Finger size discussion.

[Yngwie 4String]

I have abnormally sized hands and I think its really more about good technique than finger size, but I will say that I can make up for my lack of technique because of how far I can reach, but there is no substitute for experience and practice. My guitarist is 2" taller than the legal size for a midget, adn he can play with anyone.

[ding_man]

Originally Posted by DeanT

How exactly do you get four fingers to spread over five frets? That's a pretty good trick. I think you mean stretch over four frets.

No I mean to be able to stretch index to pinky five frets. Now I won't say this is necessary to play bass. But it makes playing a lot easier especially if you are into position playing especially. I'm not gonna say you have to cause everyone has different playing styles, but from all the good guitarists and bassists I know being able to stretch five frets is important or at least useful.

[joeviau]

Abraham Lincoln, when asked how long a man’s legs should be, replied "long enough to touch the ground."

And yes, you should wonder why someone would ever ask that question.

[rosanne]

People can play well with different kinds of hands - wasn't Django Reinhart missing at least one finger?

I have small hands and a left hand middle finger that is bent to the side which means I have developed calluses on the sides of 3 fingers not the tips. I do wish I could stretch further and I do find myself playing higher on the fretboard sometimes for comfort tho. Since I've only been playing for 3 years I still have quite a ways to go as far as technique.

[Charling]

Originally Posted by ding_man

No I mean to be able to stretch index to pinky five frets. Now I won't say this is necessary to play bass. But it makes playing a lot easier especially if you are into position playing especially. I'm not gonna say you have to cause everyone has different playing styles, but from all the good guitarists and bassists I know being able to stretch five frets is important or at least useful.

yeah, you need to stretch over 5 frets, or make a position jump mid scale, to play the altered or diminished scales. and a few others from the harmonic, melodic and synthetic scale repetoir!