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Responses
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Day 4 – ‘E’ Shape Exam
Responses
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For me it’s the B string, I have very fat knuckles, but with a little maneuvering I can make it sound really good.
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Must. Improve. Hand. Strength.
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my fingers are saying ‘you want us to do what?’
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mine said the same thing!
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My win today was that the high e string was ringing clear, unlike earlier this week. Low E string is a different story – still muffled or muted. Definitely feeling this week’s challenge in my wrist.
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Wow, that’s a burner for sure!
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Good to check basic’s once in awhile.
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I tried several of the suggestions in today’s comments – to no avail. I feel so left out when I see Tony and others looking so at ease doing their perfect barre chords. Why not me?! I need a new index finger on my fretting hand.
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I need longer fingers!
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Another day down. doing better than a few months ago when I tried barre chords. This is one where I am seeing progress.
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Continuing to have issues with the B and High E strings. Any tips would be appreciated!
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This is a really helpful week! Doesn’t seem to be one right way to do it, as some have said. Depends on your finger length, grip strength and the width of your guitar neck. One adjustment that helps me get the B string to sing is to rotate my index finger just a little by moving my wrist joint just a little closer to the guitar body. This puts the firmer side of the index finger in play rather than the fleshy pads and it’s easier to compress the strings.
Another huge issue is the adjustment of the nut. Most guitars out of the factory have unnecessarily large string heights above the first fret, often 0.020 – 0.030 inch. It’s well worth having your local guitar shop check this and to get the nut heights down to not more than about 0.015 inch. Makes a real difference in barre chords on the first several frets. Electric guitars can go even lower.
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That’s great advice! I have a cheap guitar and it was impossible to play a clear f chord. I did some research and did the adjustment myself. It helped, but I found that it helps with a better guitar.
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Great improvement! Win!
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Needs more work, a lot.
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Struggling but showing some improvement but will continue to work on it.
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Ouch! as well. Poor sound quality on the E shape F. Need to work the fingers more. The exercise is
good. Hope to toughen up the fingers to get that better sound. -
The daily excercise has really paid off. Feels good,sounds good.
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Ouch!! Fingers are smarting today but I kept up with the play along and had fairly good sound throughout! Hoo! RAH!
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There was a time I thought I could never be able to play barre chords, like @SharonSings said, and it turns out I was right. Most of you can and that’s great. Me, I will spend barre chord lessons working on other skills. I hope my working around my limitations will help me become a better guitarist. See ya next week!
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You can try to find work arounds that are more comfortable. Try playing an F chord on just the D G and B strings. Third fret of the D, second fret of the G and first fret of the B. You are then playing an F, A and C, the three notes you need for an F chord. Sure, the full barre chord sounds richer and deeper, but in a song using three strings would be fine, just don’t play the low E, the A nor the high E.
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I’m curious, do you make the chord shape first or the Barre shape first. I make the chord shape first then add the Barre. I don’t seem to need to adjust the Barre finger as much this way. Which way works for you?
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I’m with you jorgemac. Chord shape first and then the barre. Scout with the middle finger then apply either the E shape(major) or em shape(minor), A shape or am shape, and then apply the barre.
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going through the exercise but b string is often muted
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I like the emphasis on hitting each string separately to ensure that I’m getting a good clear chord. Previously I was content with getting most of the strings to ring out clearly. This is a good exercise to repeat frequently.
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Sorry to see that Big_Mack is leaving, but hope that his next journey is rewarding.
So, I have difficulty making this barre chord shape, but as I said I was going to do, I added a capo, and playing the F chord shape up the fret, I actually was able to do, AND, I was able to move it up and back down the frets and still have the strums clear.
Excellent small win for me!
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If you’re having trouble making the clear bar chord at the nut but can play it further up on the fretboard, your nut may be too tall. The clearance between the first 2 or 3 frets and the strings may be too great. I had Sweetwater lower mine to the minimum, and it made all the difference.
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Gaining stamina with the barred F chord equals not avoiding using the barre F chord.
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I did not have any trouble with the barred F chord.
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Getting this shape down.
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Aw, @Big_Mack, you will be missed! As a fellow TAC member, I have enjoyed reading your comments and positive statements! Wish you the best, and continued joy in your guitar journey!
