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  Tip on 3 Finger G

  Posted by J.T. on January 6, 2025 at 10:33 am

  This is a difficult chord for me. The stretch between the ring finger on 5th string and pinky on the 1st string can result in my pinky bending funny, but I discovered a way (for me) that helps. I temporarily change the chord shape; I switch out the ring finger with middle on 6th string, put my 1st finger on 5th string, and suddenly pinky straightens out! THEN if I replace the first and middle fingers with the 3 finger G shape while keeping my pinky down, I can play the 3 finger G chord with a straight(er) pinky!

  Going to take some work, but wanted to share that to see if it could help anyone else as well. The key is to switch the shape to using your 1st, middle & pinky fingers for the 3 finger G, then when you have a straight pinky switch out the 1st and middle fingers for the middle and ring while keeping your pinky straight.

  Hope this helps someone.

  • This discussion was modified 1 year, 2 months ago by  J.T..
  • This discussion was modified 1 year, 2 months ago by  J.T..
  • This discussion was modified 1 year, 2 months ago by  J.T..

  J.T. replied 1 year, 2 months ago 3 Members · 3 Replies
• 3 Replies

• 

  JohnWP

  Member

  January 7, 2025 at 6:34 am

  Yesterday’s challenge with the 3 finger G and the C/G cord threw me for a loop as I have always been playing the 4 finger cord. Took me some time and was good stretching exercise for my fingers but it’s becoming easier.

• 

  Skyman911

  Member

  January 7, 2025 at 9:34 am

  I was taught four different variations of the G chord depending on the song and chord transitions. Trying to remember what variation to use gets challenging.

  • 

    J.T.

    Member

    January 8, 2025 at 9:16 am

    Dont fret over it. Main goal is to play ANY G chord at the correct time in the song. Later you can figure out what G chord either is the easiest to play for you when going from and/or going to the next chord, OR you can choose the G chord based on the sound you want to in relation to the songs arrangement and what the other members of the band are playing. For example, you might want the more open sound of the 4 finger G (root, 5th, root on top) for one part of a song, but then add that 3rd back on the 2nd string with the 3 finger G w/ the open B string. Thats when you really have fun is crafting what YOU want to hear and why, rather than just playing on autopilot. But once you lock in the reasons why you are choosing a specific G chord, it should make it easier to remember which G chord to use.

    • This reply was modified 1 year, 2 months ago by  J.T..

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