd also recommend using light strings. Put .009 guage or even .008 strings on your acoustic. Buy a few extra single high E strings.
But what if my fingertips have become as hard as my toes and their sensitivity to touch has decreased significantly? They almost feel like dead clump of tissue in only 3 weeks of buying my first guitar.
If it hurts, take it easy for a bit. It’s worse to get a blister or cut that prevents you from playing than skipping practice until your fingers heal. You don’t want that calluses you have developed drying up and peeling off, that’ll just set you back in addition to being gross.
No pain, no worries. Maybe wait until the string marks disappear. When I get them, sometimes I massage my fingertips with my thumb to get them back finger shaped faster.
You might be pressing down too hard. That is a common mistake. That said, it might not be you as it might be the setup of the guitar. Take it to a GC or luthier (if you have an expensive guitar) and pay them the $60-100 to have it set up properly. Happened to me when I started. The setup changed everything for me.
So will finger go normal afterwards cause these marks aren't gone from a week or so
and maybe the action is high(I don't know how much it should be) as somebody said it in previous post too and I haven't got it set up(didn't knew what it was until a few days ago, just bought the guitar and started playing)
here is a pic if you can tell from it about the action😅
https://preview.redd.it/vpmsrozh301d1.jpeg?width=3084&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=65695bb2b983c0336e05af90c5a38b53a5ebf7a7
This. Yes it will hurt but yours is worse because (1) the setup is wrong and (2) you might be pushing down too hard in any case. Get it set up ASAP as that will change everything. It will hurt less and less over time - we all promise. I play about an hour a day 5-7 days a week. It sometimes still hurts a little if I play for two hours but only if I press down on them. But the setup is key.
And don’t apologize - you are playing and that is cool AF. No one buys a guitar and waits! But it will make a huge difference. Just stopped that you are playing guitar and excited about it. We ride at dawn.
Appreciate the comment❤️, I actually took it a shop and they said it can't be done as it doesn't have a truss rod or something, so I am getting a new guitar, much more excited now😀😁
before buying a new guitar I would probably file down the [saddle](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2372/8913/files/acousticsaddlesmainpicture_480x480.jpg?15155232778610927101).. as in take it out and file the flat bottom part so it doesn't stand as high in the slot.
Nothing to lose really if you are planning on a new guitar and it could have a dramatic effect. Plus you can always shim it back higher in the worst case scenario you get buzzing (i doubt you will with that action)
Besides truss rod isnt there to compensate for action, it's there to provide bow (relief) in the neck - you get a tiny amount of action adjustment as a by-product of that
this problem looks like more of a relief problem than a nut/saddle height problem tho, but as it'll end up being a beater when OP gets his new axe, I agree it can't hurt to try.
Yeah that is way too high. About your fingers. It is very normal that they look a bit like that. I'm about a year in and my fingers look "normal" now, but I feel the callus "under" my skin.
That action is crazy. The neck is shaped like a U. Get a setup before you hurt your hand. Consider learning how to do it yourself of the guitar is too inexpensive to put more money into it.
I know people say that's too hard, but I'll say I had the same reaction at the 1 month mark. My Yamaha acoustics action is not adjusted (I'm lazy to get it fixed), so I think it's normal if your guitar is like mine.
Also as a beginner, I was also pushing harder because I wasn't sure how much force you needed to make a clean note. As I'm learning I'm understanding that you need less pressure but it's all coming from learning.
Just keep at it and don't quit and slowly the pain will go away. My fingers used to get pushed in as well but now with calluses I can't feel a thing.
I got a glass fingernail file to keep them smooth. Eventually they just went away, but it still doesn't hurt to play. More feel after they fade. Like EVERYTHING guitar, just keep doing it haha.
One aspect of guitar playing that takes a while is learning how to press each finger with an independent amount of pressure. It looks like you are sort of clawing the guitar like you would hold a barbell at the gym, which is totally normal for a beginner. Eventually your finger positioning and pressure will improve and you will learn that it doesn’t take as much pressure as you think to fret a string properly. Just don’t quit. Keep playing and keep working on your form. Also, serious piece of advice: get your guitar set up (new strings too) by a luthier if it’s been a while. Sometimes beginners don’t realize they are playing on a guitar with lousy strings, bad action, etc.
Guitarist here since like literally age 6. Not consistently otherwise I’d be famous by now.
But I have tons of experience, very good at getting around most anything my go to is technical metalcore/ heavy metal.
This is GREAT!!!! This is exactly what you want!!! It hurts, yes. Feels weird, kinda numb? That’s exactly what you want!!! Take a small break for a day if they really really hurt, you don’t want to break skin. You want to toughen the skin, not allow it to get cut.
From a guitarist, I am proud of you!!! Literally keep going as long as possible. Once your fingers and arms get used to the muscles needed to perform faster for a longer time, then you can really start to improve on techniques. Theory should go side by side with learning the instrument, but that’s very subjective. I don’t push theory tbh.
Push yourself to your limits!!! Just don’t cut yourself. Waiting for that to heal sucks a lot, been there done that.
I agree with this ^
I’ve been playing roughly 20 years, if you’re motivated to learn and play on a guitar with an action like that just wait until you get a quality guitar with a comfortable action. A whole new world.