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The key to a successful barre (for me) has been the placement of the “fat pad” at the underside of the bottom of my index finger. I like to cover the hiE, B and G strings with it while applying the necessary pressure. Most times that leaves the tip of my index finger hanging over the edge of the fretboard – which is OK as long as I’m applying the necessary pressure.
For those having trouble with the B string sounding out, I suggest moving your index finger across the strings (at the desired fret) and take notice of where the “fat pads” on the underside of your index finger are – see which strings are being covered by them. Once you get all the strings to sound out – that’s where you’ll always want to place your index finger when you make barre chords.-
After many moons of struggle with barre chords I started using Bill B’s method a awhile ago and it works for me also.
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There was a time, I thought I’d never be able to play the barre F chord, and it was the obstacle that stopped me several times over the years from playing guitar at all which robbed me of a lot of joy. It is a tough chord, but take those fingers to the frets and do what you can! Avoiding barre chords doesn’t help you progress. I still do need to work on the nuance of pressure to get the B string to ring out clearly, but I can do it, and so can you! Hang in there!
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Good Morning TAC Members ,This week will be my last with you all. I will miss you all ,but i must move on and someday i will be back again. Have A Great day
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Best of luck for the future of your guitar journey @Big_Mack .
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you will be missed. wishing you continued success.
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Hate to see you go. I always enjoyed reading your comments. Good luck in all of your life’s journeys.
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Hey @Big_Mack
Wanted to make sure you were aware that you can upgrade to lifetime TAC. What that means is every penny you spent on your annual membership can be assigned to lifetime. But you have to do it during the year, not after the expiration date. I did it because it seemed like a no-brainer to me. If it’s at interesting to you, contact support and they’ll help you.
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Rocked it. Even practiced for two songs of mine. Two Pina coladas, and Mr Bojangles. Pick accuracy is improving.
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wrist-ache! unknown muscles complaining…good exercise!
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Yep. Same here
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I got thought this challenge today but my LH fingertips look like Lays Wavy potato chips! I find this chord easier going up the neck until you get to the 12th fret (Need a cutaway!)
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Getting 5 out of 6. Can’t get that B string to coorporate.
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Mixed results. If I can get the B sounding clear, the low F sounds muddy. If I can get the low F sounding clear, the B sounds muted. I’ll have to work on this some more later today after I run my errands.
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Check Bill Browns comment/ suggestion. See if his knowledge will help you with this issue.
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If you are struggling with this, take heart and keep on trying. I’m on session 564 and I’m finally getting this to work for me. I’m able to get pretty good clarity all the way up to the A chord (barring the 5th fret). There was a time when I was sure I’d never be able to do it. BTW I am 69 and suffering from neuropathy in both hands.
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Thats awesome!! Side note, my dad is also suffering from neuropathy in his hands. Any advice I can give him?
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I don’t have any advice. Can’t really find anything that helps. Mine is a side effect of chemotherapy that I had this past summer. It is gradually getting better on its own, not sure if it will ever go away entirely.
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I had to stop after 2 reps rest a bit and pick it back up. After about 10 reps my fretting hand was done. So I put the guitar down wrote this and I’m going back again for another go. Ill practice this a few times today. Best of luck all.
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B string is always the toughest… I have big joints in my index finger so I’ve explored my possibilities and the only way it actually works for my fingers is if I have my middle index finger joint pressing on the high E and B strings… but when I do this, the tip of my index finger is over the low E string at the top. I guess everyone needs to explore the way it works for their fingers. Good luck all!
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Also, elbow in and raising the neck can help. With your guitar horizontal, barre chords are nearly impossible for me, much easier if you have the neck around shoulder level; to play on higher frets I’ve brought the neck near my cheeks.
-
One of the trickiest places to play this shape is (as an F) with index on the first fret. I think this is because your having to push down while being so close to the nut so your leverage is minimal. At the same time your middle finger is fretting the G and so it’s not helping you to barre (on the contrary, the pressure required for the G seems to subtract from the index).
If it’s not ringing clear for you, try moving it. I’ve found i can hit with more regularity by moving up. But then as the frets get narrow, there comes a point where my fingers have to squish together too much, around 8-9 seems to be the limit for me right now. -
I am no music virtuoso and it took me a bit but I have been able to master the barre chord. Hang in there and keep going you will get it. Remember, if it was easy everybody would be doing it and it would not be a challenge. The better things in life, e.g., music, take time. Once you have “mastered” the little pieces the whole picture becomes more clear. Just the fact that you are making the attempt is a testament to your desire to do better.
