Originally Posted by: ChristopherSchlegel

I have to anchor my thumb and use it as a pivot on some wide stretches.

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Do you mean pivot your thumb left and right towards a more horizontal position (at times)?

Originally Posted by: ChristopherSchlegel

It's also important to relax. Beginners often sqeeze too hard when fretting notes...

I definitely do that when putting my fingers in chord positions that are new, but after I get used to playing the chord my fingers relax much more naturally.

However, I still re-test how much pressure is actually necessary from time to time.

[quote=ChristopherSchlegel]

With all that in mind, try this.....

Invaluable information, thank you!