I need some quick help

[Elrond52]

HI

I am kinda new to playing the guitar

And i am having trouble with my left hand

I don't use my left hand that much so it really isn't strong at all

Do any of you have some tips for improving my left hand dexterity?????

That is really the only thing that is stoping me from becoming Santana!!

lol

jk:p

[EvilTwin]

I wouldn't use the spring loaded finger exercise things. It's too easy to over-exert and hurt yourself. Plus, you're not doing a thing to strengthen your calluses.

Bean squeez balls can help with hand strength. But again, no callus building.

Quite simply, practicing a lot on a guitar with heavier gauge strings will do the trick. You get all the dexterity you don't get with other exercise things, your calluses are getting a workout, and you don't have the risk of over-exerting yourself (unless you're a real mad man).

A good set of .11 or .12 gauge strings will give you a good way to build up strength. Play on .12's for a week, then go back to .11's or .10's and you'll see what a difference it makes.

For barre chords, putting more strength and emphasis on your thumb on the back of the neck makes playing them much easier.

[Elrond52]

thanks
that'll help a lot