Hi Janet. I don't like 14 fret guitars for that reason. I have to stretch out making those chords more difficult with shorter fingers. I have 12 fret guitars which solves the problem. A capo on 1st fret works on a 14 fret as you don't have to detune the strings much to make the standard E A D G B e notes. Detuning trains the ear. If you capo higher and detune the strings they can get floppy and buzz during playing.
Your videos are so helpful! Thank you! I'm curious if you have similar advice but for folks who are starting out and trying to get better at G chord using the middle, ring, and pinky fingers. Thank you!
Lisa Rimmert hi! Thanks for your comment. Yes, I definitely like using pinky, ring and middle best. There are lots of advantages. I usually don’t have beginners try that one until after pinky is behaving properly. Have you tried this version? Is it giving you trouble? I think similar principles would apply. Another trick with G at first is to just let it be ok if the finger on the 6th string is muting the 5th string. Then later it gets easier to get the 5th string ringing too.
Often, a guitar with a slightly shorter neck can make a big difference. You can experiment with this idea by putting a capo on the second or third fret and that will allow you to play your chords a little higher where the frets are a little closer. Also, overtime your hands will become more flexible. My husband, Hamp, has pretty short fingers, and he really likes guitars with a shorter scale. Please comment again if you need more help with this.
You're welcome! I've also been realizing lately how helpful it is to suggest to folks that you can feel free to play part of a chord shape. We tend to think of "a chord" as one thing, but it is 6 notes. Most instruments don't require us to play six notes all at once as beginners. Feel free to get just part of it. just the lower four strings. or just the higher four strings. or let the 5th string be muted. Experienced, expert guitarists play parts of chord shapes all the time. Gradually, your fingers will become more flexible and more willing to bend to your will. In the mean time, you can modify for yourself. Don't let a chord shape hold you up. There are lots of good things to practice that are just one note at a time, and after that kind of practice, chord shapes eventually become easier. Good luck. Let me know if you run into a snag.
Hi Janet. I don't like 14 fret guitars for that reason. I have to stretch out making those chords more difficult with shorter fingers. I have 12 fret guitars which solves the problem. A capo on 1st fret works on a 14 fret as you don't have to detune the strings much to make the standard E A D G B e notes. Detuning trains the ear. If you capo higher and detune the strings they can get floppy and buzz during playing.
Your videos are so helpful! Thank you! I'm curious if you have similar advice but for folks who are starting out and trying to get better at G chord using the middle, ring, and pinky fingers. Thank you!
Lisa Rimmert hi! Thanks for your comment. Yes, I definitely like using pinky, ring and middle best. There are lots of advantages. I usually don’t have beginners try that one until after pinky is behaving properly. Have you tried this version? Is it giving you trouble? I think similar principles would apply. Another trick with G at first is to just let it be ok if the finger on the 6th string is muting the 5th string. Then later it gets easier to get the 5th string ringing too.
Keep working at it. It will come.
Thank you Janet for your videos! I just watched your video about the G chord, very helpful. My question is any tips for small-chubby hands? Gracias!
Often, a guitar with a slightly shorter neck can make a big difference. You can experiment with this idea by putting a capo on the second or third fret and that will allow you to play your chords a little higher where the frets are a little closer. Also, overtime your hands will become more flexible. My husband, Hamp, has pretty short fingers, and he really likes guitars with a shorter scale. Please comment again if you need more help with this.
THANKS.....
Thanks. Your video helped me a lot!
Raj Rathore great news! I’m glad it helped!
I don't need a shorter neck..my ARMS aren't too short. Its that my FINGERS won't stretch 4 frets!
THANK YOU BECAUSE IVE STARTED TO LOSE HOPE BECAUSE THE E STRING KEPT BUZZING EVERY TIME I TRY TO PLAY IT, I APPRECIATE YOU
You're welcome! I've also been realizing lately how helpful it is to suggest to folks that you can feel free to play part of a chord shape. We tend to think of "a chord" as one thing, but it is 6 notes. Most instruments don't require us to play six notes all at once as beginners. Feel free to get just part of it. just the lower four strings. or just the higher four strings. or let the 5th string be muted. Experienced, expert guitarists play parts of chord shapes all the time. Gradually, your fingers will become more flexible and more willing to bend to your will. In the mean time, you can modify for yourself. Don't let a chord shape hold you up. There are lots of good things to practice that are just one note at a time, and after that kind of practice, chord shapes eventually become easier. Good luck. Let me know if you run into a snag.