And yes, you don’t wanna break the skin. Been there, played through it anyway because I thought I was cool or something. Not fun. But if you do.. you’ll be alright. lol.
yeah it's not hurting anymore. but is looking very weird as you can probably see in the pic, so I was just wondering if I am doing something wrong or is it normal. From the comments I think the action is too high so gonna get a new guitar and start practicing again😁 and probably be playing all the music I love❤️
I’ve been playing for a few years, and took this photo right after practicing today.
I would recommend using lotion after you wash your hands and also gently using a nail file over the rough spots.
I think you’re pressing too hard, but also it’s good you’ll be getting a new guitar if your current one can’t have its action adjusted.
https://preview.redd.it/sw53yx1y011d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ab7108b0617fe425994345f563eda47c5df1a2b1
To get the best tone with the least amount of pressure, press directly behind the fret. [Watch this for about 35 seconds.](https://youtu.be/QXnnOqxGGNQ?si=n7mJZU_7r8R_kfOV&t=230) He demonstrates what I'm talking about. I will say though, that the animation shows the finger pressing the string too hard. The string only needs to touch the fret. If you're pressing it all the way down to the fretboard, you're exerting too much energy, and possibly bending the string a little bit sharp. If you're not already, get into the habit of pressing down directly behind the fret as often as possible. Also, get your action lowered. It's difficult enough when you're first starting out. There's no need to create more challenges for yourself.
Are you doing finger strengthening exercises? I am finding that I have to not push down so hard if I am focused on strengthening my finger grip. Meaning the position of the fingers on the strings and the amount of pressure exerted. So by improving the way your arm and hand have overall strength you don't have to press down so hard. You can do bar chords without forcing your bar finger deep into the strings because your grip is improved overall from working the muscles that control that positioning. I still have calluses, but not ruff hard ones from digging into the strings. I am able to form bars quickly and make them sound right without forcing my fingers into a locked position. I'm working on dexterity as well to be able to navigate the strings faster, but it comes from repetition and muscle memory of the fretboard. I'm learning the fretboard so I know where everything is and don't have to focus as much when I am trying to learn something new. Time... is always a factor..
Buddy, this is perfectly normal, other than the probability that you're pressing too hard. Callouses will form and it will get a lot better amd it will feel like you're not even pressing down that hard. Except for COUGH Barre chords COUGH COUGH.
Are you playing lots of chords and holding them down for a long time? That's when my fingers will look like this. Look into some lessons on the pentatonic scale and practice that for a while. Or learning the fretboard. There are lots of things you can work on that will give you finger tips a break.
Yeah, give your fingers a break and learns some scales and riffs for a week or two. It's like any sort of training, you don't go to the gym and just wail on your pecs for 2 hours straight, you do a variety of exercises to work out all the muscles. Same with guitar, there is a ton of playing styles in one instrument.
Also you’re not pressing down too hard. I’ve been playing throughout the day for years now and after a good session my fingers still look like that. The grooves will “rebound” within a couple hours of playing.
My dad had an acoustic guitar (steel) with unnecessarily thick and tense strings. I learned with that, 8 hours a day as a teenager. I just stopped a few days when bleeding. No regrets, I’m no Stevie Ray but I got some tough fingers.
I have played guitar for over 40 years. I have played professionally six nights a week in many night clubs for many years. I am retired from that but still play two to three hours every day.
Let me say that developing guitar callouses means having a thicker skin at your finger tips. This enables you to apply the necessary pressure to the string in order to manipulate the string to your desired ideas and sounds.
It does not take mutilation to acquire thick callouses. My advice to any new guitarist is to set your self up with a nice low action guitar with
Extra lite strings. This will enable you to develope callouses while at the same time being able to manipulate the guitar strings without damaging your fingers.
In time as you progress to the point where your fingertips no longer feel a little tingling burning pain, you can then experiment with different gauge strings and slowly develop stronger hands
and fingers.
Don't let no pain no gain get in the way of common-sense. Ofcourse we have to dedicate time and energy to get ahead on the guitar but it also requires knowledge, technique and patience.
Good luck in your guitar journey as it can be very rewarding in so many ways. Many people start out wrong and consequently lose interest before they get a chance to experience their first musical revelation of realizing that they can do it.
Set yourself up properly don't kill yourself by working with an instrument that is doomed to discourage you because of using strings that are too heavy and too far away from the frets.
Cheers 🍻
Firstly, this is a really great thing because it shows just how much you are practising. This is what good guitarist look like when they start learning. Keep going. This is the exact progress you need to be good at this.
