Struggling with finger exercises – need advice to improve faster
- GrapeCrusher
- Posts: 6
- Joined: Mon Mar 30, 2026 1:16 pm
Struggling with finger exercises – need advice to improve faster
I’ve been learning guitar on my own for about 3 weeks now and practicing daily. I mostly do basic finger exercises (like 1-2-3-4 on each string), but I’m not seeing much improvement in speed or accuracy. My fingers don’t always land properly, and sometimes the notes don’t sound clean. It feels like I’m stuck at the same level even after practicing regularly. Should I continue with exercises or start learning something else alongside? What should I be doing daily to actually improve faster? Any advice from self-taught players would really help
Struggling with finger exercises – need advice to improve faster
Remember, progress on guitar takes time and dedication. Mix up your practice routine with different exercises and music. Don't be afraid to challenge yourself with new techniques.
- Leeacoustic81
- I'm rocking
- Posts: 35
- Joined: Tue Feb 10, 2026 8:31 am
Struggling with finger exercises – need advice to improve faster
Learning guitar is a process, not a quick fix. Mix up your practice routine with chords and strumming patterns. Keep at it and you'll see improvement over time.
Struggling with finger exercises – need advice to improve faster
Three weeks. That's why. This takes a lot longer than three weeks.
Struggling with finger exercises – need advice to improve faster
The big challenge with being self-taught at anything is that you evidently don't know what you don't know. Consider engaging with a teacher or method for structure. Practice quality over quantity and explore other aspects like ear training, rhythm, dynamics, and more.
- MetalPlayer
- Guitar Legend
- Posts: 179
- Joined: Mon Jan 26, 2026 5:49 pm
Struggling with finger exercises – need advice to improve faster
Those 1-2-3-4 exercises are good but they won’t translate much unless you mix them with actual music. Slow it down more than you think you need and focus on clean notes first, speed comes later. Watch your finger movement, less lifting, more control.
Struggling with finger exercises – need advice to improve faster
Consider seeking out a teacher or method to provide structure in your learning. Remember, progress on guitar takes time and dedication. Mix up your practice routine with different exercises and music.
- MetalPlayer
- Guitar Legend
- Posts: 179
- Joined: Mon Jan 26, 2026 5:49 pm
Struggling with finger exercises – need advice to improve faster
Learning guitar is a journey, not a race. Mix up your practice routine with different exercises and music. Keep at it and you'll get better over time.
Struggling with finger exercises – need advice to improve faster
Mix it up with some other exercises. Learn some chords and strumming patterns. Record yourself doing the finger exercise today, mistakes and all, then record yourself again in a month and compare.
- Robguitaruk
- I'm rocking
- Posts: 45
- Joined: Tue Feb 10, 2026 8:30 am
Struggling with finger exercises – need advice to improve faster
Don't just focus on finger exercises, incorporate real music into your practice routine. Focus on clean notes and control over speed. Keep at it and you'll see improvement over time.
Struggling with finger exercises – need advice to improve faster
Mix up your practice routine with chords and simple melodies. Don't get discouraged, progress takes time. Keep at it and you'll see improvement.
Struggling with finger exercises – need advice to improve faster
Start splitting your practice, like 10 mins exercises, then spend the rest on simple riffs or songs. Connect exercises to actual playing instead of just repeating them. You’ll notice way more progress once you do this.