Every guitarist goes through this. The good news is that it's temporary, and the right strings and setup make a real difference.
Practical ways to make it easier:
- Practice in short sessions: several short sessions a day build calluses with less soreness than one long one.
- Press only as hard as you need: fret right behind the fret, using just enough pressure for a clean note.
- Try lighter strings: lighter gauges take less effort to fret and bend.
- Lower the action: high strings take more pressure. A setup can make any guitar easier.
- Keep strings fresh: old, corroded strings feel rougher.
- Use a capo: on acoustic, a capo at the 2nd or 3rd fret shortens the string and reduces effort.
Easier-playing S.I.T. sets:
- Electric: S942 Extra Light or S838 Ultra Light in Power Wound Nickel
- Acoustic: P946 Ultra Light or P1048 Extra Light in Phosphor Bronze, or CP1047 Extra Light in CRT Coated Phosphor Bronze
Once your fingertips toughen, you can move to a heavier gauge if you want more volume or a firmer feel.