Short Fingers And Big Stretches

Hi Guys,

Looking for some advice here. I have smaller hands and I am having trouble with big stretches. Would an Ibanez guitar or some other brand help someone like me? I am trying to learn the EVH solo on Little Dreamer which has a 7 fret stretch hammer ons that I cannot do. Do they make guitars with shorter fretboards?

Thanks,
Rockman

Speedpicking Help

Hi Guys,

I am struggling with my picking and hoping you could offer some advice on this subject.

I am trying different types of picks and I think that is part of the problem but not the entire solution.

I started with Kris's neoclassical lesson and with some hard practice I was able to do the main lick on the E string
at the same speed and do it pretty consistently. But moving across the strings is very hard and my playing is sloppy and too slow. Here are my questions.

1. Should I be moving my wrist up and down or my whole arm or just my finger and thumb?

2. Should I hold the pick loosely or tightly? How much of the pick should be exposed past my finger and thumb?

3. Are there certain guitars/strings that make shredding easier? ( I am using a Les Paul Deluxe)

4. Are there exercises that I can do to strengthen my hands?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Rockman

Greetings From Illinois

Hello GMC,

I just wanted to introduce myself and say thanks to all of the GMC instructors.

I joined GMC about a month ago and it really has opened my eyes and I am finally getting serious about playing
the guitar. My playing has improved dramatically and I can honestly say I have learned more in one month than I have
in years of playing.

I am sorta focusing on the neo-classical stuff right now but I like many different styles as well.

Thanks again,

Rockman
Chicago, IL