TAC Family Forums

Hi Brandon,

When I mentioned the Low/High E, I was talking about the sound pitch. The thicker string makes the low E sound and the thinnest string has the high E sound. So, EADGBE I am going from the thickest to the thinnest strings. In the TAB, the bottom line is the thick string and each line going up is getting thinner.

As for using which fingers, it depends on the chord and what feels the most comfortable for you. In the beginning, your fingers will not be flexible for some of the chords (my nemensis is the C chord/F Barr), so try but don’t get discourage and work around them when you get more familiar with the FRET board. Some Chord diagrams will give you which fingers to use. You’ll see numbers from 1-4 underneath the Chord diagram. The “1” is the Index finger, “2” Middle finger, “3” Ring finger and “4” pinky. I don’t know if Tony chord diagrams have them, but you’ll see them on other YT video instructions. When you see a CHORD diagram, remember a few things – “X” – don’t play that string, “O” – open string, just strike it, “# (number)” refers to the fret number and what string to play it on.

Tony has the “play” videos in the lessons. Definitely analyze them to see what fingers he is using. He usually tells you. I’ve been printing out the TAB and writing which finger to use underneath the numbers (I,M,R,P) so I know. Also, you have the option to slow down those videos. There is a speed option, so I HIGHLY recommend slowing down the videos to grasp what is happening (a .5x instead of a 1x). Sometimes they go so fast, you can’t see the nuisances.

Also, you’ll find that a lot of people hang out at the Daily Challenges. So if you have questions, just ask over there. Tony has a “Skill Courses” section on the website, usually you can find some answers in the “Skill” or “Technique” section. I would highly recommend trying some finger exercises since those chords will give you grief. Gather small wins in the beginning…there is a lot to take in and the learning curve is steep at the start. But keep at it and you’ll be accumulating the wins in no time.

• This reply was modified 2 years, 2 months ago by  TerriG.