Guitar Query - Strings too hard on Fingers, What can i do? (Pics Inside)

[OzZie]

Hi all,

My dad bought a guitar from his brother about 2 or 3 years ago but never had the time to play. I've been learning myself for the past 4 or so months, but ever since i played the guitar, i noticed that the strings are extremely high over the neck, especially when compared with my Squire, and it really hurts to play. I've gotten used to it a lot more now, but i still can't play for more than about 15 mins before i have to stop and take a rest. It's a good inch over the neck, maybe more.

Here are some pics i took, but you'll have to excuse the quality and angles because i couldn't seem to get them any better.

Now ive looked in the manual for the guitar and it says moisture (sp?) and temperature can cause the string to rise, and that is quite possibly true because it was kept in the loft for a good couple of years (in the case though) and it says that i can get a lower bridge to lower the strings instead of getting a professional to file the current one down.

Now i got another bridge with the guitar, but whether it is any lower than the current one i dont know.

Also, would getting better strings help reduce the pressure on my fingers as well as lowering them closer to the frets?

Many thanks.

 

[OzZie]

Thanks for the reply

Yeah the guitar is an acoustic. I dont have a clue what type of strings they are, but i think they are the factory/default ones. The E and B strings certainly feel like you could slice your finger if you kept sliding up and down the neck thats for sure

My fingers had lots of dead and sour skin after a couple of weeks, and ive still got marks on my fingers now, but playing with a friends acoustic didnt seem to hurt my fingers at all, just like playing with my fender strat, so hopefully my fingertips can have a rest.

Thanks for the info anyway. My dad seems to fix everything himself so i might read the manual and see what he says.

Any more comments are also appreciated.

 

[OzZie]

Found out the strings are metal yes. Is nylon easiler on the fingers?

 

[OzZie]

Ah, that'll be why my hands dont hurt so much anymore

I removed the strings and sanded down the bridge a fair amount, and now the strings are a lot lower and it is certaintly a lot nicer to play. Guitar DIY at its best