diff --git a/chordsheet/parsers.py b/chordsheet/parsers.py
index 6cdc462..7d73c84 100644
--- a/chordsheet/parsers.py
+++ b/chordsheet/parsers.py
@@ -10,13 +10,13 @@ def parseFingering(fingering, instrument):
         if len(fingering) == numStrings:  # if the fingering is entered in concise format e.g. xx4455
             output = list(fingering)
         else:  # if entered in long format e.g. x,x,10,10,11,11
-            output = fingering.split(",")
+            output = fingering.split(",").strip()
         if len(output) == numStrings:
             return output
         else:
             raise Exception("Voicing <{}> is malformed.".format(fingering))
     elif instrument == 'piano':
-        return [parseName(note).upper() for note in fingering.split(",")]
+        return [parseName(note).upper().strip() for note in fingering.split(",")]
     else:
         return [fingering]