David_Leo
Forum Replies Created
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You might want to check the action on your guitar. If it takes a lot of pressure to get clear fretted notes it becomes that much harder. Maybe try playing with a capo on the 2nd or third fret. This will reduce the length of the “stretch” needed to finger the chords. Another option is to tune your guitar down a 1/2 step, then capo the first fret. This will reduce tension on the strings making them easier to finger cleanly.
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Chord shapes in certain keys are easier to finger: the primary chords in G, C, and D major are generally easier to finger than many others keys. The capo can be used to change to a more difficult key while using the same shapes as an easier key. A good example: a song written in E flat can be played using “D” chord shapes by placing a capo on the first fret. A capo on the first fret alters the tuning of the guitar upward by 1/2 tone. Since E flat is a 1/2 tone above D, the key of D fingerings are now 1/2 tone higher: D becomes E flat, G becomes A flat, etc.
Another use for capos is to select different chord voicing. You could be playing a song in the key of D major using chord shapes D, G and A. I can play along by placing a capo on the second fret using chord shapes C, F and G.
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Wow, lots of good, well reasoned responses. To be fair, many TACers are retirees. The fact that you are still working does complicates things. I empathize completely. That said I can tell you what works for me. There’s a 1/2 hour show on TV that my wife enjoys and I don’t. So that’s when I target my practice session. Sometimes I go 20 min, sometimes 45. Hope this helps.
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I have “fat” fingers. My first guitar had a 1 11/16″ nut width and I struggled with the same issue. There are many guitars available with wider nuts/necks – 1 3/4″ up to 1 7/8″. The wider nut helps, but you may also try arching you fingers to make sure your fingertip is at a 90 degree angle to the fingerboard.
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As a fellow Michigander, I share your sentiments. My membership is also ending and I don’t plan to renew. Wishing you well. – “instruments that stay in tune and people likewise”.
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Great song. Very nicely done.
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Wait til you start adding zeros to the price, then see how she reacts :-). Remember, there could be worse addictions.
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I echo your sentiments. After 4 years I am ready to end my membership. I too miss the old forums and especially Levi. Good luck on your continued journey. To quote Pete Seeger, “I wish you instruments that stay in tune and people likewise.”
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I usually just google the song by title and ask for chords or chords and lyrics. There are usually free options available.
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Good for you! Small steps lead to steady progress.
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Good for you, a wise and rewarding decision.
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Great advice from Jumping Jeff, D’Addario EJ16s are a good place to start.
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Welcome!
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In any key there are certain chords that are frequently used. Tony’s Fretboard Wizard course does a good job of explaining this.
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Yes there are worse vices. I used to keep buying cars, now it’s just guitars 🙂