If you are like most people, you probably use your fingers to do just about everything. From typing on a keyboard to picking up a pencil, our fingers play a vital role in our everyday lives. It’s no wonder then that finger trainers have become so popular! When it comes to playing music, guitar finger strengtheners can be a powerful tool to help improve your guitar playing.
So, what is a finger trainer?
Finger strengtheners, finger trainers, hand exercisers, grip and finger strengtheners, and finger exercise tools are all synonymous. There are many different names for them, but they all have the same goal: helping you develop stronger, more agile fingers.
A finger trainer is a device that helps to strengthen the muscles and tendons in your fingers. It allows you to exercise your fingers in a controlled manner resulting in improved dexterity, strength, and coordination.
Benefits of using Finger Exercise Tools
There are many benefits to using finger exercise tools, including:
- Improving grip strength and coordination
- Improved endurance, agility and speed
- Reducing stress and tension
- Improving blood circulation
- Preventing injuries
- Rehabilitating after an injury
Types of Finger Strengtheners
The most popular types of finger strengtheners are those that employ expansion and compression.
- Expansion-based devices work by gradually separating the fingers apart. These resistance bands come with either a 5-hole finger stretcher or 4-hole resistance training band.
- Compression-based devices, on the other hand, work by gradually bringing the fingers together. These devices are often used to help improve grip strength and coordination. Some popular finger trainers that use compression are either 4-button or 5-button models.
4 Best Guitar Finger Strengtheners
Guitar players know all too well the importance of strong fingers. After all, those tiny fingers have to do a lot of work, from forming chords to picking out melodies. But just like any other muscle, the fingers can get tired and even start to cramp up after a long practice session. That’s where guitar finger strengtheners come in.
These simple devices can help to increase blood flow and improve circulation in the fingers, making them stronger and less susceptible to pain. So whether you’re a beginner just starting out or a seasoned pro looking to keep your fingers in tip-top shape, check out our list of the 4 best guitar finger strengtheners.
1. Resistance Bands
Strengthen your fingers by stretching them. These finger strengthening bands provide resistance when stretched. They’re a great way to exercise the muscles and tendons in your fingers, and can be used for a variety of exercises, from stretching to strengthening.
It’s inexpensive, lightweight and portable, and can be used for a variety of exercises
- 5-Hole Finger Stretcher
The finger stretcher, which comes with the thumb included, is a resistance band that can be used without a guitar.
The Airisland Finger Stretcher is a great choice for those looking for an affordable and effective finger trainer. Made of high-quality silicone, this finger stretcher is comfortable to use and can be worn for long periods of time. It’s also lightweight and portable, making it perfect for traveling guitarists.
Not only does this grip strengthener help athletes with rehabilitation, but it also comes in handy for guitarists.
- 4-Hole Resistance Band
This resistance band is also called a Spider Finger Resistance Band.
Riff BANDZ Resistance Training Bands are another great option for guitarists looking to strengthen their fingers. This resistance band helps people build stronger, faster fingers. Just like the finger stretcher, use by placing fingers through the holes and stretching them apart. The distinction is that you may use it while playing the guitar.
2. Stress Ball
A stress ball is a toy made from rubber or other materials that can be squeezed in the hand. It’s often used to relieve stress and tension, but can also be used to exercise the muscles in the hand.
Best of all, stress balls are relatively inexpensive and can be found at most stores. It’s also easy to use and can be done anywhere, making it perfect for guitarists on the go.
3. Four-Button Finger Strengthener
The Gripmaster, VariGrip Hand Exerciser, and Django Hand Exerciser are all four-button finger strengtheners that work by gradually bringing the fingers together. These devices are often used to help improve grip strength and coordination.
- The GripMaster is a great choice for those looking for a simple yet effective finger trainer. It is the original finger strengthener and is still one of the best on the market. It differs from the VariGrip by having fixed resistance levels.