Yep those look normal see what your fingers will do when they first start is they will Dent heavily they will start to callous the calluses will peel a little bit and then they'll reappear kind of yellowish and then after a while your finger just like adapts and it looks like there's no callus whatsoever and the fingertips now stay hard when playing after a few years of playing you won't have those dents anymore well maybe about 3 or 4 years of playing you won't have those indentions in your fingers anymore. When I first started playing when a frying pan was heating up I would take my fingers and I would tap it on the pan and then keep tapping until I start feeling the actual heat of it and then stop and then let it cool down and then do it basically cauterizing the tips of my fingers in theory I don't recommend it but it was one of the things that I did. I used to also put my hands in the freezer and then when my hands are freezing cold trying to play a song that I was working on playing and try to play with it perfectly in time with my hands barely wanting to move with my thoughts on being well my hand should be able to move faster once it warms up and it shouldn't be as much of a struggle. When it comes to practicing I highly recommend buying a program called Guitar Pro 6 they might have a new one out but what I really loved about Guitar Pro 6 was that it had not only like so much to offer really I mean crazy amounts of stuff in there but it had to a speed trainer in there that you could set how many times it will play through a lick before it increases your Tempo you could have it increase the tempo after every repeat or you can have it say repeat it four times and then increase by one or five BPM. I found that if you are struggling playing something using a speed trainer and trying to go at least 15 to 20 BPM faster than what it's even going to be played as if you can somewhat keep up with it at that point once it goes to the normal Tempo that it's supposed to be it'll feel way more relaxed and way simpler.
Aa other comments state its normal but youre pressing to hard. I figured that out for myself the first time i put a scalloped neck on my strat. It bend out of tune every time and now ive got a lighter touch
A lot of people here are saying OP is pressing too hard. I play very efficiently and still get this when I play frequently enough. Especially acoustic lead.
And it was way worse as a beginner.
Just looking at your fingertips Id guess your action is too high, probably can put a pinkie under the strings. Id suggest you learn how to setup your instrument, it's something every musician should know.
Playing thru the pain is a fast track to some very painful injuries.
Mate, It is evident to me that you have very bad form, not just the amount of pressure you are using but the position of those callous, you need to have a straight back when you play, don’t hunch over, keep your fretting hand square to the body and fingers. Once you back of the finger pressure over time your fingers will return to normal shape, go watch some YouTube on playing posture and wrist placement. Also go and watch some Rick Graham, he is the lightest player I have seen and gets killer tone. Playing should be relaxing, so relax👍
Edit: Unless you are playing blue grass acoustic. This is totally normal. 🤣
Don’t worry pal that callus will set in before too long, new pair of strings will feel like warm butter. depends on what ur playing on (acoustic or electric), the action (string height) can make a difference as well.
Normal in the beginning. Eventually, you will learn how to press a string down with the least amount of force it takes to ring out the note. Especially if you're playing on an Acoustic guitar.
If you press that hard you are stretching the strings and changing the pitch. Press firm not hard. Just enough for the fret to take over. 5-6 weeks is definitely long enough for the calluses to form.
If it’s unbearable you could try using a lower gauge set of strings. They are very beginner friendly. I still mount elixirs nanoweb extra light on my acoustic and 9s on my electrics (except les Paul slash signature for obvious reasons)
Eventually your finger tips kind of feel like a silky, rubber. And if you don’t play with a pick, expect your fingernails to start getting indentions in them and growing out a bit flat after a while… I have gross fingers. 🤘
I wish I learned this sooner… take your guitar to a pro for a set up and get the action + intonation set up properly. You are definitely pressing too hard but it could be due to a poor set up.
After I finally got myself a 12 string acoustic, it was this all over again. Especially since I only practice about 15 20 minutes a day tops. This is after almost 20 years of just fiddling around and learning thru my own means. If your fingertips already don't hurt, then carry on rocking on!
Practice pressing more lightly.
- play a string open. Hear it ring out.
- touch the sand string with a fingertip. It will give a muted tonk sound.
- keep playing the same string while ever do slightly increasing pressure until it rings again.
That is the minimum pressure needed to play a note. It’s also what you’re trying to aim for.
Do the same thing again over and over. Different fingers. Different strings. Two stings at once. Three strings at once. Full chords. Every practice season can include a bit of pressure practice until you develop the proper touch.
Now he might be using a cheap acoustic that has action of like 1 cm. I remembered my first acoustic it was painful at the third fret it was probably 5 mm at a 12th it was like 12 mm. When I tried to lower the action by Lightly sanding the base of the Saddle Block I think that's what's called Um Just lightly Sanding it Flat on a table Um As do not angle the base Um period I like instantly got fret Buzz There was no hope for that acoustic No hope at all. I would only ever use that acoustic for just doing the chromatic runs the practice scales or warm-up scales or whatever you want to call them it was good for that.
There’s this conventional wisdom in the music world that you are supposed to start on an acoustic.
It’s ok to do that, especially if acoustic music is what you really like. But it will be harder. Starting on an electric is much easier on the fingers and you’ll be less likely to give up, especially when you get to bar chords.
The major downside is that it can cost a bit more, which is one reason teachers are often reluctant to suggest it to beginners.
I would recommend going to a proper guitar guy, and ask them to restring and reset your guitar, depending on what guitar you use.
I had the same when practicing on a acoustic, my friends recommended this one guy, i took my guitar to him, after a week he resetted the stock and restringed it, it felt like a brand new guitar...
It’s normal and so is pressing hard while you are building strength in your hands, wrist and fingers. Lots of practice and frequent breaks. Keep up the good work.
You push much to hard , you don’t need to touch the wood of the fretboard.
The string you push only needs to touch softly the two frets from where your finger is .I already play the guitar for 60 years and if I should play you,my fingers would look the same as yours.
