I'm still at a low level (beginner) learning chords. Attempting D7 but I'm finding my fingers really have to be placed with high precision to avoid keeping finger 3 away from string 2. I can just about do it with my fingers slightly slanted with micro-movements to avoid string 2 (after persevering). I don't have particularly fat fingers so not blaming my fingers. I think it's all about technique/practice/ergonomics. I'm going to stick at it but wondered how other newbies handled this.
I'll be amazed if my muscle memory gets to a level where I can do this on auto-pilot !
Using an EPI Les Paul Standard (lefty) by the way. I'm sat quite low at the minute (have a stool on order) with strap and guitar angled slightly up.
Appreciate any suggestions :-)
Comments
Or, play it in a different position, eg
- barre on fret 7 plus fret 8 on top string
- F-shape on fret 10 with little finger on fret 13, 5th string
But, mostly just practiseR.
Eqd Speaker Cranker clone
Monte Allums TR-2 Plus mod kit
Trading feedback: http://www.thefretboard.co.uk/discussion/60602/
Its a bit subjective but I reckon, approximately, this is an incomplete list of the order of difficulty of sounding chords successfully
E
A
D
G ( as in, 320003) (but you could use 3x0003 much more easily)
C
D7
B7
C7
G7
E barre chord
A barre chord
others...
Keep going, I started at 14 gave up, had another go at 16 gave up, finally had a go at 18 and kept at it. BTW I'm 54 now. See Randall Flaggs comment.
I remember when I first tried to learn A Design for Life by the Manics and was mind blown at how difficult the chord transitions were in the verses. I thought I would never be able to play it cleanly, let alone play it at speed, so left it for a good few years. Last week I decided to revisit it and guess what, I can actually play the darn thing quite cleanly and at speed too.
I still can not play JDB's solos but that's another story.
"You don't know what you've got till the whole thing's gone. The days are dark and the road is long."
Also, I started out with a Les Paul (copy) and found it initially uncomfortable, but have adapted over the couple of months or so I've been playing/learning so far.
Finally, I'm assuming that although you're left handed you have it strung conventionally, just a mirror image left-right to a right hander - eg the lowest E string is at the top of the fretboard. I imagine some chords would be a bit harder to play if it were reversed (and probably, some made easier too).
My cents worth.
Nil Satis Nisi Optimum
*Edit: thinking about this, it may involve the player tensing his arm as much as possible then trying to revert to the previous score of tension. It is one or the other, easy to try both and find out.
Nil Satis Nisi Optimum
Firstly, when you start learning an instrument, or in fact any new complex skill, it's gonna be tough. As the other guys have said it takes a lot of practice to get the hang of even the most rudimentary stuff. Most of us have gone through the same pain. Hang in there.
Secondly, the bit that rarely gets mentioned but is very important.....relaxation and posture. Before fighting with whatever chord it is, get your self comfy. This doesn't necessarily require a fancy stool. It requires you to look at yourself and honestly get comfortable, spot any muscle tension and let it go. Then start playing.
good luck
2 set the strap to support the guitar when you're seated, Do not adjust the strap if/when you start playing standing.
3 practise with a metronome.
4 short daily regular practise is better than 1 long weekly session.
5. enjoy
Ringleader of the Cambridge cartel, pedal champ and king of the dirt boxes (down to 21)
@Sporky, I have edited my post about this. I may have it wrong, as far as I can remember it is tensing the arm as much as possible then reverting to the original tension score. Sorry for the long winded description.
Nil Satis Nisi Optimum