Learning guitar is not about learning a bunch of chords. When beginning you'll learn some basic grips that you will use all over the neck. When you are comfortable picking them at the base you will pick them elsewhere too and you'll learn how these grips relate to each other. Basically all major chord grips are based on F, G and C (major) grips and combinations of them. Every combination gives another inversion and at certain positions you may invoke open strings as well. The typical F major and F# major (as you are most probably working on) are basically the same regarding the grip. While advancing you will discover that there are a few ways to pick it, depending on what you are playing or what the chord progression is, but when just beginning first try x-x-3-2-1-1. Your index finger on the thin B and E string covering the '1s'. Then your middle finger on the '2' and then your ring finger on the 3. If you move this grip 1 fret up the neck you'll get the F# major. One fret further it will be G major. And so on. As you progress you will put your index finger on 4 or even 6 strings (barre). Personally I stick with 4 and use my thumb very often, covering the bass E string and silencing the A string, or include it as well. I used to have difficulties with strict barre chords. Now it doesn't really matter anymore, but using the thumb still does give me much more freedom over other frets and strings. This however is not the recommended way to learn to play. When practicing barre chords you are working on your muscles which you will need in anything. Be aware that learning to play an instrument includes developing your body.
Request:
Having problem with F and F# chord.by KitacoIs there any way to learn this chord fairly easily? I\'m not totally clueless =x but I\'m a beginner.
Comments:
01
01.24.2011  tinyskateboard
It is harder to fret the F Major barre chord than almost any other because you are so close to the nut, and it's physically harder tho push the strings down because they are being held up by the nut and the saddle. Practice your A Major barre chord for practice.
02
01.24.2011
03
01.25.2011 nullnaught
@tinyskateboard. Try holding those 1's with just the first finger. That frees up your pinky.
04
01.25.2011 JustJeff
It's not the F major shape... it's an E major shape. F is the E major shape barred at the 1st fret.
05
01.25.2011 tinyskateboard
JustJeff: Gotta cheat if your're learning. It's funny I almost wrote a disclaimer for you specifically when I put in my comment. An axiom some teachers use is 'play what and how you want when you're learning, cause success is better than frustration, and quitting'.
06
01.25.2011 BodomBeachTerror
I use all sorts of different fingerings. I learned with the Barre, but then i found how to play some different cheats, which make it much easier for sus chords
07
01.25.2011 E.Koreman
I agree with both JustJeff and tinyskateboard. I learned shortcuts to get myself going while barre chords are not an issue anymore. I am sorry if that wasn't clear from my post. Sure you should learn the proper way to grip chords, but learning should also be fun. |