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Thank you for the encouragement.
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I did manage to complete this however the string indentations on my index finger will take a while to heal, I find it hard to imagine this will ever be easy, but will keep on trying
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@HowardL
LOL me too, but within minutes the impressions are gone and I’m a 66 year-old. For younger folks it ought to revert even quicker.
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Tony makes my left hand hurt, but it’s worth it
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I started laughing in my mind this morning. I thought I should try to earn the nickname “capo hand!” I remember when I started my journey, I thought I would never successfully play a barre chord. Now it’s almost as smooth as the G, D, or C! Exciting. Keep playing fellow TACers!
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I cannot get the b string to ring out properly
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I would give myself a B- and improving regarding clarity. Good at the top and hit or miss around the “B” string. I don’t ever avoid it (F Barre Chord) and it doesn’t stress me out…I just consider brushes with it opportunities to get better. BTW, a year ago I was wondering if I would ever get it and was frustrated (at times)…now I am glad I stuck with it.
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the B string not happening yet. you can always play this chord without the 6 string no barre chord required
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Good luck everyone! We had a guy in our band who run a the mention of the F chord! He never practiced it or even tried, so never got it never enjoyed the songs that contained it! Learn to love the F chord! A big win if you even try it and don’t give up!
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This barre chord lesson is a great practice routine. I enjoy focusing on the chord and repeating it. Practice, practice, practice. I enjoy this type of instruction. I hope everyone is doing well, and I can’t wait to read the comments.
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Ok. Got it. Always preferred playing a barred F chord rather than a regular F chord anyways! Still hurts an arthritic fretting hand, but, hey! Did it!
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As Tony said i have the strongest, most articulate and and the clearest F chord… In this room. Actually was almost, but not quite, fun. After all of my hand exercises this is still taxing to do it again and again. I run through it twice and shake out the hand and arm for a minute or so and then move up to the 3rd fret G chord attack again. Did the A and the Bb. and will start again later today.
Congratulations, !
Challenge complete
Come back tomorrow for your next challenge
For me it’s the B string, I have very fat knuckles, but with a little maneuvering I can make it sound really good.
Must. Improve. Hand. Strength.
my fingers are saying ‘you want us to do what?’
mine said the same thing!
My win today was that the high e string was ringing clear, unlike earlier this week. Low E string is a different story – still muffled or muted. Definitely feeling this week’s challenge in my wrist.
Wow, that’s a burner for sure!
Good to check basic’s once in awhile.
I tried several of the suggestions in today’s comments – to no avail. I feel so left out when I see Tony and others looking so at ease doing their perfect barre chords. Why not me?! I need a new index finger on my fretting hand.
I need longer fingers!
Another day down. doing better than a few months ago when I tried barre chords. This is one where I am seeing progress.
Continuing to have issues with the B and High E strings. Any tips would be appreciated!
This is a really helpful week! Doesn’t seem to be one right way to do it, as some have said. Depends on your finger length, grip strength and the width of your guitar neck. One adjustment that helps me get the B string to sing is to rotate my index finger just a little by moving my wrist joint just a little closer to the guitar body. This puts the firmer side of the index finger in play rather than the fleshy pads and it’s easier to compress the strings.
Another huge issue is the adjustment of the nut. Most guitars out of the factory have unnecessarily large string heights above the first fret, often 0.020 – 0.030 inch. It’s well worth having your local guitar shop check this and to get the nut heights down to not more than about 0.015 inch. Makes a real difference in barre chords on the first several frets. Electric guitars can go even lower.
That’s great advice! I have a cheap guitar and it was impossible to play a clear f chord. I did some research and did the adjustment myself. It helped, but I found that it helps with a better guitar.
Great improvement! Win!
Needs more work, a lot.
Struggling but showing some improvement but will continue to work on it.
Ouch! as well. Poor sound quality on the E shape F. Need to work the fingers more. The exercise is
good. Hope to toughen up the fingers to get that better sound.
The daily excercise has really paid off. Feels good,sounds good.
