Question on Lesson 1

[zbalz]

I just want to make sure I understand something. The last paragraph of the last page of the last section of lesson 1, Stonedragon says "when it comes to playing open position chords, I will usually use the baseball bat hand position). I just want to make sure open position chords are those 8 shown previously, and should the same be done with power chords?

-Zbalz

[CyberCobre]

Hi zbalz,

SD is out of town this weekend, so he won't be able to answer until he gets back on Sunday night. I'm getting another professional guitar player to answer you in the interim. Your patience is greatly appreciated.

CC

[Sixstring]

I couldn't stand the thought of you having to wait for SD to get back so I took a look at the lesson.

Yes, he is talking about using a baseball bat grip on the open position "must know" chords. It's common to wrap the thumb over the top of the neck to mute, for example, the low E string when strumming an open A.

I don't know what he recommends for a barre (power chord) grip, but I seriously doubt it's the same baseball bat grip. It can be done, but you'll find it more difficult to move from rhythm to lead because your balance will constantly be changing. I suggest you start with your thumb behind your first or second finger, at the middle of the width of the neck. This is not an absolute position, just a good starting point. From there you should experiment with grip and position until you find your comfort zone.

Hope that helps. :)

[Bluice]

On barre chords that barre all six strings I use a "change the light bulb grip". It gives me as much freedom of movement for each finger as any position I've found.Hope this helps.

[CyberCobre]

You guys are so great for helping. That's what I like about this forum.

[StoneDragon]

zbalz,

Yes.. those 8 chords are the "open position" chords that I am talking about. No... don't use the baseball bat grip for power chords. Keep your thumb back behind the neck so you can flatten out your fingers.

Bluice,

What is the "change the lightbulb grip"?