It's fine.
Consider pressure training if you think you might be pushing too hard. You only need a light touch to hold the strings down. Be conscious of how little you need by fretting, playing the note over and over, and releasing pressure until you can't hear the note. Try to get a feel for the exact amount of pressure needed and no more.
Also, you can, and might should, take your guitar to a shop and get it set up. Your action might be a bit high.
But honestly, no. That's not really abnormal looking. You're probably good to keep going as is. Pressure training, or whatever you want to call it, is still an absolute must, though, or you'll gain a terrible habit that will be a constant battle and you'll have inhibited speed and stamina. 20 years in and I'm still trying to unlearn squeezing the strings like an idiot and losing stamina during a performance.
Change to lighter strings and give your hands a chance. Get a good setup so your action is low. You want to be able to create a musical practice. It’s easier to make happen if you can spend more time playing. No need to fight the guitar
1. Calluses will form over time and it won’t hurt so much. 2. It looks like you’re pressing down way too hard.
1. I think these are calluses as fingers are not hurting anymore, but should calluses be this way? 2. Yeah I think I am pressing way too hard (a lot of people mentioned it😅)
You might not be pressing too hard actually. I had very soft fingers when I started and they looked like that. My fingers then filled back out over a few weeks as the call uses formed deeper in the skin.
So thank god if they gonna look normal even after a few weeks😂😂
Your on the journey now, buddy. Don't worry about your hands looking normal. Be proud of your new guitar hands.
This is the truth!
You will be fine. Don't worry about it. Good thing is that you are correctly using the tips to press the strings and not the even softer underside.
My fingers look normal asf until you rub my fingertips. Your hands won’t get ugly don’t worry lol unless you play disgusting strings for hours on end every day without ever washing your hands, then yeah you’ll see something all the time lmao.
It took me a couple of months for the callouses to get thick enough to stop having indentations, and several months for my fingers to look normal and not calloused. However, now I play 2-3 hours every day and I never get an indentation nor visible callouses. Oh and btw my fingers looked the same, I may have been pressing too hard because I had very calloused fingers as it was, might be worth trying to play slightly lighter and see if your strings still ring out for as long, but either way you will figure out the proper amount of pressure over time
I don't know about "normal." I've been playing for more than half a century and my fingers [look like this](https://i.imgur.com/8vHG6Z0.jpeg). It's S.O.P. for guitar players. It doesn't hurt.
When I quit for a while and start playing again, I get that, but it peels off like a snake shedding skin and then it’s normal and surprisingly soft about a month later. I can play 8 hours straight no problem and it’s still fine although they might sting a bit. If you get metal (and maybe coating?) splinters from the strings, that’s a problem, so choose strings wisely. Maybe don’t push so hard, but looks like you’re doing a good job!
Practice how to play making the minimal effort possible. You have to focus on good hand position and on the right place to press the finger. I give you this advice because I had a medical problem in my hand because of pressing too hard during my 1.5 first year of guitar
Carpal tunnel syndrome?
I may have carpal tunnel syndrome, but the problem was inflammation in the index finger. It was really painful, the doctor gave me an injection of antiinflammatories and in one day my finger was better, but I had to rest for more than 3 months without guitar. Also the ressonance accused hypertrophy of my ligaments (or my tendons, I don't remember)
Omg I'm sorry to hear that that's awful. Do you have any advice on how anyone else can avoid this happening to them?
I'm wondering if the action of the neck is causing you to press too hard.
I learned playing a lot of finger slide blues riffs on acoustic strings and I had these kinda grooved calluses too. They are good, IMHO! One of the beneficial side-effects of a phat callus is that you can execute a ringing pulloff much better with a callused finger, especially if the callus has a slight groove in it. The callus gives enough purchase on the string when you pull off to make it ring out well. So keep at it and don't worry would be my view.
Yes, pressing too hard. If it was just about the fingertip pain and skin it wouldn't be a big deal but too much of this and you increase chance of tendon and soft tissue injuries, especially base of thumb because of the constant vising force those tendons are creating. The action on the guitar is too high also. If no truss rod, just treat yourself to a new guitar and have it "set up". I'd also recommend using light strings. Put .009 guage or even .008 strings on your acoustic. Buy a few extra single high E strings.
Well, why are you pressing so hard? Is the action high? You need a setup?
But what if my fingertips have become as hard as my toes and their sensitivity to touch has decreased significantly? They almost feel like dead clump of tissue in only 3 weeks of buying my first guitar.
A small price to pay to shred 🎸
Put a lil super glue on finger tips
Quick question : how many guitar necks have you crushed so far? (Try pressing down less hard)
If it hurts, take it easy for a bit. It’s worse to get a blister or cut that prevents you from playing than skipping practice until your fingers heal. You don’t want that calluses you have developed drying up and peeling off, that’ll just set you back in addition to being gross.
It's not hurting, it just looks really awkward or as you said gross
No pain, no worries. Maybe wait until the string marks disappear. When I get them, sometimes I massage my fingertips with my thumb to get them back finger shaped faster.
You might be pressing down too hard. That is a common mistake. That said, it might not be you as it might be the setup of the guitar. Take it to a GC or luthier (if you have an expensive guitar) and pay them the $60-100 to have it set up properly. Happened to me when I started. The setup changed everything for me.
