First Lesson

[Keith Richardson]

I know that this is about the first lesson and all but you have to start somewhere. I find myself bending the strings left and right will trying to fit my fings between the strings. That way I dont get that dull sound when I play the chord is this normal, bad practice, or am I doing something wrong? Following is an example in case you cannot get my meaning from the above text.

ex: When playing C Maj I might move my middle finger slightly up towards the top of the guitar in order to avoid hitting the fourth string down.

also. when you play a chord should you fingers be directly in line or can the be staggered slight. like on E Maj can the number 2 3 fingers be staggerd on the fret or should the be one behind the other?

Thanks for any replies i get.

[StoneDragon]

Hi Keith,

You have to make small adjustments to your hand and finger position until the chords work, but if you are bending the strings sideways, then that is not good. Your chords will not play in tune that way, and you'll be applying extra tension with the hand that will inhibit your fluidity on the fingerboard.

I've seen folks with amazingly fat and stubby fingers play any chord you can imagine, but they worked with the chords until their muscles and nerves were trained. That is what you have to do as well. It may not seem like you could possibly do anything different, but as you keep practicing those chords, your hands will make minute shifts. After a time, you'll be able to grab those chords quickly and accurately. Everybody goes through this.

Your fingers don't have to be exactly in line with each other either. They just have to hold the string down at the correct fret.

Keep working with it. You'll get it.

[Keith Richardson]

Thanks for the reply, and I know you hear this a lot but you are right. I have read across this board and constantly I am reading how right you are. So far which is not far mind you the lesson have been very informative and helpful. My fingers in just a couple of days are already finding the chords much easier and thanks for the sight and the encouragement.