Ouch!! Fingers are smarting today but I kept up with the play along and had fairly good sound throughout! Hoo! RAH!
There was a time I thought I could never be able to play barre chords, like @SharonSings said, and it turns out I was right. Most of you can and that’s great. Me, I will spend barre chord lessons working on other skills. I hope my working around my limitations will help me become a better guitarist. See ya next week!
You can try to find work arounds that are more comfortable. Try playing an F chord on just the D G and B strings. Third fret of the D, second fret of the G and first fret of the B. You are then playing an F, A and C, the three notes you need for an F chord. Sure, the full barre chord sounds richer and deeper, but in a song using three strings would be fine, just don’t play the low E, the A nor the high E.
I’m curious, do you make the chord shape first or the Barre shape first. I make the chord shape first then add the Barre. I don’t seem to need to adjust the Barre finger as much this way. Which way works for you?
I’m with you jorgemac. Chord shape first and then the barre. Scout with the middle finger then apply either the E shape(major) or em shape(minor), A shape or am shape, and then apply the barre.
going through the exercise but b string is often muted
I like the emphasis on hitting each string separately to ensure that I’m getting a good clear chord. Previously I was content with getting most of the strings to ring out clearly. This is a good exercise to repeat frequently.
Sorry to see that Big_Mack is leaving, but hope that his next journey is rewarding.
So, I have difficulty making this barre chord shape, but as I said I was going to do, I added a capo, and playing the F chord shape up the fret, I actually was able to do, AND, I was able to move it up and back down the frets and still have the strums clear.
Excellent small win for me!
If you’re having trouble making the clear bar chord at the nut but can play it further up on the fretboard, your nut may be too tall. The clearance between the first 2 or 3 frets and the strings may be too great. I had Sweetwater lower mine to the minimum, and it made all the difference.
Gaining stamina with the barred F chord equals not avoiding using the barre F chord.
I did not have any trouble with the barred F chord.
Getting this shape down.
Aw, @Big_Mack, you will be missed! As a fellow TAC member, I have enjoyed reading your comments and positive statements! Wish you the best, and continued joy in your guitar journey!
The key to a successful barre (for me) has been the placement of the “fat pad” at the underside of the bottom of my index finger. I like to cover the hiE, B and G strings with it while applying the necessary pressure. Most times that leaves the tip of my index finger hanging over the edge of the fretboard – which is OK as long as I’m applying the necessary pressure.
For those having trouble with the B string sounding out, I suggest moving your index finger across the strings (at the desired fret) and take notice of where the “fat pads” on the underside of your index finger are – see which strings are being covered by them. Once you get all the strings to sound out – that’s where you’ll always want to place your index finger when you make barre chords.
After many moons of struggle with barre chords I started using Bill B’s method a awhile ago and it works for me also.
There was a time, I thought I’d never be able to play the barre F chord, and it was the obstacle that stopped me several times over the years from playing guitar at all which robbed me of a lot of joy. It is a tough chord, but take those fingers to the frets and do what you can! Avoiding barre chords doesn’t help you progress. I still do need to work on the nuance of pressure to get the B string to ring out clearly, but I can do it, and so can you! Hang in there!
Good Morning TAC Members ,This week will be my last with you all. I will miss you all ,but i must move on and someday i will be back again. Have A Great day
Best of luck for the future of your guitar journey @Big_Mack .
you will be missed. wishing you continued success.
Hate to see you go. I always enjoyed reading your comments. Good luck in all of your life’s journeys.
Hey @Big_Mack
Wanted to make sure you were aware that you can upgrade to lifetime TAC. What that means is every penny you spent on your annual membership can be assigned to lifetime. But you have to do it during the year, not after the expiration date. I did it because it seemed like a no-brainer to me. If it’s at interesting to you, contact support and they’ll help you.
Rocked it. Even practiced for two songs of mine. Two Pina coladas, and Mr Bojangles. Pick accuracy is improving.
wrist-ache! unknown muscles complaining…good exercise!
Yep. Same here
I got thought this challenge today but my LH fingertips look like Lays Wavy potato chips! I find this chord easier going up the neck until you get to the 12th fret (Need a cutaway!)
Getting 5 out of 6. Can’t get that B string to coorporate.
