ok, for all you funky players out there. just learning and have a question for you. I have a difficult time trying to play the B and F major chords. I can't seem to get my fingers to cover all the strings on the 2nd fret for B and the 1st fret for F. Any tips on how to accomplish this?

You can either go for the over-achiever approach - play all the strings, or, you can do the "close enough might not make Robert Fripp happy" approach.

For F, or ANY chord that's barred and the root is on the low E string. Hang your thumb over to fret that note. That frees up your fingers to focus on the other strings.



Second, that B string is a doozy. Most of the time, the easy way to put it to bed is to use the fat fleshy part of your index finger - the part where you'd have a ring if you wore it on your index finger - use that beefy part to just mute the b string. It may seem a little hard to manage those two things at first, but with a little time, you'll do it without even thinking about it.

Now, OBVIOUSLY, there are some chords where you'd want that B string to sound.

Think of your fingers as long boxes - there's 4 flat sides. The fingerprint side, the top side, and two side-sides. If you rock your finger slightly, you can get a corner to hold down the strings on the fret. Laying your finger flat on the fret-board can wear you out. But if you rotate your finger slightly counter-clockwise (and actually, what I'm talking about is WHERE you apply pressure from that finger) you can get your whole finger to hold down all 6 strings.

See how this guy's finger isn't laying flat on the fretboard? That's what I'm talking about.


and an even EASIER way to play that chord - just use two fingers


(BTW - images are pulled from this page: www.guitar-lessons-centra...hord.html)

The trained guitarists - and classical players - will probably ask to have me banned for those to suggestions. Remember - the end justifies the means here. Like already pointed out - there's more than one way to accomplish something on guitar. You can try my suggestion, or go for the correct/proper way. Or what the heck, take up slide guitar, where chords dont matter.

I'm here for you. That's me.
[Edited 10/27/06 8:11am]
[Edited 10/27/06 8:13am]

try really really hard and then try some more

or just play half the chord if you don't feel like trying anymore. I rarely bother barring those 2 frets myself, though I can do it fine

Barre chords take FOREVER to master...
i still havent got em completely down yet
just keep trying,

thanks, the bottom approach for the B is the one i was using. i got most of em, but was struggling with the be and e strings. thought maybe i was doing something wrong, but it is all in building the strength i guess. for now i focus on songs that dont have F & B whilst still practing on those.

txladykat said:

yah thats the best thing you could do, stick to songs with out barre chords,
or you can just turn the B major chord to a B5 power chord, won't sound exactly the same but it'll be similar
another option is using alternate tunings, until you build up your finger muscles

oh, don't be a wuss about barre chords, I was doing them within my first 2 years of playing (self-taught). They're not so bad, just stick it out and get 'er done

I love someone's idea (beau?) on another thread about plucking your guitar while you watch tv. The point is to get intimately familiar with it. People may think it sounds dumb but I call it a spiritual connection.

Rudy said:

I agree. I have only had my guitar for a week now. I have it with me every evening when i sit down in front of the tv. it is the only chance i get to play. so i usually sit there for several hours just playing the major chords over and over, sometimes strumming, sometimes just fingering them. i actually find it hard to put it down to get some sleep, but know i have to because work still pays the bills, LOL.

the barres are hard for a beginner, but i wont give up. i will keep trying, i was just wondering if i was going about it the wrong way. i had tried the techniques beau suggested and still find it difficult, but i am sure it will come with time.

i taught myself keys, and am teaching myself guitar. i have found that in the short time i have had the guitar though i enjoy it much much more than i did keys. funny, i never would have though that though. i feel so passionate about it that i want to learn it inside and out, i want to learn everything i can. i am a very driven person, when i set my sights something, i dont give up until i have reached my goal...

yeah if anyone is interested.....i'm a professional musician only 20 per lesson

Txladykat, you are doing precisely the right thing by practising to build strength. As with many developed skills, it doesn't come overnight. Over time, the pads of the fingers which generally hold down individual strings will toughen. As for barre chords, once you have mastered barring with your first finger (and inevitably this takes time) the opportunity to play chords up and down the neck in any key opens up, so the investment is well worth it. The best piece of advice I was given when I read a book to teach myself how to play over 30 years ago was to ignore any tutor or guide which was called 'Learn to play in a day'. Your motivation and desire will serve you very well.

Very good luck with it all - and keep enjoying it.

.

also - what size strings are you using?

When I started out, I think I had 9s - sometimes 8s - but those things break all the time. Now I'm up to a very manly 10.

good point - those 9's and 8's are easier to push down, but all the great tonesmiths say ya just gotta have 10's or heavier. I personally find them a little hard to bend so I continue to buy GHS Boomer 9's - how 1985 is that?

I wouldn't be too concerned with string gauge at this point however - it's more about quality. I learned to play on my Dad's POS Conn classical, which I SWEAR has most of the same strings that it did 30 YEARS AGO. Why I didn't change them, I don't know. Relatively fresh strings make playing so much happier

beauhall said:

right now i am using 9's. a friend suggested i start with those and as i get better and build speed i consider 10's.

carlar said:

um...but I am in Texas

also, the calluses on the fingers have finally built up , i find my index finger more so than the rest. however, on that particular finger the skin is becoming, how shall i put it? scaley? kinda peeling i guess. tips for this?

txladykat said:

its normal, if you want you can dip your hands in spirits, or vinegar, to help them solidify
its what i do,
sometimes i play for so long my hands begin to ache, and thats what i do to maximize my playing hours
i believe i got that from an eric clapton forum