Alternate Way to Play the D Chord


joenawrot
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joenawrot
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12/31/2020 8:54 pm

Alternate way to play the D chord: The suggested way to play the D chord is to place the #1 finger on the 3rd (G) string of the 2nd fret, the 2nd finger on the 1st (low E) string of the 2nd fret and the 3rd finger on the 2nd (B) string of the 3rd fret.I have found an alternate way, and I would like your opinion if I should continue playing the D chord my alternate way, or should I use the the suggested way. Using my alternate finger placement of the D chord is as follows: I place the 2nd finger on the 3rd (G) string of the 2nd fret, the 3rd finger on the 1st Low (E) string of the 2nd fret, and the 4th finger on the 2nd (B) string of the 3rd fret. By doing this, I can place my #1 finger on the 2nd (B) string of the first fret while playing the D chord. Then, if I have to change to Am chord or C chord, I already have my #1 finger of the first fret in place on the 2nd (B) string of the first fret.What are your comments or suggestions of my alternate way of playing the D chord?

Thank you,

Joe


# 1
manXcat
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manXcat
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12/31/2020 10:47 pm

I just tried your suggestion. Here's what I found and think.

It's [u]unnecessarily awkward[/u], and not because I'm unaccustomed to it. I can and do adapt to alternate fingerings very quickly where there's purpose or advantage to doing so. More importantly [u]for me[/u] in this case, for my handspan and notably [u]length, shape and flexibility[/u] of [u]my fingers[/u] it's a FAIL.

Other than leaving the forefinger free for a rapid transition to a barre anything, pragmatically as opposed your hypothesis, it doesn't offer any actual material advantage switching to/from Am or C and thus reason to deploy it, nor is it facilitative for standard progressions in which those four chords commonly occur. You'll also have less power, speed and overall dexterity aka control with your pinky with any chord regardless how well trained. Just how it is.

Another consideration is that the conventional fingering of D facilitates an anchor finger for rapid A-D-E and variations thereof transition using the alternative fingering of A.

All that said, [u]if it works for you...why not?[/u] However, even if you prefer and pursue it, like G and A, I'd work in the conventionally taught D form first, and once instinctively competent with it, add the alternatives to your 'toolbox'.

As you progress, you'll discover alternative fingerings for the same chord voicings for many chords with anchors and positioning optimally facilitative to whatever it is you're playing, adding them to your chord repertoire and alternating between them subconsciously as suits.

For instance, presenting a case for conventionally taught first form D, watch this. Add pinky for for D sus4, D sus2, D6, D add4 and as previously mentioned anchor finger in position for D-A-E transitions as apparent.

Just my observations and thoughts. Christopher and those more advanced than me may offer an alternative perspective ot be able to provide insight of which I'm yet unaware.

All the best,

manXcat


# 2
dbvirago
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dbvirago
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01/01/2021 12:28 am

"Another consideration is that the conventional fingering of D facilitates an anchor finger for rapid A-D-E and variations thereof"

This


# 3
joenawrot
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joenawrot
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01/01/2021 10:43 pm

Manx and dbvirago. First of all, I am a novice to playing guitar. So I really appreciate your comments and words of wisdom. I will revert back to the traditinal way of playing the D chord.

Happy New Year!


# 4
manXcat
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manXcat
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01/01/2021 11:45 pm

All the best for the new year and progress with your guitar goals to you too Joe.

I like and endorse your explorative inquiring perspective.


# 5
William MG
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William MG
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01/02/2021 2:28 am

Joe,

I just tried this and I could get used to this very easily. I think you came up with a good idea. There is nothing awkward about this method at all.

Using your method, give "Wild Thing" a try. It's the classic A - D - E. Using this technique that you just came up the transition between the chords was incredibly smooth. The index finger remains rooted to the G# the entire time. And if you do use this method, you are bringing your pinky finger into action. The pinky will be one of the most difficult fingers to train in terms of dexterity and strength because it doesn't get used as much as the other fingers.

Wild Thing is one of my favorite songs to play and I think I will use your method going forward. It's more efficient.

Good luck with your studies.


This year the diet is definitely gonna stick!

# 6
joenawrot
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joenawrot
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01/11/2021 10:07 pm

William MG: Thank you for the positive feed back! I will have to make a point of adding "Wild Thing" to my list of songs to learn. Best wishes.

Joe


# 7
William MG
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William MG
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01/11/2021 10:48 pm

Well, you had a good idea Joe and the more I use this method the easier it becomes. I've also started using this same method to make A7 in a song I am learning: Me and the Devil Blues.

I'm glad you brought it up.


This year the diet is definitely gonna stick!

# 8

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