Challenging C-Chord

[Philb]

It is a challenge on many chords to get all the notes clear, and not muffle some with a finger on another string. It is a common thing we all struggle with, work on, and get better at with time. I am not sure how you are fretting it; but fretting with the tip of the finger, not the pad, is the goal. Then having the finger coming onto the string straight, at a right angle to the fret board, a sharp turn at that last knuckle; not angled at 45 degrees, is something to work on if you are not doing that. I find it tough to do on certain chords, a challenge for sure. Time and practice, and you will see improvement.

[JeffK]

Just a belated thank you for your response on the C-chord. I appreciate the suggestions. Still working on it! Then Tony threw in the F-chord, doggoneit!

JeffK

[N-lightMike]

Hey @JeffK ;

I’m gonna have to agree with @Philb . I do not believe it is “fat fingers”. I do believe you are muting the high E string because your finger is too flat. You are muting the G string because your finger is pushing up past the B string and touching the G string. And again, it’s because your finger it too flat to the fretboard. Like Phil already said, your fingers have to be more arched. Try dropping your thumb lower on the back of the neck and push your wrist forward so you can get more arch. Then make sure you are using the tip of your finger and not the pad just as Phil has said.

Do some experimenting and then get back to us. Ask more questions if necessary… or, let us know about your success.

MG 😀

[JeffK]

Same for you , MIke. Just a belated thank you for your response on the C-chord. I appreciate the suggestions. Still working on it! Then Tony threw in the F-chord, doggoneit!

JeffK

[Loraine]

Hey @JeffK welcome to the TAC community! The C chord can be a challenge, and you’re not alone when it comes to muffled strings. I agree with Phil about making sure you have good arch in your fingers; move your wrist further forward (thumb will automatically go lower on neck, as Mike suggested). Pushing your wrist forward causes your fingers to curve more. Another trick I learned with the C chord was to allow index fingertip (finger 1) to rest on the low E while fretting the A string. The low E isn’t played with the C chord, so having your finger rest on it won’t harm anything. This allows enough room for your middle finger (finger 2) to fret the D string without interference, and the A string is free of obstacles too, since your finger is placed higher up on the string while resting the tip on the low E. Hope this makes sense. Good luck, and I’m so happy you’re having fun on your guitar journey!

[JeffK]

And for you, Loraine. Just a belated thank you for your response on the C-chord. I appreciate the suggestions. Still working on it! Then Tony threw in the F-chord, doggoneit!

JeffK

[Loraine]

Got such a good laugh at your response. I guarantee you’ll be able to play both chords in the near future, keep up on practicing them.

[Bill_Brown]

Hi @JeffK , welcome to TAC. Listen to what everyone is telling you – arch – fingertips. Now one thing that I haven’t read from everyone’s posts is a way to get more arch, and that is palm position on the back of the neck. If you shift your palm forward (counterclockwise – palm away from your body – fingers coming toward you), that will give the ability to create more arch and allow for your fingertips to fret the strings. Hope that makes sense, good luck with your journey.

Oops, I see that @MikeGaurnier is echoing what I’m saying, but in a different way.

• This reply was modified 4 years, 3 months ago by  Bill_Brown.
• This reply was modified 4 years, 3 months ago by  Bill_Brown.