Bicycle Mechanics - Problems adjusting rear derailer

I have a 9 speed Ultegra system and I have a question about adjusting the rear derailer. Basically, when my shift lever is as low as possible (meaning it should be in the hardest gear, smallest sprocket) im only in the 5th or 6th gear. When my shift lever is in the highest possible position (meaning it should be in the highest gear, easiest sprocket) I feel like the derailer is way into my spokes (meaning it thinks there should be more gears up there.) My question is, is this a matter of cable tension or something else and how should I go about fixing it. Thanks a lot.

Check sheldonbrown.com for adjustment, but first check to make sure that your deraileur hanger hasn't been bent inward.

You need to give the rear derailler a lot of cable slack - it sounds like 5 cogs' worth. And also adjust the limit screws on the rear derailler, so that it can't "shift" beyond the last cog, and into your spokes - this can wreck the rear wheel.

You need to give the rear derailler a lot of cable slack - it sounds like 5 cogs' worth. And also adjust the limit screws on the rear derailler, so that it can't "shift" beyond the last cog, and into your spokes - this can wreck the rear wheel.
Thanks for the help. I was mostly looking to see if I should give the cable lots of slack or pull it tight. Once I get it where it should be I'll adjust the high limit screw. Thanks

That's a lot of cable to slack off. Perhaps it's best if you started from scratch, by disconnecting the cable and adjusting limit screws, for starters....

That's a lot of cable to slack off. Perhaps it's best if you started from scratch, by disconnecting the cable and adjusting limit screws, for starters....

That's what I always do if things get that far out of whack. Shift to the "hardest" gear, unscrew the limit screws, release the cable, pull it tight with your hand, tighten it back up again with the screw and adjust the high limit screw. Shift it over to the "easiest" gear and then adjust the low limit screw. That should do it. Anything else is just a matter of minor tension adjustments. You might as well learn to do it. Every cyclist needs to do it from time to time.

That's what I always do if things get that far out of whack. Shift to the "hardest" gear, unscrew the limit screws, release the cable, pull it tight with your hand, tighten it back up again with the screw and adjust the high limit screw. Shift it over to the "easiest" gear and then adjust the low limit screw. That should do it. Anything else is just a matter of minor tension adjustments. You might as well learn to do it. Every cyclist needs to do it from time to time.
Thanks, this is what i ended up doing because everything was so screwy. Thanks everyone for the help, its running perfectly now.