Guitar Basics 2 - Fretting and Fingers

So in part 1 Lisa was very clear in finger assignments (1st finger 1st fret, 2nd finger 2nd fret, etc). We didn't venture high on the neck as you may know. Now in part two we are and I am having trouble in that I am not sure which fingers I should use on the higher frets. I don't want to develop bad habits. In general, I am finding part 2 a bit frustrating with several of the early segments I have taken having demos that I am unclear about weather I should perform or just listen. For example, the intructor was all over the neck doing scales for several segments. Now that I am at the exercises it has been dumbed down some (sorry, I need dumb) but I am not sure what fingers go to which fret beyond fret 4.

I will google it but don't think I should have to. So I guess this post is 1/2 rant, half question :) Thanks in advance

Originally Posted by: mountainriveraSo in part 1 Lisa was very clear in finger assignments (1st finger 1st fret, 2nd finger 2nd fret, etc). We didn't venture high on the neck as you may know. Now in part two we are and I am having trouble in that I am not sure which fingers I should use on the higher frets. I don't want to develop bad habits. In general, I am finding part 2 a bit frustrating with several of the early segments I have taken having demos that I am unclear about weather I should perform or just listen. For examples, the intructor was all over the neck doing scales for several segments. Now that I am at the exercises It has been dumbed down some (sorry, I need dumb) but I am not sure what fingers go to which fret beyond fret 4.

I will google it but don't think I should have to. So I guess this post is 1/2 rant, half question :) Thanks in advance

If you give me a little more information I can likely be more helpful.

Are you talking about a specific chord shape that you're trying to play on the higher frets? Are you talking about a specific fret in particular? (I know you said beyond fret 4).

Or are you just speaking generally about the higher frets?

Please clarify and I'll do my best to help!

Originally Posted by: mountainriveraSo in part 1 Lisa was very clear in finger assignments (1st finger 1st fret, 2nd finger 2nd fret, etc). We didn't venture high on the neck as you may know. Now in part two we are and I am having trouble in that I am not sure which fingers I should use on the higher frets. I don't want to develop bad habits. In general, I am finding part 2 a bit frustrating with several of the early segments I have taken having demos that I am unclear about weather I should perform or just listen. For examples, the intructor was all over the neck doing scales for several segments. Now that I am at the exercises It has been dumbed down some (sorry, I need dumb) but I am not sure what fingers go to which fret beyond fret 4.

I will google it but don't think I should have to. So I guess this post is 1/2 rant, half question :) Thanks in advance

Is there a particular scale or chord that you're wondering about, or are you just speaking generally?

How 'bout a specific fret? I know you said higher than the fourth.

Give me a little more information and I should be able to better assist. It's hard to give proper finger placement without a little more context.

Looking forward to hearing back from you!

thanks for the quick reply. Basically it is 5th fret on down.Do I start with finger one at the 5th, two at the 6th etc?

Originally Posted by: mountainriverathanks for the quick reply. Basically it is 5th fret on down.Do I start with finger one at the 5th, two at the 6th etc?

Yep - that's pretty much it.

Minor second intervals (5th fret to the 6th fret - or any one fret jump) should always be handled by one finger and then the next. So one and two or two and three, etc. (pointer & middle).

Major second intervals (5th fret to the 7th fret - or any two fret jump) should always be handled by two fingers apart, i.e. the pointer finger and ring finger.

This is pretty much universal across the fretboard, even on the higher register.

Does this make sense? Let me know.

Thanks - appreciate the quick response.