b chord

Hi, i have played guitar in the distant past and have started to play again. Reviewing has been very encouraging. the one area that is challenging me is the b chord. I literally cannot reach from the 2nd fret to the 4th to hold down the d,g,and b string down. I have tried to modify my and use my ring finger to hold down the three strings. I just cant seem to spread my fingers far enough to reach. Any suggestions?

Hey & welcome to GT!

Originally Posted by: lidea1614the one area that is challenging me is the b chord. I literally cannot reach from the 2nd fret to the 4th to hold down the d,g,and b string down.

For now, just try this simplified version of a B chord when you need to practice it.

E |----------|
B |----------|
G |----------|
D |-4--------|
A |-2--------|
E |----------|

Just do this simple "power chord" diad version of the B chord for now. Use your index and ring or pinky. Do this any and every time you need a B chord as you move forward with the courses and learning. Gradually, try to get more fingers into the act. You can also try to get your ring finger (or pinky) to barre across the D, G & B strings at the 4th fret eventually.

I cover all these options & more in this lesson.

http://www.guitartricks.com/lesson.php?input=11139

You might also get some use from these finger stretches & exercises that will help you gain strength & dexterity in your fingers!

http://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=1525
http://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=1292

Hope that helps! Ask more if necessary. Have fun. :)

Thank You!! I will give it a try and will practice stretching exercises.

Originally Posted by: lidea1614Thank You!! I will give it a try and will practice stretching exercises.

You are welcome! Best of success with it. :)

I completely agree. THink about it like going to the gym. If you haven't gone in a few years you probably wouldn't start off right away with the same amount of weight you used to use. But your fingers will eventually warm up and stretch out so just start small and then soon enough the chord will start becoming easier. Good luck and le that beautiful chord ring out to the heavens!

Originally Posted by: CSchlegelHey & welcome to GT!

For now, just try this simplified version of a B chord when you need to practice it.

E |----------|
B |----------|
G |----------|
D |-4--------|
A |-2--------|
E |----------|

Just do this simple "power chord" diad version of the B chord for now. Use your index and ring or pinky. Do this any and every time you need a B chord as you move forward with the courses and learning. Gradually, try to get more fingers into the act. You can also try to get your ring finger (or pinky) to barre across the D, G & B strings at the 4th fret eventually.

I cover all these options & more in this lesson.

http://www.guitartricks.com/lesson.php?input=11139

You might also get some use from these finger stretches & exercises that will help you gain strength & dexterity in your fingers!

http://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=1525
http://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=1292

Hope that helps! Ask more if necessary. Have fun. :)