G Chord fingers, unlearning habit

Hi - new member, first post.

When I first learned to play guitar (ahem, about 40 years ago), due to small hands I learned to finger a G with my 1-2-3 fingers. Never a problem - yes, it takes a second longer to switch to a C or F, but it was pretty much automatic.

I've decided to start playing again and am trying to learn from scratch. So as I go to form a G, I'm trying to be good and use 2-3-4. But a) it's hard; b) it does not sound right - I'm muting the 5th string with my 3rd finger (remember the small hand thing).

When I try to practice chord changes, if I don't look at my hands I notice that I'm back to the "old" G (1-2-3).

It seems like I should have the basics of Chord formation done right for the long term. But with small mitts and original habits, it's hard.

Any advice/opinion on a) how to unlearn the habit; or b) if I should just stick with 40 year old muscle memory?

I don't know how they teach the open G these days (my guitar journey started 30 years ago), but I learned it like you - using fingers 1, 2, and 3. I never really had issues with chord changes. I've seen professionals fret this chord this way also.

What prompted me to learn the fingering with 2, 3, and 4 was a song I had to learn in a church group I played with. In order to play a Gsus4 or Gadd9, you need finger 1 freed up to play the C note on the B string or the A note on the G string.

It felt VERY strange at first since I had been playing 20 years at that point using the 1, 2, 3 fingering. As I recall, it didn't take all that long to get used to. Now I'll use whichever fingering feels comfortable with what I'm playing.

So, I don't think you need to unlearn anything...but learn the alternative fingering because of the flexibility it gives you. Having your index finger freed up with this chord gives you the ability to add some embellishments.

1-2-3 for me 2... learned about 40 years ago also..
The small hands thing is a myth.. The big hand thing is a myth... The missing digit thing, while not a myth, guitar players learn to work through it.. It's a matter of acquiring flexibility and muscle memory, a desire to overcome.. I remember see a you tube video where the guitarist used his toes. Fretting and picking. I'll see if I can find the video. Keep at it..
So practice, practice, practices.. That's the key.
Have you gone through the lesson fundamental... I believe the 1-2-3 fingers method is still used here..? That's what they show in the Ultimate Chord Finder "top right corner" "red banner" "7 icons" middle one..
Hope this helps you out..

Here's the link of toe guitarist
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fqoEZaCd7hU

Originally Posted by: maggior

So, I don't think you need to unlearn anything...but learn the alternative fingering because of the flexibility it gives you. Having your index finger freed up with this chord gives you the ability to add some embellishments.

I also learned G 1,2 and 3 then had to learn it later using 2,3 and 4. I agree with maggior keep the old and add the new. You will need both in time.

Originally Posted by: haghj500I also learned G 1,2 and 3 then had to learn it later using 2,3 and 4. I agree with maggior keep the old and add the new. You will need both in time.

+1

That's what happened to me too. Even added a third version using all four fingers. And I've seen all three versions in GT lessons. After a few weeks of practice the 2-3-4 version felt perfectly normal and it became my preferred pattern...that 1 (index) finger is freed up to do some nice stuff. :)

Thank you everyone!