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Just starting out…have some questions
Question on the blues shuffle: In the lesson video Tony mentions to hit both strings of each section and it’s hard to see if both strings are being played. However in the play-through video, on the close-up video of the strumming, it looks like only the open string is being played – and that is how it sounds like. Please clarify! I am on lesson 1 and already confused :). Thanks!
Also – in the same lesson – my hand is not big enough to have the index finger and ring finger in the 2nd and fourth fret at the same time. I find I either have to use my pinky or lift up my hand and slide it over but that sometimes produces unwanted sound. Advise on the best way to do this?
Thanks!
-Ben
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4 Replies
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I just went and watched the lesson and yes he is hitting 2 strings for each strum. It’s not obvious from watching but I can tell by listening to it and the fact that there would not be any change in the pitch if he was only hitting the open string.
As for your fingers, it’s not a hand size issue, it just that you are just starting and your fingers haven’t stretched and loosened up. This will happen, but it will take a while, so don’t worry too much about it at this point. It’s ok to either slide you fingers up, or use your pinky. Most people have problems using the pinky but it’s not strong enough in the beginning, but that works for you then great, you building it up even more.
The goal is here is to give it a good try, but don’t strive for perfection, when you have give it a try, move on to the next lesson. It’s progress over perfection.
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I have been playing on and off for many years, but mostly just strumming chords. I’m struggling with the stretch from the 2nd to the 4th fret as well. As someone else mentioned, sliding or using your pinky finger are both acceptable ways to play this until your fingers stretch and get limbered up. I currently have to take my index finger off the 2nd fret to reach the 4th fret with my ring finger, but as I practice it is getting easier. The main thing is to not get frustrated, keep practicing this, but work on other areas as well. Some aspects will come easier than others. Be happy for the things that work, and keep practicing on the things that need work until they fall in place.
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Thanks!
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I’ve just been practicing this; I tried both ways, pinky and sliding. I prefer the pinky because you can fret at 2 and leave your index down, then just press the pinky on 4 when needed. Seems smoother to me. Roy
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