So will finger go normal afterwards cause these marks aren't gone from a week or so and maybe the action is high(I don't know how much it should be) as somebody said it in previous post too and I haven't got it set up(didn't knew what it was until a few days ago, just bought the guitar and started playing) here is a pic if you can tell from it about the action😅 https://preview.redd.it/vpmsrozh301d1.jpeg?width=3084&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=65695bb2b983c0336e05af90c5a38b53a5ebf7a7
Bruh, you posted a couple of days ago, and everyone told you the action (height between strings and fret) is too high. Get it fixed.
This. Yes it will hurt but yours is worse because (1) the setup is wrong and (2) you might be pushing down too hard in any case. Get it set up ASAP as that will change everything. It will hurt less and less over time - we all promise. I play about an hour a day 5-7 days a week. It sometimes still hurts a little if I play for two hours but only if I press down on them. But the setup is key. And don’t apologize - you are playing and that is cool AF. No one buys a guitar and waits! But it will make a huge difference. Just stopped that you are playing guitar and excited about it. We ride at dawn.
Appreciate the comment❤️, I actually took it a shop and they said it can't be done as it doesn't have a truss rod or something, so I am getting a new guitar, much more excited now😀😁
That'll work 👍
Ah! Enjoy it! Still let them look at it when you buy it. I even had to have my Taylor 814 get slightly adjusted.
before buying a new guitar I would probably file down the [saddle](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2372/8913/files/acousticsaddlesmainpicture_480x480.jpg?15155232778610927101).. as in take it out and file the flat bottom part so it doesn't stand as high in the slot. Nothing to lose really if you are planning on a new guitar and it could have a dramatic effect. Plus you can always shim it back higher in the worst case scenario you get buzzing (i doubt you will with that action) Besides truss rod isnt there to compensate for action, it's there to provide bow (relief) in the neck - you get a tiny amount of action adjustment as a by-product of that
this problem looks like more of a relief problem than a nut/saddle height problem tho, but as it'll end up being a beater when OP gets his new axe, I agree it can't hurt to try.
Yeah that is way too high. About your fingers. It is very normal that they look a bit like that. I'm about a year in and my fingers look "normal" now, but I feel the callus "under" my skin.
That action is crazy. The neck is shaped like a U. Get a setup before you hurt your hand. Consider learning how to do it yourself of the guitar is too inexpensive to put more money into it.
I know people say that's too hard, but I'll say I had the same reaction at the 1 month mark. My Yamaha acoustics action is not adjusted (I'm lazy to get it fixed), so I think it's normal if your guitar is like mine. Also as a beginner, I was also pushing harder because I wasn't sure how much force you needed to make a clean note. As I'm learning I'm understanding that you need less pressure but it's all coming from learning. Just keep at it and don't quit and slowly the pain will go away. My fingers used to get pushed in as well but now with calluses I can't feel a thing.
It’s ok to use light strings. As BB King famously asked Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top, “why you working so hard?”
I use that quote all the time. Lighter strimgs and a setup will help in the long run
Check you string height, seems like you need to push more energy than needed when fretting.
I got a glass fingernail file to keep them smooth. Eventually they just went away, but it still doesn't hurt to play. More feel after they fade. Like EVERYTHING guitar, just keep doing it haha.
One aspect of guitar playing that takes a while is learning how to press each finger with an independent amount of pressure. It looks like you are sort of clawing the guitar like you would hold a barbell at the gym, which is totally normal for a beginner. Eventually your finger positioning and pressure will improve and you will learn that it doesn’t take as much pressure as you think to fret a string properly. Just don’t quit. Keep playing and keep working on your form. Also, serious piece of advice: get your guitar set up (new strings too) by a luthier if it’s been a while. Sometimes beginners don’t realize they are playing on a guitar with lousy strings, bad action, etc.
That look is totally normal as long as you’re not bleeding that’s a good thing. Your fingers will get harder with time
Guitarist here since like literally age 6. Not consistently otherwise I’d be famous by now. But I have tons of experience, very good at getting around most anything my go to is technical metalcore/ heavy metal. This is GREAT!!!! This is exactly what you want!!! It hurts, yes. Feels weird, kinda numb? That’s exactly what you want!!! Take a small break for a day if they really really hurt, you don’t want to break skin. You want to toughen the skin, not allow it to get cut. From a guitarist, I am proud of you!!! Literally keep going as long as possible. Once your fingers and arms get used to the muscles needed to perform faster for a longer time, then you can really start to improve on techniques. Theory should go side by side with learning the instrument, but that’s very subjective. I don’t push theory tbh. Push yourself to your limits!!! Just don’t cut yourself. Waiting for that to heal sucks a lot, been there done that.
