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Original message:6 days 8 hours 17 minutes ago

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Member: Danno

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Okay, I've gotten fantastic advice so far.
Now, I'm trying to work on the basic C, D, & G chords. How normal is it for fingers to interfere with other strings by muting/buzzing?
Example: C chord
0
1
0
2
3
0
I think I did that right though I get the impression that the open (low) E in optional. Anyway... I have my index finger on 2nd string, first fret (C) but I'm having a hard time keeping it away from strings 1 and/or 3. I do not have particularly large fingers. I was also wondering if the guitar itself can be a factor.
D is a breeze but G it really tough on my wrist/top of my forearm. I know pain will be a factor until I get limber. The finger positioning for G is tough though. And the Gmaj that was mentioned in my previous post... Supposed to bridge all the strings at 3rd fret with index finger. I can't flatten my finger that much!! Haha.
So I would appreciate some constructive criticism/advice. Thanks

Dan

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Reply:6 days 8 hours 2 minutes ago
Member: shanejohnson2002

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It's entirely normal at first. It's something you have to concentrate on.

The first thing to try is changing your hand position. A good "classical" hand position can help you even if you have smaller hands. You simply anchor your thumb in the middle of the back of the neck. Check out the video for an example. This guy does it right. Notice how his thumb is hiding behind the neck. That allows you to reach farther around under the neck, which will help keep your fingers out of the way.

The open E is "optional" in a manner of speaking. It's one of the notes that make up the chord (C-E-G create C major). If you leave off the low E string, it's called a root position major chord, since the lowest note is C, or the "root" of the chord. Played with the E, it becomes a 6/4, or second inversion major chord.

That's really a bit too much information right now, but you did ask ;)

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Angels of mercy, guardians of time, shackled and chained to the eternal flame, the hammer will slowly arise.

Reply:6 days 2 hours 2 minutes ago
Member: sallan

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"Played with the E, it becomes a 6/4, or second inversion major chord"

C with E in the bass is a I6, or first inversion chord. I6/4 is second inversion....with G in the bass.

And yes, the buzzing, muting is normal. Try experimenting with your thumb position at the back of the neck. The closer your thumb gets to the top (bass part) of the neck, the less clearance your finger will have for the trebles. The more the thumb move toward the middle of the neck, the more you will be able to lift the index finger off the first string.

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Reply:5 days 23 hours 52 minutes ago
Member: RuiOlasBrandon 's

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My friends, this is the not-so-famous Classical Guitar.
Enjoy it. ;)

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Hey, I'm stupid!

Reply:5 days 18 hours 55 minutes ago
Member: shanejohnson2002

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Sallan,

Thanks for clearing that up. I always get my inversions bass-ackwards on guitar for some reason.

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Angels of mercy, guardians of time, shackled and chained to the eternal flame, the hammer will slowly arise.

Reply:6 days 7 hours 44 minutes ago
Member: Danno

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That is actually on of my favorite videos!!! I think it's amazing how every part of the song (guitar,bass, even vocals) are incorporated into his playing. It blows my mind.
And yes, that is a but mind numbing but as you said, I did ask ha!
Thank you shane! I'll keep at it!

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Reply:6 days 7 hours 6 minutes ago
Member: Fred Kraus

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This one might help you as well. It pretty much shows you what Shane has already told you. It's just a different perspective. By the way, there is an ad at the bottom of the video. It's not meant to be spam. I don't endorse any product here. I just think it's a good video for what your trying to do. Just stick with it and you'll be playing open chords in no time.

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This kid cracks me up!

Reply:5 days 21 hours 6 minutes ago
Member: Danno

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Thanks Fred and sallan! I am trying to be mindful of my thumb position. It keeps wanting to move to the top but I move it back to the middle.

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Reply:5 days 19 hours 7 minutes ago
Member: Danno

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Speaking of thumb position: Is your thumb supposed to point toward the head stock or toward the ceiling? Or does it depend of finger position at the time?

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Reply:5 days 19 hours 5 minutes ago
Member: Fred Kraus

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The ceiling. Try to keep your fingers parallel to the frets.

It's tough at first to keep that thumb in the center but when you do that not only does it give you clearance to reach the low E string but your hand can also swivel from left to right giving you more fret range. You won't have to slide your hand on the back of the neck as much to reach certain frets. This reduces arm motion and enables you to reach more areas of the fretboard with greater ease. At first though everything feels awkward. Also try a much as you can to keep that hand relaxed. Do not tense up! It's natural at first to want to do this because your putting so much effort into building your dexterity and hand strength but tension is really bad for playing. Just keep at it. That's the main thing.

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Reply:5 days 18 hours 59 minutes ago
Member: Danno

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Fred that is a very helpful video, thanks!

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Reply:5 days 18 hours 57 minutes ago
Member: Danno

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Excellent! Thanks again Fred!!!

You guys are all great. I'm getting more and more inspired to keep at it!!

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