It sounds like your action is too high. A good setup will help a lot, and it shouldn’t be too expensive. It’s better to get the setup done than to struggle with a poorly set up guitar.
How old are the strings? What gauge are they?
Try an electric guitar with 7-9 gauge strings. They’re easier to press and require a lighter touch.
For acoustic or electric, try lighter strings, and ignore the fact that the third string isn’t wrapped. The setup is important though, you should only need about 1.5mm of distance to press the strings.
Post some pictures of the guitar from the side and front so we can see what’s going on.
Check out a finger exerciser. They’re about $15 or $20 online.
Normally, I’d say ‘just keep practicing,’ but after two years, it’s definitely a guitar issue.
It’s either you, the guitar, or a mix of both. Print out an action gauge and measure it at the 12th fret and first fret. Is it where the online community says it should be? This will vary between electric and acoustic guitars. Also, light strings are a good option if you don’t have them. Others have suggested getting it checked by a luthier so you can be sure.
If you can’t play songs after a couple of months, you should consider getting in-person lessons.
Yes, you can do it. A lot of us started with terrible guitars and high action. You’re not doing anything wrong.
How long have you been practicing? Every day, or just here and there?
You’re not doing anything wrong. If you’ve only been playing for a couple of years, it takes time unless you’ve been practicing two hours a day every day.
Definitely get your guitar set up as soon as possible. I didn’t get mine set up until nine months in, and when I did, it made a huge difference.
Switch to electric guitar and get a few lessons.
I’m not sure if everything about guitar is the same as bass, but if it is: Lower the action? Guitar strings should be easier to fret than bass, and you don’t need a lot of pressure.
Maybe you’re overthinking it? It should be easy. Do a setup and lower the action. There are great tools out there to help with this. A ‘String gauge action ruler’ is easy to use, and it comes with common action measurements for both guitar and bass.
Just keep playing and you’ll get it. Start recording yourself to listen and work on other things while your fingers catch up.
After two years!? No! That’s unhealthy advice!
It sounds like there’s a problem with the guitar.
Both might be true, but definitely check the guitar.
Quit. You’re not practicing enough, and your fingers are hurting. I mastered bass, which is a strength instrument, without using a pick. When I got a Fender Strat, I played the first Ramones record, downpicking and making every note count.