Major problem with chords

I'm new to the guitar started end of September, and I'm having major problems with finger positioning on strings/chords. I practice the essential chords for beginners daily and review the videos total time about 60 minutes weekdays. But no matter how much I try I cant properly position my fingers where they must be either the fingers do not stretch across the frets or I find my fingers laying on other strings. This is a problem as I cant even think about changing chords due to my finger positioning issue. Out of the 14 Essential chords I can only play 4, this is my trying since end of September.

I consider my fingers to be normal length, width and no issues with my hands. I'm really stuck, I would request some honest opinions concerning my issue with chords.

Bob

Hi Bob,

Take it very slow at first. Try to visualize in your mind the chord shape and form it with your fingers. Very slowly place your fingers in position for the chord you want to fret., slow enough that they come down in the correct position, not so fast that you make a mistake. Keep you fingers as perpindicular to the fretboard as possible. Strum the chord to make sure it sounds clean. Take your hand off and repeat for as long as it takes to form it properly.

It gets pretty dull I know but keep at it, speed will come.

Ken

Dear veggiebob1,

Far more important than learning to make ”the essential chords”, is learning to make a very small collection of them, in order to play a song. 
After all, the main reason we want to learn to play the guitar is to be able to play songs, or complete musical pieces from start to finish - not just to demonstrate how many chords we have under our belt.

So rather than looking at the ‘essential chords’ as a big pile of seemingly random challenges, you want to learn them as a certain small group of chords tend to relate to one another, in the context of a piece of music. 

What is the most efficient way to get from chord #1 in the song to chord #2 in the song? It is all about the transitions! Smoothly, on time, in sync with the overall piece of music. One song won’t likely contain that many individual chords - so that narrows the field of study for you (in a good way!)

I don’t know what your musical taste is or your skill level, but you might consider looking in our Songs section for a song you like, and decide to commit to - or following one of our courses that teaches guitar with a song-based model (such as my Fundamentals Course). 

Of course, as you do all of this and focus on what it takes to play THE SONG, your hands are naturally growing stronger and more coordinated- to ease you into upping the game later on down the road. 

Hope helps a little! Be well and have fun, Lisa

Thank you for the replies.

It is possible that I may need a guitar with a wider neck so the strings will be spread apart further?

I'm using a Taylor big baby with electronics. I checked around in music stores for a beginner guitar. I never had an opportunity to try see how my fingers positioned. I was wondering if a wider neck may help eliminate my fingers from often covering other strings.

Thanks,

Bob

This is just an opinion based on my experience, because I thought the same way 5 years ago and looked for and found wider necks etc, but the fact remains that after years of daily practice it doesn’t matter what I play, thin or wide neck. 

It takes time, but we train our fingers through repetition. 

Not trying to discourage you from guitar shopping, but things will work themselves out with regular practice. 

If you can’t seem to get your fingering right, before buying another guitar, find a real good local teacher who can see what you’re doing and what is happening. 

Thank you.

I did book a one on one time private slot with an instructor from GT to discuss and see what I'm doing.

Bob

Thank you so much.

hi , iam also new to the guitar 😄, i started this month 

Hello :)

I am just starting to learn and this is now my roadblock too. So far I have found Anders' course to be awesome andI felt very proud of myself yesterday.

Today, I got to the C and D major chords and my fingers do not want to play.

I have an ATXP2 because I have smallish hands (and I call them stumpy boy fingers) and while I can just* make the strings on frets, they sound muted or twangy ay best. I think it's my ring finger thatis the problem and the first knuckles closest to my fingernails which do not curl as much as I would like them to. 😩

I am definitely practising and putting my faith in the advice that practice will make it easier, but it's a challenge for sure!

I am going to a real life lesson next week so I am hoping that will help (or give me some good advice) but I think I will learn mainly through this site - I actually can't believe how good and accessible it makes learning!

msKass, keep up the great work!

Your fingers will loosen up, and get stronger, over time.

There will come a day when you play some perfect chords, and say to yourself, "Wow, I can't believe this used to be so difficult!"

You're totally on the right path - have FUN!

Be well, Lisa

Hi Bob,

It's great to hear you're learning the guitar—starting out can be challenging, but you're on the right track by dedicating daily practice time. Many beginners face similar struggles with chords, so you're not alone! Let’s break down some strategies to help you improve finger positioning and overcome these hurdles.

Stickman Hook

Let’s see if I can make sense of what I am trying to say. While keeping your wrist fairly straight with your forearm (do not male an L shape!), move your palm forward away from your body. You should be able to see the crease in your palm that starts halfway between your thumb and index finger in front of the fretboard. Now try to fret the chord while keeping the knuckle closest to your fingernails as straight as possible. This will allow you to fret the notes with the tips of your fingers and lessens the chance of muting the adjacent strings.