Finger strengthening

[JackNapier]

Don't use a gadget. For an exercise that I used as a young teenager, run your fingers up the fretboard (while holding down each finger!). For example, on first string, use fingers 1,2,3and 4 on frets 1,2,3 and 4...all the while keeping all fingers down! No move to the next string and repeat. Then once you're done move to the next fret (5) and start all over. Then practice this with down, up, down, up. This will strengthen your fingers and prepare you for scales and lead guitar.

[KevWind]

I was watching an Allen Hines Video on You Tube and he was suggesting playing scales with only hammer on's to get the notes to sound, no plucking or picking

[Steve DeRosa]

Originally Posted by warbles

Are there any good exercises or gadgets that you use to strengthen your fingers, both chording and picking...?

Find an old low-end Harmony archtop, string it up with heavy-gauge strings, and put in a couple hours a day trying to get some tone out of it - worked for me as a kid...

[jaybones]

When I first started playing I had one of those Grip Master things. Thought it worked pretty well.

I have very significant scar tissue on the palms of both hands from 3rd degree burns as a child (3 yrs. old, running around campsite, 5 year old brother, shoulder checked me I bounced off and fell on the fire ring, stopped my fall with my hands, then had to push myself out), and I needed to individually exercise each finger.

Lately I've thought that I needed the opposite muscles strengthened, and bought a Xtensor finger exerciser. Pretty much a plastic thing that straps onto your hand and wrist, with rubber bands going to the fingertips.

Worked well, I was able to get my fingers out of the way when I was trying to play very fast licks and riffs.

[James_214ce]

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0..._al_bw_c_x_1_w

[Pitar]

1st fret difficult action tells me your tech needs to look at the depth of the nut slots and optimize them for playability.

[warbles]

Originally Posted by Pitar

1st fret difficult action tells me your tech needs to look at the depth of the nut slots and optimize them for playability.

...makes sense to me, too. Thanks.

[GuitarFundi]

Campus Board
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=krvJkc2HzAI

or

Metolius Board ( I use this)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IsSE...FEO1HR&index=5

Or better yet just go climbing

[NotValid]

Originally Posted by James_214ce

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0..._al_bw_c_x_1_w

This is really good for building up the muscles in your whole arm if you use it right. Its how i get my hands ready for mountain biking season.

The best exercise IMHO other than playing Barry's beatiful J-45 are Mudras. These are yoga excersises for your hands and fingers. They help reduce inflamation, arthrities and helps to reduce stress. They say they also help attract good energy, but I will leave that to you if you believe that or not. It will reduce "anxiety of the nerves" in your hands. I can vouch for that. There are many good books on Mudras however you can find most info on the web for free.

[Rallymonkey]

Learn Tommy Emmanuel songs. That'll give you strength in your fretting hand.