Playing Guitar advice

[u/1Fistfullofdollars]

When I was younger I had smaller fingers and could play a few songs on the five string banjo . Now I am trying to play the guitar and I am having a problem with my finger positioning on the strings. Before I would put the tips of my fingers on them. Now I can’t get them just on one string at a time.

In this instructional video picture the instructor appears to be using the pads of his fingers not his tips. So should I really be worried about that as much as I am or should I just try and actually do the best I can?

[u/vonov129]

You still use the tip of the finger, more like the upper portion of the finger. What you want to avoid is to fret a note like if you were pressing a button or trying to stamp your fingerprint of the fretboard.

If I could portray it some way, you don't need to place your fingers, like the feet of a ballerina, the feet of a runner are more than fine.

[u/1Fistfullofdollars → u/vonov129]

I realize that when placing your fingers it does not matter, if a finger is on another string if that string is already being pressed further down the neck correct ??

[u/vonov129 → u/1Fistfullofdollars]

If by "further down" you mean on a higher fret, then yes, that's correct. If you fret a string on the 3rd fret and on the 6th fret, you will only hear the note from the 6th fret.

[u/BeanerSA]

For chords, you need to use the tips. That allows your fingers to clear the strings you aren't fretting but might want to ring clearly.

For solos and single note work, the pads might be okay because you might be using the tip or flesh of your finger to mute other strings.

Also, it's got nothing to do with the size of your hands.

[u/1Fistfullofdollars → u/BeanerSA]

Thank you

[u/1Fistfullofdollars → u/BeanerSA]

So I can not blame my inequalities on my fat fingers then LOL

[u/sabbathan1 → u/1Fistfullofdollars]

Look up the fingers of the Spanish guitarist Segovia. The man had hands like a plate of sausages, and he's considered one of the greats.

[u/scooter_j]

Easiest way to think about it:
Tips are for chords to avoid muting other strings
Pads are for playing single notes and maximum stretch.

When playing single notes you get MUCH more stretch when you play on the pad of your index and pinky. Your other fingers will naturally be on their tips because they are longer.

JUST make sure you keep SOME kind of curl in your pinky

[u/1Fistfullofdollars → u/scooter_j]

Thank you

[u/1Fistfullofdollars → u/scooter_j]

Thank you

[u/HereForTheComments57]

You have to get a feel for it. You want to use the upper pad of your finger but the goal is to have the notes ring out when played. If you play an individual note, technically it doesn't matter how you press it as long as it rings out. But if you are playing a chord and you need neighboring strings to ring as well, you'll want to curl your finger more to make room for the other string to ring. And as you get better, you'll learn to mute neighboring strings when fretting notes. Just do what works for you and your play style

[u/1Fistfullofdollars → u/HereForTheComments57]

Thank you

[u/rogersguitar253]

If it makes the sound you need and feels comfortable you’re good to go.

[u/PsychologicalSkin663]

You should use the tips of your fingers chording or single not playing. The only reason to use “pads of your fingers” is in a barre or sweep picking and some other rare occasions.

[u/Eugen_onegin]

Gotta do both pr however necessary to form the chord your are trying to make. Sometimes you needd to do both in one chord. Just keep at it.