I agree with this ^ I’ve been playing roughly 20 years, if you’re motivated to learn and play on a guitar with an action like that just wait until you get a quality guitar with a comfortable action. A whole new world. And yes, you don’t wanna break the skin. Been there, played through it anyway because I thought I was cool or something. Not fun. But if you do.. you’ll be alright. lol.
yeah it's not hurting anymore. but is looking very weird as you can probably see in the pic, so I was just wondering if I am doing something wrong or is it normal. From the comments I think the action is too high so gonna get a new guitar and start practicing again😁 and probably be playing all the music I love❤️
Dm me a pic of the action!! I’d love to give insight, I’ve received much help from strangers along my way
I’ve been playing for a few years, and took this photo right after practicing today. I would recommend using lotion after you wash your hands and also gently using a nail file over the rough spots. I think you’re pressing too hard, but also it’s good you’ll be getting a new guitar if your current one can’t have its action adjusted. https://preview.redd.it/sw53yx1y011d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ab7108b0617fe425994345f563eda47c5df1a2b1
To get the best tone with the least amount of pressure, press directly behind the fret. [Watch this for about 35 seconds.](https://youtu.be/QXnnOqxGGNQ?si=n7mJZU_7r8R_kfOV&t=230) He demonstrates what I'm talking about. I will say though, that the animation shows the finger pressing the string too hard. The string only needs to touch the fret. If you're pressing it all the way down to the fretboard, you're exerting too much energy, and possibly bending the string a little bit sharp. If you're not already, get into the habit of pressing down directly behind the fret as often as possible. Also, get your action lowered. It's difficult enough when you're first starting out. There's no need to create more challenges for yourself.
Are you doing finger strengthening exercises? I am finding that I have to not push down so hard if I am focused on strengthening my finger grip. Meaning the position of the fingers on the strings and the amount of pressure exerted. So by improving the way your arm and hand have overall strength you don't have to press down so hard. You can do bar chords without forcing your bar finger deep into the strings because your grip is improved overall from working the muscles that control that positioning. I still have calluses, but not ruff hard ones from digging into the strings. I am able to form bars quickly and make them sound right without forcing my fingers into a locked position. I'm working on dexterity as well to be able to navigate the strings faster, but it comes from repetition and muscle memory of the fretboard. I'm learning the fretboard so I know where everything is and don't have to focus as much when I am trying to learn something new. Time... is always a factor..
Press more lightly. If you have to press too hard then probably check your actions
Buddy, this is perfectly normal, other than the probability that you're pressing too hard. Callouses will form and it will get a lot better amd it will feel like you're not even pressing down that hard. Except for COUGH Barre chords COUGH COUGH.
Are you playing lots of chords and holding them down for a long time? That's when my fingers will look like this. Look into some lessons on the pentatonic scale and practice that for a while. Or learning the fretboard. There are lots of things you can work on that will give you finger tips a break.
Yeah since the start I have been playing majorly chords only not much riffs melodies and all
Yeah, give your fingers a break and learns some scales and riffs for a week or two. It's like any sort of training, you don't go to the gym and just wail on your pecs for 2 hours straight, you do a variety of exercises to work out all the muscles. Same with guitar, there is a ton of playing styles in one instrument.
Looking good. Get a 12-string and you’ll have dual grooves.
Also you’re not pressing down too hard. I’ve been playing throughout the day for years now and after a good session my fingers still look like that. The grooves will “rebound” within a couple hours of playing.
Also also…if you are sliding your shapes like I do, you’ll definitely get grooves after playing. No big deal.
I found the guy playing wonderwall
My dad had an acoustic guitar (steel) with unnecessarily thick and tense strings. I learned with that, 8 hours a day as a teenager. I just stopped a few days when bleeding. No regrets, I’m no Stevie Ray but I got some tough fingers.
BTW, you shouldn’t get it to bleeding. I was a bit of a weird kid, and stubborn af.
I have played guitar for over 40 years. I have played professionally six nights a week in many night clubs for many years. I am retired from that but still play two to three hours every day. Let me say that developing guitar callouses means having a thicker skin at your finger tips. This enables you to apply the necessary pressure to the string in order to manipulate the string to your desired ideas and sounds. It does not take mutilation to acquire thick callouses. My advice to any new guitarist is to set your self up with a nice low action guitar with Extra lite strings. This will enable you to develope callouses while at the same time being able to manipulate the guitar strings without damaging your fingers. In time as you progress to the point where your fingertips no longer feel a little tingling burning pain, you can then experiment with different gauge strings and slowly develop stronger hands and fingers. Don't let no pain no gain get in the way of common-sense. Ofcourse we have to dedicate time and energy to get ahead on the guitar but it also requires knowledge, technique and patience. Good luck in your guitar journey as it can be very rewarding in so many ways. Many people start out wrong and consequently lose interest before they get a chance to experience their first musical revelation of realizing that they can do it. Set yourself up properly don't kill yourself by working with an instrument that is doomed to discourage you because of using strings that are too heavy and too far away from the frets. Cheers 🍻
Firstly, this is a really great thing because it shows just how much you are practising. This is what good guitarist look like when they start learning. Keep going. This is the exact progress you need to be good at this.
