I've found out what was wrong. It seemed that I only have enough hand strength (currently) to either keep my pointer finger notes sounding true or to keep my middle/ring notes true. Neither sounded good at the same time. Whenever I tried to play both mini-sets at the same time, buzzing and finger deformity would ensue.
My solution was to place my middle finger on top of my pointer and ramming it down on the 1st fret notes so that the notes were sustained. I use my middle finger for the 2nd fret and pinky for 3rd fret.
I have a feeling that this is a bad habit and will lead me down dark paths of guitardom. But the chord rings true.
Thoughts?
P.S. Thanks for the tips but I'm afraid my finger strength and stretch isn't there yet to utilize them. I have the hand dexterity of a butcher. Too many years of contact sports.