Mixed results. If I can get the B sounding clear, the low F sounds muddy. If I can get the low F sounding clear, the B sounds muted. I’ll have to work on this some more later today after I run my errands.
Check Bill Browns comment/ suggestion. See if his knowledge will help you with this issue.
If you are struggling with this, take heart and keep on trying. I’m on session 564 and I’m finally getting this to work for me. I’m able to get pretty good clarity all the way up to the A chord (barring the 5th fret). There was a time when I was sure I’d never be able to do it. BTW I am 69 and suffering from neuropathy in both hands.
Thats awesome!! Side note, my dad is also suffering from neuropathy in his hands. Any advice I can give him?
I don’t have any advice. Can’t really find anything that helps. Mine is a side effect of chemotherapy that I had this past summer. It is gradually getting better on its own, not sure if it will ever go away entirely.
I had to stop after 2 reps rest a bit and pick it back up. After about 10 reps my fretting hand was done. So I put the guitar down wrote this and I’m going back again for another go. Ill practice this a few times today. Best of luck all.
B string is always the toughest… I have big joints in my index finger so I’ve explored my possibilities and the only way it actually works for my fingers is if I have my middle index finger joint pressing on the high E and B strings… but when I do this, the tip of my index finger is over the low E string at the top. I guess everyone needs to explore the way it works for their fingers. Good luck all!
Also, elbow in and raising the neck can help. With your guitar horizontal, barre chords are nearly impossible for me, much easier if you have the neck around shoulder level; to play on higher frets I’ve brought the neck near my cheeks.
One of the trickiest places to play this shape is (as an F) with index on the first fret. I think this is because your having to push down while being so close to the nut so your leverage is minimal. At the same time your middle finger is fretting the G and so it’s not helping you to barre (on the contrary, the pressure required for the G seems to subtract from the index).
If it’s not ringing clear for you, try moving it. I’ve found i can hit with more regularity by moving up. But then as the frets get narrow, there comes a point where my fingers have to squish together too much, around 8-9 seems to be the limit for me right now.
I am no music virtuoso and it took me a bit but I have been able to master the barre chord. Hang in there and keep going you will get it. Remember, if it was easy everybody would be doing it and it would not be a challenge. The better things in life, e.g., music, take time. Once you have “mastered” the little pieces the whole picture becomes more clear. Just the fact that you are making the attempt is a testament to your desire to do better.
Thank you for the encouragement.
I did manage to complete this however the string indentations on my index finger will take a while to heal, I find it hard to imagine this will ever be easy, but will keep on trying
@HowardL
LOL me too, but within minutes the impressions are gone and I’m a 66 year-old. For younger folks it ought to revert even quicker.
Tony makes my left hand hurt, but it’s worth it
I started laughing in my mind this morning. I thought I should try to earn the nickname “capo hand!” I remember when I started my journey, I thought I would never successfully play a barre chord. Now it’s almost as smooth as the G, D, or C! Exciting. Keep playing fellow TACers!
I cannot get the b string to ring out properly
I would give myself a B- and improving regarding clarity. Good at the top and hit or miss around the “B” string. I don’t ever avoid it (F Barre Chord) and it doesn’t stress me out…I just consider brushes with it opportunities to get better. BTW, a year ago I was wondering if I would ever get it and was frustrated (at times)…now I am glad I stuck with it.
the B string not happening yet. you can always play this chord without the 6 string no barre chord required
Good luck everyone! We had a guy in our band who run a the mention of the F chord! He never practiced it or even tried, so never got it never enjoyed the songs that contained it! Learn to love the F chord! A big win if you even try it and don’t give up!
This barre chord lesson is a great practice routine. I enjoy focusing on the chord and repeating it. Practice, practice, practice. I enjoy this type of instruction. I hope everyone is doing well, and I can’t wait to read the comments.
Ok. Got it. Always preferred playing a barred F chord rather than a regular F chord anyways! Still hurts an arthritic fretting hand, but, hey! Did it!
As Tony said i have the strongest, most articulate and and the clearest F chord… In this room. Actually was almost, but not quite, fun. After all of my hand exercises this is still taxing to do it again and again. I run through it twice and shake out the hand and arm for a minute or so and then move up to the 3rd fret G chord attack again. Did the A and the Bb. and will start again later today.