-
Chords are such a pain; but, the good news is you’ll do just fine with them as time goes on. One week is not enough time especially if you are a beginner. Fingers need strength, flexibility and dexterity to create a chord and your fingers are not there yet …. and that is okay. Set yourself up for success.
First, make sure the guitar you’re using are for your fingers. For example, I have short stubby fingers so I need a smaller guitar for my fingers to reach. Bring your guitar to a local guitar shop and ask them if the guitar you are using is the best one for your fingers – it might be, it might not. In addition, strings matter. Certain strings on the guitar are harder to press down so you might have to change strings especially if the guitar is older or you don’t know what type of strings you have.
Second, finger exercises are needed just to help with the flexibility and independence of each finger. If not, you’ll only get frustrated in trying to form the chord. Finger and hand positioning are essential and this takes practice (and exercises).
Finally, start small. If you can’t do a 3-note chord, try the root note and then the next note in the chord (a two-note chord instead of three). Then work on adding the final note as you become more proficient. This will aid with the frustration level. Also, start with the easiest chords first – A minor, E minor, G & D and build from there. C is such a pain and F chord well there’s a reason why it is the “F”. They take months and one week is not enough.
A year ago I saw a guitarist with the fastest fingers imaginable playing with ease with short fat fingers. My hubby and I was talking with him after his set and it turned out he was in a car accident and he self taught himself guitar when he suffered hand injury from the accident. He said it wasn’t easy, but he did it (and amazing to watch him too). Anyway, try to stick it out – yes, frustrating in the beginning but you’ll have the biggest smile on your face when you finally get a good sounding chord especially the C and F. All the best…