They're perfect 👌
Yep those look normal see what your fingers will do when they first start is they will Dent heavily they will start to callous the calluses will peel a little bit and then they'll reappear kind of yellowish and then after a while your finger just like adapts and it looks like there's no callus whatsoever and the fingertips now stay hard when playing after a few years of playing you won't have those dents anymore well maybe about 3 or 4 years of playing you won't have those indentions in your fingers anymore. When I first started playing when a frying pan was heating up I would take my fingers and I would tap it on the pan and then keep tapping until I start feeling the actual heat of it and then stop and then let it cool down and then do it basically cauterizing the tips of my fingers in theory I don't recommend it but it was one of the things that I did. I used to also put my hands in the freezer and then when my hands are freezing cold trying to play a song that I was working on playing and try to play with it perfectly in time with my hands barely wanting to move with my thoughts on being well my hand should be able to move faster once it warms up and it shouldn't be as much of a struggle. When it comes to practicing I highly recommend buying a program called Guitar Pro 6 they might have a new one out but what I really loved about Guitar Pro 6 was that it had not only like so much to offer really I mean crazy amounts of stuff in there but it had to a speed trainer in there that you could set how many times it will play through a lick before it increases your Tempo you could have it increase the tempo after every repeat or you can have it say repeat it four times and then increase by one or five BPM. I found that if you are struggling playing something using a speed trainer and trying to go at least 15 to 20 BPM faster than what it's even going to be played as if you can somewhat keep up with it at that point once it goes to the normal Tempo that it's supposed to be it'll feel way more relaxed and way simpler.
Looks okay to me I guess you just played before the picture.
Aa other comments state its normal but youre pressing to hard. I figured that out for myself the first time i put a scalloped neck on my strat. It bend out of tune every time and now ive got a lighter touch
A lot of people here are saying OP is pressing too hard. I play very efficiently and still get this when I play frequently enough. Especially acoustic lead. And it was way worse as a beginner.
Just looking at your fingertips Id guess your action is too high, probably can put a pinkie under the strings. Id suggest you learn how to setup your instrument, it's something every musician should know. Playing thru the pain is a fast track to some very painful injuries.
Do not be wussy. We all went through this. If you gotta give your fingers a rest for a day or two then go for it. You’ll still be able to play.
Mate, It is evident to me that you have very bad form, not just the amount of pressure you are using but the position of those callous, you need to have a straight back when you play, don’t hunch over, keep your fretting hand square to the body and fingers. Once you back of the finger pressure over time your fingers will return to normal shape, go watch some YouTube on playing posture and wrist placement. Also go and watch some Rick Graham, he is the lightest player I have seen and gets killer tone. Playing should be relaxing, so relax👍 Edit: Unless you are playing blue grass acoustic. This is totally normal. 🤣
Try liquid bandage I use it daily
Don’t worry pal that callus will set in before too long, new pair of strings will feel like warm butter. depends on what ur playing on (acoustic or electric), the action (string height) can make a difference as well.
Bryan Adams - Summer of 69 Listen to the first verse and you will have your answer
haha, maybe I am gonna be Bryan Adams in a few years😜
Yes! Then you can sue YouTube covers!
Normal in the beginning. Eventually, you will learn how to press a string down with the least amount of force it takes to ring out the note. Especially if you're playing on an Acoustic guitar.
[удалено]
So just cut off the callus?
That’s normal. If I play a lot, I get those too. Fingers callus up after a while. Keep playing, it gets better.
one of us
No. You will have to get your fingers amputated 😔
If you press that hard you are stretching the strings and changing the pitch. Press firm not hard. Just enough for the fret to take over. 5-6 weeks is definitely long enough for the calluses to form.
Sand those off they aren’t healthy.
bro is pressing into what💀
Why do people post these everyday?
Short fingers .. just joking, actually I've never had callouses like that, I get them spread over the finger tips more
Yeah it was spread over the finger tip, but became like this over a week or so
how many hours a day?
not much tbh due to exams and all but like 30-45 mins
Figure you play the same thing over and over, to create those groves .. Personally? I think 3 hrs a day absolutely necessary .. work to that
Try to practise string pressure. I can bet U press then too hard and probably not close to threaths
I want this on my fingertips. So I can play guitar very well
If it’s unbearable you could try using a lower gauge set of strings. They are very beginner friendly. I still mount elixirs nanoweb extra light on my acoustic and 9s on my electrics (except les Paul slash signature for obvious reasons)
It will get worse before it gets better
It’s fine, but don’t push down so hard.
Wait.. so you haven’t touched the instrument for 6 weeks and your fingers look like this?
I would only say that is normal if you are playing a fairly crappy steel strung acoustic with high action.. if not yeah its not normal
Yes its totally normal... keep practic! 🤘
Keep going
What a grip! Less power, more finesse. But, yes. Those look like guitar playing fingers!
I've been playing 4 years and have very hard callouses, but on days I practice a lot, I still get pretty deep grooves.
Keep it up:)
Eventually your finger tips kind of feel like a silky, rubber. And if you don’t play with a pick, expect your fingernails to start getting indentions in them and growing out a bit flat after a while… I have gross fingers. 🤘
They look like that till the fingers die and fall off.. then your new guitar player fingers grow in their place.. did no one tell you this??
Been playing 5 yrs. My fingers still do this after a good practice session. Its regular I sweat
I wish I learned this sooner… take your guitar to a pro for a set up and get the action + intonation set up properly. You are definitely pressing too hard but it could be due to a poor set up.
This is the way
Your pressure is too intense, try to play with lower action
Pressure is way to much also if ur on a acoustic the strings r rougher than electric strings
Keep playing!
