Beginner on guitar a few finger ?'s

Question

I can't seem to get my fingers for a D cord my other fingers are touching the string making a not so pretty noise.

Also,

Any hot tips on how to condition my fingers ? besides scraping on hot pavement.

Thanks for any and all help

Answer 1

You need to arch your fingers over the fretboard so that only the very tips of your fingers are pressing down on the strings.  If you're attempting to note the strings with the fleshy pads of your fingers, you're doing it wrong.

You should also be aware of the position of your left hand on the guitar neck.  If you're palming the neck like a baseball bat, you won't be able to get your fingers arched over the fretboard properly. The pad of your thumb should be the only thing touching the back of the guitar neck, and your wrist arched out away from you, then you can bring your fretting fingers down onto the strings in an almost vertical angle to the strings to avoid inadvertently touching the other strings.

The only way I know of to toughen up your fingertips is to practice.  Over a period of several weeks of regular practice you will develop callouses on your fingertips.