Q&A for How to Ease Finger Soreness when Learning to Play Guitar

Yes, it's completely normal. You should develop a callus and get used to it with time and practice.

You don't, unless you just don't play guitar. The more you play guitar, the more they will develop, and it is a good thing because they protect your fingers and eliminate the pain.

Don't play if you have blisters on your fingers, as all it will do is irritate your blisters, possible bust them, and cause pain. I know it's hard to hear, but your going to have to wait it out.

Stretch before and after playing and limit yourself to about an hour of practice a day at first. You may increase the amount after your fingers are more used to playing.

It is totally normal. Your fingers will hurt for the weeks to come until you build calluses and develop finger strength.

Yes, they can. If your fingernails are around 1.90 cm and they are long and too big to use the frets efficiently, go for a bass guitar.

As a general rule, the guitar should be no taller than your elbow when you're standing. Also, keep in mind, the more you practice, the more flexible your fingers will become, making it much easier for them to stretch across the board.

It all depends on the size of the guitar. If you go into a local music store, they will be able to help you determine what size of guitar would work best for you. They also will help find a guitar for you in whatever price range you may have.

Possibly. Take frequent breaks and protect your fingers by playing with lighter pressure.

Mostly beginners use the pinkie less when playing guitar, so it takes longer to hurt and heal then the others. Using it more would help the process progress.

First, you could put on some plasters or band aids to lessen the pain and dry skin. The band aids will act as a pad for the finger to use. However, this is not common. Perhaps you're pressing down too hard on the fretboard. If not, perhaps you should consult a physician.

No. I'm 6'5" so I have pretty long fingers. There are plenty of guitarists with smaller fingers who play much better. Hard work and practice is what matters.

If you mean set your fingers on the neck as in to play a song, it varies depending on what song you are playing. If you are just holding it to practice to get the right idea on how to hold it while you are playing, have it in your palm, to where your fingers can reach each string, and your thumb is on the back of the neck. Try holding it on the first fret just beneath the headstock.

You will have to keep going and play through the pain. You will eventually get calluses. Try playing more or longer each day to help to develop them.

It's possible that you'll lose some sensitivity in the area that comes in contact with the cords, but not too much. It's a small price to pay when you're a guitarist, and when the calluses fade, the feeling will return.

Make sure your wrist is relaxed. Make sure you have a good grip. Don't tense up your hands and wrists.

See a doctor. The situation demands a professional opinion. Don't try to play with the blisters, it will worsen the condition and also there are high chances of infection in that case.

Go for minimalist versions. Every bare chord has a root note in which it stems and nearly 40 chords only require 3 fingers at most.

The more you practice, the less they will hurt. Also, you need to practice on finger position because it's important. You get used to it at some point.

Start practicing slowly. Take your time to settle each hand placement on the fretboard. If you find it hard to shift in between two specific placements, try to focus on them only by repetitively changing from one setting to another. It may also help to select a "leading finger" in order to find chord settings more easily.

Most likely you just aren't pressing hard enough with your fingers. It will be painful until your fingers build up calluses on them.

Play constantly. Over time, your fingers will get stronger, form calluses, etc. Like most everything else, it just takes time and practice.

She's been playing her entire life, she's probably just used to doing it that way. If I had to guess, I'd say she keeps the nails on her left hand a little shorter and those on her right hand a little longer, using these to pick the strings.

Yes it is normal. After a while your fingers will strengthen and develop hard skin on the part that comes in contact with the strings. This will help you press them down, but they will still hurt with excessive playing.

If you aren't playing every day, then the calluses you've built up will begin to get soft. Also, your calluses might go away if your hands are too dry, so I would moisturize them often.