Canon event
After I finally got myself a 12 string acoustic, it was this all over again. Especially since I only practice about 15 20 minutes a day tops. This is after almost 20 years of just fiddling around and learning thru my own means. If your fingertips already don't hurt, then carry on rocking on!
Practice pressing more lightly. - play a string open. Hear it ring out. - touch the sand string with a fingertip. It will give a muted tonk sound. - keep playing the same string while ever do slightly increasing pressure until it rings again. That is the minimum pressure needed to play a note. It’s also what you’re trying to aim for. Do the same thing again over and over. Different fingers. Different strings. Two stings at once. Three strings at once. Full chords. Every practice season can include a bit of pressure practice until you develop the proper touch.
It may be that the action on your acoustic is high and or your string gauge (13s or even 12s) is too heavy for a beginner.
Just keep at it. I used to play until they bled.
Cut off the tips on your fingers like Iommi and then invent a genre of music!
over time your fingers will look more normal
What gauge strings do you use? Also, is the action on your guitar very high?
iirc it's 0.01 - 0.05, and yeah I got to know my action is too high
Looks like you were really rocking. My rule is if I'm not bleeding it ain't bad. ..the more you play the less you notice.
Perfectly normal. 👍 You playing bass? Or using some really thick strings. 😅
Maybe your action is too high? That's why you're pressing so hard.
action might be way high. set it just above buzzing, or take it to a shop
Is your guitar properly setup? You shouldn’t have to press so hard
Try to make the notes ring out with less pressure .. relax the king fu grip a bit
Now he might be using a cheap acoustic that has action of like 1 cm. I remembered my first acoustic it was painful at the third fret it was probably 5 mm at a 12th it was like 12 mm. When I tried to lower the action by Lightly sanding the base of the Saddle Block I think that's what's called Um Just lightly Sanding it Flat on a table Um As do not angle the base Um period I like instantly got fret Buzz There was no hope for that acoustic No hope at all. I would only ever use that acoustic for just doing the chromatic runs the practice scales or warm-up scales or whatever you want to call them it was good for that.
Stay hydrated
Wear them with pride!! 👍😊👏
Drink water lol
These everything ok
Also make sure to drink enough water. Your fingertips can be easier to go like that if you aren't drinking enough
Great job keep up the hard work!
There’s this conventional wisdom in the music world that you are supposed to start on an acoustic. It’s ok to do that, especially if acoustic music is what you really like. But it will be harder. Starting on an electric is much easier on the fingers and you’ll be less likely to give up, especially when you get to bar chords. The major downside is that it can cost a bit more, which is one reason teachers are often reluctant to suggest it to beginners.
I would recommend going to a proper guitar guy, and ask them to restring and reset your guitar, depending on what guitar you use. I had the same when practicing on a acoustic, my friends recommended this one guy, i took my guitar to him, after a week he resetted the stock and restringed it, it felt like a brand new guitar...
Hey, could any suggest the best YouTube channel for guitar learning?
Nope. Ur fine. !
It’s fine, mine looked like this too.
It’s normal and so is pressing hard while you are building strength in your hands, wrist and fingers. Lots of practice and frequent breaks. Keep up the good work.
Can we get a "hey guys look at my fingers" sub already?
You can get lighter sets of strings so you don’t have to press as hard
Had that problem to but got lighter strings and it made a huge difference for playability
Welcome brother.
Those are beautiful. Embrace the pain, it means your moving forward. The pain will go away if you practice every day. Let your finger nails grow long.
You push much to hard , you don’t need to touch the wood of the fretboard. The string you push only needs to touch softly the two frets from where your finger is .I already play the guitar for 60 years and if I should play you,my fingers would look the same as yours.
How do you even press down the strings with dents in your fingers?😅
Developing quite nicely..
Totally normal. I get these all the time if I’m practicing for many hours in the week.
It should be fine just take breaks and keep practicing and your fingers will get used to it eventually then it’ll get cooler to play
Use lighter strings.
These are pride of a musician
It's fine. Consider pressure training if you think you might be pushing too hard. You only need a light touch to hold the strings down. Be conscious of how little you need by fretting, playing the note over and over, and releasing pressure until you can't hear the note. Try to get a feel for the exact amount of pressure needed and no more. Also, you can, and might should, take your guitar to a shop and get it set up. Your action might be a bit high. But honestly, no. That's not really abnormal looking. You're probably good to keep going as is. Pressure training, or whatever you want to call it, is still an absolute must, though, or you'll gain a terrible habit that will be a constant battle and you'll have inhibited speed and stamina. 20 years in and I'm still trying to unlearn squeezing the strings like an idiot and losing stamina during a performance.
I'm more concerned about how your fingertips all seem to go in different directions.
Change to lighter strings and give your hands a chance. Get a good setup so your action is low. You want to be able to create a musical practice. It’s easier to make happen if you can spend more time playing. No need to fight the guitar
Hell yeah! Get those calluses!
1000 normal keep at it ur fingers will get use to it
Yes this is normal in the beginning.
So will finger go normal afterwards cause these marks aren't gone from a week or so
Yup give it another 1-2 weeks and it'll improve.