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Last Updated on July 24, 2023 by Guitarist Authority
This is our review for the best guitar finger strengthener.
Hand exerciser, guitar finger strengthener, finger exercise tool. Different names, same application. If you are looking to build hand and/or finger strength, these tools can be extremely useful. However, we recommend building finger strength actually playing the guitar. There is no substitute for this, PLAY THE GUITAR!
In situations where playing your guitar is not possible, these become a great second option for finger strength. They are small, portable and packable. You can use them at work, on the road, at home, almost anywhere and anytime which makes them very practical.
After reviewing multiple guitar finger strengthener tools, we have chosen the D’Addario Varigrip as our pick. This is due to the adjustable resistance and the simulated strings for callus building. We find that geared towards guitarists, this is the best option.
If you are looking for a finger exercise tool for therapy/rehab, we found the PROHANDS product lineup to be the best as they cater specifically to this purpose.
Below you will find our reviews for the best guitar finger strengthener.
D’Addario Varigrip
The D’Addario Varigrip is the only guitar finger strengthener on our list that is produced from a guitar-related manufacturer. Although most finger/hand exercisers operate in similar a way by providing resistance to individual fingers.
We think that a company in the guitar-related industry creating this product really shows who they have geared the design and function towards.
What we like about this guitar finger strengthener
The variable tension that is adjustable for each individual finger is great. No need to have to set all tensions the same if you have one or two fingers lacking or if you have a predominately strong single finger.
The ergonomic design ensures you are getting the most benefits from your finger exercises without using a level of grip strength that is not required.
By removing the palm padding, you get access to the molded, simulated guitar strings to help build and maintain calluses. We like this very much as it adds another level of usage that was well thought out.
What we don’t like:
There is no mention of exactly what the range of variable resistance is. We’ve found a lot of info that states either: “2-4 lbs” or “2-5 lbs”. However, the manufacturer does not clarify.
Dynatomy VariGrip Sport
The Dynatomy Varigrip Sport is based off the same design as the D’Addario Varigrip. We like the D’Addario very much and we feel the same about the Dynatomy.
What we like about this guitar finger strengthener:
Again, the variable resistant adjustment is highly beneficial. The Dynatomy Varigrip Sport comes in two different resistance variations:
- Medium – Extra-Heavy: 6-9 lbs variable, adjustable resistance
- Extra-Heavy – Extra-Extra-Heavy: 9-12 lbs variable, adjustable resistance
The simulated molded guitar strings under the palm pad are highly beneficial and a great addition. You can build and/or maintain calluses with ease.
What we don’t like:
People seem to have an issue with pinching their fingers if not completely centering their fingertips on the plungers.
Digi-Flex Hand Exerciser
Although not dedicated towards guitar players, the Digi-Flex Hand Exerciser is an effective tool with multiple resistances available.
What we like about this guitar finger strengthener:
Solid build, no issues with stuck plungers or pinched fingers. This is important as this device is labeled as a therapy tool. Quality and ease of use were well though out here.
Available in six different resistance levels:
- Yellow: 1.5 lbs
- Red: 3 lbs
- Green: 5 lbs
- Blue: 7 lbs
- Black: 9 lbs
- Grey: 11 lbs
What we don’t like:
Take it with a grain of salt, but for monetary reasons, we prefer a variable finger exerciser as there is no need to buy all six to have a variable resistance range.
PROHANDS Gripmaster
Claiming to be “the original spring-loaded hand and finger exerciser”, PROHANDS Gripmaster is said to be used by professional athletes, musicians as well as a rehab tool. The design is similar to the Digi-Flex and has has different un-adjustable resistant levels depending on the device.
What we like about this guitar finger strengthener:
The PROHANDS hand exercisers are comfortable and well-built.
PROHANDS has four different product lines for their hand exercisers:
- VIA: 1 lb – 6 lbs (Gray = 1 lbs, Green = 2 lbs, Yellow and Pink = 4 lbs, Blue, Purple and Black = 6 lbs)
- Gripmaster: 1.5 lbs – 9 lbs (Green = 1.5 lbs, Yellow = 3 lbs, Blue = 5 lbs, Red = 7 lbs, Black = 9 lbs)
- Gripmaster Rehab: 0.75 lbs – 9 lbs (Tan = 0.75 lbs, Yellow = 1.5 lbs, Red = 3 lbs, Green = 5, Blue = 7 lbs, Black = 9 lbs)
- Pro: 5 lbs – 13 lbs (Blue = 5 lbs, Red = 7 lbs, Black = 9 lbs, Gray = 11 lbs, Orange = 13 lbs)
Important to note is that the VIA and Gripmaster product lines are smaller and may be better suited to small/average size hands. If you have large hands you’ll be better off with the Pro version.
What we don’t like:
Although they’ve created a wonderful lineup of different product lines and resistances. We believe this may be overwhelming for someone who just wants to increase basic finger strength.
Django Hand Exerciser
Available in a four or five finger configuration, the Django Hand Exerciser is a variable resistance plunger type finger strengthener.
What we like about this guitar finger strengthener:
Great build quality, doesn’t feel cheap. This is a nice benefit, especially in a variable resistance version. Everything seems tight and gives us the impression it will last.
The adjustable resistance gives you the ability to change the tension between 3-7 lbs.
What we don’t like:
If you have large hands or strong fingers the maximum tension of 7 lbs may not be enough.
Guitar Finger Strengthener FAQ
How often can I or should I use these?
A guitar finger strengthener can be used everyday, even multiple times a day as long as you feel no pain or discomfort.
For how long per session am I able to use these?
There is no set amount of time, whatever you feel comfortable with. We recommend starting out with a few minutes and see how it feels. Gradually increasing your time of use is the best course of action here,
Do I need to use a guitar finger strengthener?
The short answer is no. These hand and finger exercisers are not a requirement. They are a tool that helps increase your finger and hand strength more effectively than building that strength naturally through playing the guitar.
Conclusion
The benefits of portability, adjustable resistance and callus builder make our choice for the D’Addario Varigrip as the best guitar finger strengthener as easy one.
A final note, if you feel as though the resistance from any hand/finger exercise tool is too low, simply add repetitions. No need to purchase multiple different units for a variety of resistance levels unless that is your preference or recommended by your physician for rehab.
Do you use a hand or finger exerciser? Let us know! Thanks for reading.
