Dreaded F chord

hi fellow guitar players, I've been playing off and on for a few years and obviously still struggle with the open F chord...mostly due to lack of practice.

When playing with friends of mine who are more advanced players I've resorted to just using the barre f chord and don't seem to have much trouble with it, but I would like to become a more well rounded player and need to work on my weaknesses.

My biggest question is how important thumb position is when playing this chord, is it something that differs from player to player or should I be working on keeping my thumb around the neck close to the low e string or bring my thumb lower to try and get more leverage to let the strings ring out clear?

Something tells me to go with whichever is most comfortable for me but if there is an advantage to a particular thumb placement I'd be willing to work on it.

It's interesting that you find the barre chord form of the F easier to play than the "open" F. It's usually the other way around. If you look at the open F, it's really just an abbreviated version of the barre F.

I think because you are doing a partial barre on the open F, it's easier and better to have your thumb on the back of the neck. I would say go with whatever feels most comfortable and allows you to get all of the strings to ring clearly.

Personally, I use whichever form requires the least amount of finger movement.

I picked up my guitar and played a bar A, open G, then grabbed an open F. Then I looked at my hand, my thumb is on top of the neck bent pointing at about 10:00. Resting just below the knuckle. (hand side)

In the long run you will need to learn it that way to play base notes when finger picking. For now make it how ever works, you can figure out the miner changes later.

Thanks guys!

Originally Posted by: haghj500In the long run you will need to learn it that way to play base notes when finger picking. For now make it how ever works, you can figure out the miner changes later.

That's a good point...it's not like you can't make adjustments in the future if necessary.