[Megadork]

Any advice and tips on helping improve lats would be much apreciated

[Jonathan180]

lat pulldown upright rows

[ben1]

nothing beats chins!

[Mygeeto]

what u looking for..thickness or width?

[Megadork]

bit of both really lol

[Awwsum Fire]

There are a few things you can do to get real back size (thinkness and width) Width comes form the radius of the scapular during an overhead pulling movement. To a lot of people surprise the wider your hand placement the less your scapular moves. This is why some people get wider with medium to narrow grip pull downs.
the other movement I would suggest is bent-over barbell rows don't worry about how much weight your are moving keep the movement moderate speed and get in about 6 to 8 sets per week

I know that any where from 12 to 16 set of back using only two movement but in know time you will have the best back in the gym
Try it for 6 week and see what happens!

[Kaje]

Pull ups or weight pull ups (various grips), cable pull downs, db or machine pullovers, & bent over barbell rows. They are in order of importance. For overall back thickness nothing beats deadlifts.

[Megadork]

would it matter if I used a wide grip or narrow on the barbell rows?

[Kaje]

Originally Posted by Megadork

would it matter if I used a wide grip or narrow on the barbell rows?

I would take anywhere from a medium to a wide grip. Go with what is comfortable starting out.

[Awwsum Fire]

Originally Posted by Megadork

would it matter if I used a wide grip or narrow on the barbell rows?

It is important to understand the grip does make a difference that is what I was saying about the pulldowns.

When it comes to bent over rows here is something to think about.
At first try the grip that is most natural to you, it will develop your strengths in the movement first. After about 6 weeks;
1. Try to move the grip out and pull the weight up closer to lower part of your pecs for upper back thickness.
2. If you desire or need middle back and lat thickness (thick lats and wide lats are not the same thing) then move your grip no less then waist wide any closer will put strain on your wrist. pull the weight to the belt line with a California stop at the belt.
You should see some real results, one last thing try to fell the muscle contract when you do the movement not just do the movement. After a while you will be able to get a back pump with a can of soup in your hands.

[MackinMack]

Barbell bent over rows or dumbell rows with wide grip pull ups should help.