the ideal reach...

[Jesus_junkie]

If I'm starting on the first fret, I can reach 6 frets, with effort....5 without any problem. Higher up the neck, I can grab 7 frets. My question is, will i ever need to reach more than that? In other words, should I be doing fingers stretching exercises every day, or not?
Thanks for any input,
~Christen

[rick-slo]

See if you ever come across a further stretch in a piece of music - then you can worry about it.

[Toby Walker]

Hi Christen,

I suppose it would depend on the type of music you're looking to play. Fingerstyle players - especially in the classical style - rely a great deal on the ability to stretch as many of the pieces in that catalog call for that technique.

The same can apply for the fingerpicking styles of Chet Atkins, Merle Travis, Tommy Emmanuel, as well as ragtime, jazz and blues players.

Many rock guitarists of the late 70's and 80's also relied on increasing their reach... such as Eddie Van Halen and the late Randy Rhoads.

From what you're describing it sounds like you've already developed the ability to stretch out quite a bit. As far as exercises are concerned why not let the pieces that you're learning act as exercises by themselves?

The great jazz guitarist Pat Martino once said that he never practiced exercises.. .rather he developed his technique through is playing.

Best of luck to you amigo.