- The D’Addario VariGrip is a great choice for those looking for a more versatile finger trainer. This design is extremely ergonomic and can adjust the tension of the springs for each finger. You can use it to exercise all of the fingers at once or target specific fingers.
- The Django Hand Exerciser is a great choice for those looking for a finger trainer that is specifically designed for guitarists. You may change the spring tension to suit your present finger strength using this tool. It can also be used to target specific fingers.
4. Five-Button Finger Strengthener
A five-button finger strengthener is also available, which can be used to exercise all fingers at once or target specific fingers.
- The DILIMI Finger Strengthener is great for improving grip strength and coordination. The five buttons provide a greater variety of positions to practice, allowing you to simultaneously press two buttons with one hand or switch between various tensions on each finger just like VariGrips!
How to use these Finger Trainers
There are many different exercises that can be done with finger trainers. Here are a few examples:
Stress Ball Workout
- Palm Press – Open both hands, then place the stress ball in the center with your forearm in a vertical position. For 3 to 5 seconds, press and hold firmly, then relax. Repeat this ten times for best results.
- Full Grip – Clench your hand into a fist around the stress ball and squeeze as hard as you can. Maintain this hold for 3 to 5 seconds, then relax your grip and let go. Repeat this process 10 times total, taking a 1-minute break in between each set of squeezes. Be sure to repeat with the other hand once you’re finished with the first.
- Finger Grip – Using your index finger and thumb, grip the ball and squeeze for a count of three. Release and repeat. Once you’ve done this 10 times, move on to using your middle finger and thumb. Finish up by using your ring finger and thumb before taking a one-minute break. Complete this same routine with your other hand.
- Thumb Press – Start by placing the ball in the palm of your hand. Using just your thumb, press down on the center of the ball and hold for a count of three. Release and repeat. After you’ve done this 15 times, take a one-minute break before repeating with the other hand.
Finger Resistance Bands
- 5-Hole Finger Stretcher – Place your fingers through the designated holes, then gently pull the band to stretch out your fingers. Hold each stretch for at least 3-5 seconds before releasing. Repeat this 10 to 15 times, then take a one-minute rest before repeating with the other hand.
- 4-Hole Finger Stretcher – The Chromatic Scale is a simple way to utilize this Finger Spider resistance band. You only need to use your fretting hand for now, so don’t worry about using your picking hand. You can also try using a resistance band to play other basic scales .
Compression-Based Bands
- GripMaster, D’Addario VariGrip, Django Hand Exerciser – “Finger Play” is a great beginner workout where you press the button with your fingers individually or in various combinations. Hold the ergonomic palm bar in your hand with the hook over the space between your thumb and index finger. Place your fingertips on individual buttons keeping your fingers slightly bent. After that, press each button in 10 to 15 repetitions. Take a break before coming up with new combinations. You may also try other workouts with these finger trainers.
- DILIMI Finger Strengthener – The 5-button finger trainer works similarly but with an additional variation. The fifth button gives you the option to work on both your index finger and ring finger together. Not only does it help strengthen your fingers, but it also helps stretch them.
Hand Care Routine
In addition to using finger exercise tools, it is important to follow a hand care routine. This includes:
- It may be used every day, as often as you like, as long as you don’t feel any discomfort or pain. Listen to your body – if you feel any pain, stop immediately.
- Warm up your hands before playing guitar or working out.
- Do not overdo it! Start slowly and increase the intensity gradually.
- Take breaks often, especially if you feel pain or discomfort.
- Rest your hands and wrists whenever possible.
- If you have any pain, swelling or other problems with your hands, see a doctor.
By following these tips, you can help keep your hands healthy and prevent injuries.
Strengthen Your Fingers by Training Them
Finger strength is key when playing the guitar.
So, if you’re looking for an edge in your guitar playing and make those fingers up to the task, give some of these finger strengtheners a try.
And don’t forget – practice makes solid changes! Start incorporating finger strengthening exercises into your daily routine and watch your skills (and tone) improve over time.
Keep your fingers strong and healthy!
