Hey all-

The first chords I ever learned, in this order, were: C, then G, then F.

C, okay. G, okay with effort. But F???

I thought "F" was surely an evil joke. TWO strings, ONE finger? Grr.

Some really good tips have been offered already in this discussion.

Let me just add that you want to try to angle your index (pointer) finger in such a way that the bonier part of it (thumb-side) is pressing down those double strings. It may end up crossing the fret space at a 45 degree angle (or so), but that is the trick to getting the consistent pressure out of that finger to accomplish the challenge of the F chord.

If you just lay the soft fleshy part of your index finger across the double strings, it puts the rest of your fingers at a compromised angle. Also, the fleshy stuff just doesn't have the "oomph" you need in that particular situation.

Let me know your thoughts as you try this out - Lisa