Hi George,

I agree with William - and thank you William for your good advice!!

I would only add that after experimenting with the angle of your fingers, wrist, shoulder, etc., until you are able to dial in the best tone you can at this time - FREEZE and take a moment to notice -and make a mental note of - what it is that made the difference. Angle? Pressure? Sequence of how the fingers went down? All of the above? 

This is the sweet spot of the learning - you've experimented, learned the best way you can manage at this time, but don't leave the scene without these two points in mind:

1. I DID it! (even if it was only once). The fact that you did it means you are capable of doing it. Not every time, right off the bat - but it has been done!


2. This is HOW I did it! (making note of micro-specifics of what led you to find improved tone). 

The physical-learning, by its nature, takes time. Keep at it, keep making the necessary adjustments, and eventually your fingers will memorize their best technique. 

One more possible variable: guitars differ in terms of how far apart the strings are from one another. How much room each fingertip has to press down the note. You might try a classical (nylon string) guitar for a bit, if you can get your hands on one. They have a wider neck, and softer-on-the-fingertips-strings. 

Have fun  - Lisa