Hi....Let's assume for a minute I cannot change the amount of pressure I apply when making chord or hitting a note....Is there anyone out there with a string suggestion that might work better, when I squeeze a string it seems to change the note

Go with a heavier gauge set of strings

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— did that sound like something?

Just saw StringJunkies post when I pressed submit. Without wanting to offend, heres my opinion.

You're going to stretch the string no matter what gauge you put on it.

In the real world where you can adjust the amount of pressure you use...
All a heavier gauge string will do is encourage you to put more pressure on the string, not sorting the problem out.
Best look at some finger muscle stretching excersizes to aid control.

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No no and no

Assuming you cannot change the pressure (as is the case with a fixed tension capo):

Press mid way between the frets rather than right behind the fret.

Also, do not allow your fingers to move the strings sideways as often happens with beginners trying their first chords.

Heavier gauge strings do require additional pressure to "detune" therefore, given your assumption of pressure not changing--heavier gauge strings will help.

Welcome to the forum auinfingers,playing guitar is all about disipline and part of that is training yourself to get rid of bad habits and techniques.Applying too much pressure will not only affect the trueness of the notes but will slow down and fatigue your hands. You have to disipline yourself to use a softer touch,it may take time but if you make a concious effort to change your fretting technique a change wiill come.Guitar playing takes dedication to become good and poor techniques and practices are best nipped in the bud.
Your best bet would to practice your scales first slowly,making a concerted effort to use lighter pressure and over time a lighter touch will become second nature.You could also use the same practice with your chords.Good Luck with it.

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'65 Strat,65 Mustang,65 Jaguar,4 more Strats,3 vintage Vox guitars,5 Vox amps,'69 Bassman with a '68 2-15 Bassman cab,36 guitars total-15asst'd amps total,2 vintage '60s Hammond organs & a myriad of effects-with a few rare vintage ones.

Other than practicing until you CAN play with a lighter touch (which will be the best option), the only thing that may bring any relief to your situation will be to play a guitar with really low frets, or have your frets filed way low. This way, your finger flesh will "bottom out" on the fretboard sooner, before you can really pull the string out of tune too bad. You should keep trying to improve your technique. After a few years of playing, I had to really struggle to hold my pick in a more normal fashion, since I played for years using 3 fingers to hold the pick and it started to hold me back.

What guitslinger said...

It really is about discipline and learning the correct method. I'm just a beginner so I can't add much to the discussion but I'll mention the drill that my guitar teacher has me working: fret a note and pick the string steadily, while using less and less pressure on the fretted string. Once you begin to hear the string buzz you've gone too far. You should work to use enough pressure so the note rings clearly but no more.

I'm going to go work on it!

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Custom Shop '59 Stratocaster
AV Hot Rod '52 Telecaster
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THANKS FOR YOUR REPLIES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Just guessing by the post count, and I try to never assume, that this person has a new strat with 9's and they are choking those little strings to death. But, that is just my assumption and I am probably wrong, in which case disregard all I say, but if you still have 9's go to 10's. O yeah then do all the other stuff that comes with the territory. And never offended by the people here, good folks.

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— did that sound like something?

If you apply too much pressure, then learn proper technique. If you can't learn proper technique, you aren't playing enough, and if you're unwilling to play for as long as it takes to learn proper technique, then give up playing guitar.

Totally agree - practice is the way

By reducing the amount of pressure you will "free" your fingers and develop much greater speed. Legato and alternate picking will improve no end.

I will second everyone's suggestions regarding training yourself to use a lighter touch. I've been playing for 4 1/2 yrs. and I still suffer horribly from choking the life out of the neck. Talk about fatiguing your hands/fingers. I am amazed while watching good guitar players at how little effort it appears they need to fret a note or chord.

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2008 MIA Standard Strat 3-tone Sunburst
2007 Taylor 310 Acoustic
Fender Blues Junior NOS Amp
Digitech Bad Monkey OD pedal

I would do what SJ recommended, graduate one string gauge up. If you can still squeeze the sh1t out of those then more power to you.

Makes me wonder how Mr. Malmsteen plays with a scalloped neck. Impressive!