One finger, three strings.

[WorldWithoutE]

Hi all. I just wanna ask about basic chord finger placement. I notice that for barre chords or chords that have a A major shape in it, most players tend to use just their ring(4th?) finger for the 2nd, 3rd and 4th strings for say a A#Major barre chord.

But when I try to do that, it seems that my finger can't bend enough to avoid either the 1st or the 5th string. I am using a Fender MIM Strat which has a smaller fingerboard radius to accommodate such fingering.

So, is it just a matter of practicing and making the finger be able to bend more, or is it something that I just can't do, so I have to use up 3 fingers?

Thanks!

 

[csds92]

nope, ur suppose to use the pinkie on the B string, the ring finger on the G string, and the middle finger on the D string

 

[Likui]

just experiment around try figure what's the best way for you to press the strings, just don't injured your hands and fingers. develop your own style that's cool u know

 

[theunknown]

I use the method mentioned by csds92. Works for me. Use what works and is comfortable for you.

 

[csds92]

well, what i mentioned was actually from the guitar chord book which teaches how to play any chord. if u've learnt guitar before, then 1,2,3 and 4 fingering positions will sound familiar. it just shows finger 1 being used to bar the fret with 2,3 and 4 pressing strings B,G and D. but, IF somehow ur pinkie has a long tip section, u could do it with just finger 1 and 4 (which are the index and pinkie).

IMO, logically, if only ur index and pinkie are used in that position, i dun think ur middle and ring finger will be required to press other notes, so since they're free, why not follow the book

 

[WorldWithoutE]

Well, the other 2 fingers have more freedom to add more notes for hammer-ons, add some flavour etc, at least that's what I have seen. Not so sure if that's useful, but yeah, I'll probably stick with the all fingers use thing for now... gotta get my basics right first .

 

[Likui]

well if you plan to teach next time then u must know the by right way lah which is what csds say. but after u know the by right u still can use by left