Advice on fingering

chrisoldroyd

A question I have is when I play triads like the chords at the beginning of Substitute by The Who. I need to barre the high E and B strings at the Fifth Fret and play the 6th fret of the G and strum the strings 4-1. I can't do this comfortably at all using my first finger for the barre and second finger on the G string, its really awkward and uncomfortable and I mute the string below with my second finger so I swap my second finger for my third and I can play it that way no issue. Is it ok do it this way or should I persevere with fingers 1 and 2? 

Is it an area that I need to work on or should I not worry about it?

Thanks
Chris

SouthpawMark

Make sure you ask permission first. 

Maynehead

Try barring all 3 strings with your fist finger. This should allow your second finger to come down on the g string in a more upright position, which should help with the accidental muting of adjacent strings.

mgaw

bending the tip upwards seems to hit the spot

revsorg

Wash your hands afterwards, otherwise the fishy smell will linger.

mart

I don’t play that intro with any barres at all - for the A chord, I’d use my 1st finger on the B string, my 2nd finger on the E, and 3rd on the G. Same, obviously, for the G chord. That’s just what comes naturally to me.

danishbacon

danishbacon

I've just tried what you described, 1st and 2nd finger is indeed a bit awkward. 1st and 3rd no problem. Depends on where it goes next but wouldn't worry about it. 

Bridgehouse

danishbacon said:

I think I was at that party...

poopot

danishbacon said:

I've just tried what you described, 1st and 2nd finger is indeed a bit awkward. 1st and 2nd no problem. Depends on where it goes next but wouldn't worry about it. 

Thats called “the shocker”

ToneControl

mart said:

I don’t play that intro with any barres at all - for the A chord, I’d use my 1st finger on the B string, my 2nd finger on the E, and 3rd on the G. Same, obviously, for the G chord. That’s just what comes naturally to me.

that's what i just tried too, seems the best option

sixwheeltyrrel

I'd suggest persevering with the first finger barre (across all three top strings) and the second for the adjacent fret on the g string. It sounds as if the second finger needs to be a little more arched so as to avoid muting the b string? Having the first finger across all three makes it easier to either mute or let the open d ring with a very slight repositioning. It will also mean less adjustment when shifting to the d triad shape  i.e. switching the second finger from the g to b string without anything else changing.