New player problems with chords positioning fingers

Hi All.

I'm a new guitar player. I have a Taylor Big Baby E and started classes on this site the end of September. I started with fundamentals 1 I was doing ok until I got to switching between chords, then I suffered mental overload. Between the coordination and finger placement on the strings/frets. I spend about 1 hour each weekday on the lessons and essential chords for beginners.

For chords I will play one chords about 4/5 times, stop and go to the next chord on the essential chords for beginners do that one about 4/5 times, then "try" to switch between chords, that is the area where I get hung up. Another major issue is positioning/stretching my fingers between frets. An example B Major trying to skip over fret 3 and place my middle, ring, and pinky on fret 4 to me is a "mission impossible" as my fingers to not want to position/stretch. I believe my hand/fingers are positioned properly back on looking at the instructor. 

I would appreciate some guidance ---- should I keep practicing the essential chords to improve my memory before I go further in the classes, and for finger positioning on the frets how I would position my fingers across frets as per my mention of B Major that I cannot perform. Any additional material I should review on this site to assist with chords and to possibly assist with finger positioning on the frets?

Thanks,

Bob

Hi

There is a lot here so I will break it down

I have a Taylor Big Baby E -  good sized guitar to start with

Started classes on this site the end of September. - You are just starting - it is common to struggle and feel overwhelmed

I started with fundamentals 1 I was doing ok until I got to switching between chords, then I suffered mental overload - Yes this is normal, guitar is not an easy instrument to learn

I spend about 1 hour each weekday on the lessons and essential chords for beginners - this is excellent and is exactly how I started 5 years ago, 1 hour each day.

I will play one chords about 4/5 times, stop and go to the next chord on the essential chords for beginners do that one about 4/5 times, then "try" to switch between chords - again this is exactly what I would do and will pay benefits

Another major issue is positioning/stretching my fingers between frets - dexterity will take time but it will come. Not sure how old you are, but the older we are the harder it is but everyone can limber up a bit with practice. Finger strength will also come with regular practice.

An example B Major - just play the screen shot below, don't worry about the 1st string. Put your index finger down on 5th string and barre strings 4,3 and 2 with your ring finger. It will sound fine.  Jumping over that 3rd fret will come in time with increased dexterity

Should I keep practicing the essential chords to improve my memory - yes

Before I go further in the classes - no problem jumping ahead to stop from being bored, but go back again and again to practice what you have trouble with

Any additional material I should review on this site to assist with chords and to possibly assist with finger positioning on the frets? - I would stick to Fundamentals right now 

Guitar is a huge study, be patient, practice, learn what you can when you can and keep up a regular routine, it will come together.

Best of luck

Bill

Hi Bill,

Thank you for the feedback for the items I mentioned above. i will follow and keep at it. 

Thanks,

Bob

Pleasure. Remember this is not an easy instrument and keep your expectations in check. Take your accomplishments when they come.

Bill

Very wise advice from Bill. It’s a path that will deliver results.