Do those finger exerciser's really work?

[mainestratman]

Get a couple of old racquetballs.. the blue rubber things.. they do as good a job and cost an eighth as much. :-)

[wingsdad]

Get a couple of old racquetballs.. the blue rubber things.. they do as good a job and cost an eighth as much. :-)

I've used these, old tennis balls and odd foam stress balls. My favorites the past few years have been a couple of stress ball brains; perfect density and shape for fiddling it between fingertips or gripping with all the tips (like a baseball knuckleball pitcher's grip)

Finger independence, true. One of the means to that end, and to nimble control of 'touch', is good finger muscle tone. It's not about developing brute strength. Squeezing too tight has a negative effect on tone and finger quickness. But strong, long finger muscles -- akin to a swimmer's or to a juice-free baseball pitcher's arm -- in both hands, make for better control and precision of movement. They allow you to relax, to minimize effort. And ironically, you find yourself playing with a lighter touch as a result.

[kiteman]

I've used these, old tennis balls and odd foam stress balls. My favorites the past few years have been a couple of stress ball brains; perfect density and shape for fiddling it between fingertips or gripping with all the tips (like a baseball knuckleball pitcher's grip)

Finger independence, true. One of the means to that end, and to nimble control of 'touch', is good finger muscle tone. It's not about developing brute strength. Squeezing too tight has a negative effect on tone and finger quickness. But strong, long finger muscles -- akin to a swimmer's or to a juice-free baseball pitcher's arm -- in both hands, make for better control and precision of movement. They allow you to relax, to minimize effort. And ironically, you find yourself playing with a lighter touch as a result.

What I was going to say.

You build your finger strength to have control meaning lighter touch. As I found out, the calluses is gone because of that.

[Plank_Spanker]

I don't buy into those finger exercisers - they're snake oil. You don't need a lot of strength with your fingers. You need touch and stamina...............and the best way to get that is to play your guitar regularly.