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Post by bleatoid on Jun 29, 2019 23:29:51 GMT
If you’re playing fingerstyle in standard tuning and need an F chord in the first position, including a first fret 6th string bass “F” note, do you:
a) barre the whole thing with your index finger
b) use the index finger on strings 1 and 2 and wrap your thumb onto first fret 6
c) have a cunning plan / helpful hints / subtle variations
I can play a) or b) with equal unpredictability / accuracy so would welcome any c) ideas.
peter
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Riverman
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Post by Riverman on Jun 29, 2019 23:42:55 GMT
b)
And I don’t usually bother fretting or playing the fifth string, as I’ll probably be alternating the bass between the Fs on the 6th and 4th strings.
And further, maybe it’s just my playing style but I find it’s only really necessary to make light contact with the 6th string with the thumb...I don’t really wrap it around as such. Makes it easier to move the shape up the neck.
Your mileage may vary, as they say...
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leoroberts
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My main instrument is: probably needing new strings
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Post by leoroberts on Jun 30, 2019 5:09:33 GMT
B pretty much every time.
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Post by scorpiodog on Jun 30, 2019 5:47:36 GMT
I do not know why, but A). Every time. It’s a curse. There are many occasions when it just makes more sense to play B) (every time you go from C for example!) but I have to concentrate, screw up my eyes and hold my breath to do it that way. Stupid, stupid, stupid!
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ocarolan
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Post by ocarolan on Jun 30, 2019 7:58:45 GMT
b) And I don’t usually bother fretting or playing the fifth string, as I’ll probably be alternating the bass between the Fs on the 6th and 4th strings. And further, maybe it’s just my playing style but I find it’s only really necessary to make light contact with the 6th string with the thumb...I don’t really wrap it around as such. Makes it easier to move the shape up the neck. ..................... This. It gives max flexibility as Richard said, plus the possibility using 3rd finger alternating between 4th and 5th sting For either an alternating bass 4th and 5th, or 6th, 4th, 5th, 4th, and the scope to add 4th finger for extra notes eg 3rd fret top string, 3rd fret 2nd string (and bend). Also I'll often leave the 3rd string open, which sounds nice! Keith |
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Post by martinrowe on Jun 30, 2019 9:37:21 GMT
B - but just to fill it out a bit. The Freddie Green style F Chord is nice.
First finger: 4th string 3rd fret (F)
Fourth finger: 3rd string 5th fret (C)
Third finger: 6th string 5th fret (A -use this to damp the 5th string as well)
Only play those three strings - no others.
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Post by bleatoid on Jun 30, 2019 11:49:27 GMT
Thanks for the responses guys - very helpful and instructive. You know, I’m beginning to wonder if it wouldn’t be helpful for me to learn which notes are where on the fretboard....a little thought and efficiency could go a long way.... I have historically a)’d but have always struggled with a clean barre - even though it’s only the outer strings I need to worry about with that shape - been b)ing lately and struggling a little with a buzzing 5th string - so your comment re light contact is useful Riverman. When I get around to learning my second chord I’ll come back to you all. Much appreciated. |
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Post by jonnymosco on Jun 30, 2019 12:00:57 GMT
Try a different key?
Jonny
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Post by bleatoid on Jun 30, 2019 22:15:03 GMT
Try a different key? Jonny What? Give up? After only 44 years of trying? |
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Post by peterh on Jul 1, 2019 9:36:41 GMT
Hello all,
At risk of stating the obvious, for me after 48 years of trying, was face to face no escape lessons....
You might then find you can play it any old way you like!
All regards PeterH
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colins
Luthier / Guitar Maker
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Post by colins on Jul 1, 2019 9:55:12 GMT
My policy was always to only fret the notes I actually wanted to play.
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Post by vikingblues on Jul 1, 2019 18:48:26 GMT
Option A for me. I'd like to go option B and wrap the thumb around but my hand is too small. My thumb seems the wrong sort of shape too! Petite plucker class for me in the Soundboard forum hand size survey a few years back.  My only "cunning plan" is that I don't use standard tuning much and if I do I try to avoid the use of full barre chords down at the headstock end anyway. Not much of a plan and rather low in cunning-osity!  Mark |
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Post by andyhowell on Jul 2, 2019 9:05:32 GMT
Having spent more time playing standard tuning this weekend than I have for ages I'd say B but only most of the time. It doesn't work for some things. Richard's partial barre makes a lot of sense in some situations an the focus on just the three strings can work nicely as it gives you a higher pitched chord sound which works well with gentler fingerstyle.
However, I personally think Jonny's suggestion is the best :-)
I've found myself playing bounce and ragtime-y blues in DADGAD a lot recently! What makes this really is the right hand technique of bounce and chords become very easy :-)
Increasingly I'm for an easy life. Mind you this weekend I had to work out an arrangement to Richard Thompson's Dimming of the Day which the singer sang naturally in F. Iv'e always loved that song bu absolutely hate playing it. I ended up in C sus 2 sus 9 capo on 5. Kept life simple :-)
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ocarolan
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Post by ocarolan on Jul 2, 2019 9:17:50 GMT
One of my favourite F shapes (though it doesn't fit the brief in bleatoid's original post) is x87068 ie a C shape (with pinky on 1st string fret 3) moved up 5 frets. Obvs it's actually an Fadd9 if you use all the strings, but you don't have to esp when picking. 3rd finger can move from 8 on 5th string to 8 on 6th string to get an alternating bass (and also give access to an A note, open 5th string) Pinky on 8 can lift to give an nice open e to give a maj7 flavour or you could then think of it as a Csus4 if you play the right strings. A v useful shape and can get the easiest Eb I know if you move the C shape up 3 frets. Or move the C up 2 frets for a Paul Simony D, or up 7 frets for a G, 9 for an A (7) Pinky pull-off to open e and hammer back on is fun in some of these positions too, or just leave it off. Keith |
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Post by bleatoid on Jul 2, 2019 11:22:24 GMT
Thanks chaps - I shall get my whiteboard and markers out later and investigate.
Keen to stay in key (Am) for this project and the thumb wrap of option b) is getting better with a lighter touch (and some disciplined practice).
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