I'm new to guitar and am working my way through level one of the fundamentals and have a question about holding more than one string in the same fret. Like if I am attempting to hold down the A and D in the second fret does it matter if I use one finger to hold down both strings or is it better practice to always use one finger per string? or is this something that up to the individual prefrence?
It would depend on what I needed. If I needed a full open E Mj I would have to fret it properly, but if I’m just chugging along to something and what’s really important is that big heavy root note, sure. I’d just play the 654 strings using 1 finger to barre 5 and 4. And even then I’d probably just be hitting 6&5 ignoring the 4th.
This year the diet is definitely gonna stick!
Hi rosenberryrj,
Great question.
There are 2 things at play here in your question:
1. can I bend “the rules” if it helps me make the chord with better success?
2. Or, do I struggle through “the rules” until I can make the chord the way my teacher suggests is best?
I say: choose to pursue both paths at the same time. (Radical?)
It is encouraging and satisfying to make the chord - even if you are bending the rules as it is all still new to you and your hands. So sure, go for it!
AND, the “rules” exist for reasons you may not yet have encountered. In other words, fingering skills you may not be ready for yet, but a year down the line, could pay off in terms of acing the chord in the CONTEXT within the constantly moving flow of a song.
Make sense? Do the best you can now, AND, keep ‘better technique’ on your ‘works-in-progress’ list.
Most of all, have fun! Be well, Lisa
Learn the correct technique for each finger first, then you can flexibly use the mini barre when needed, which is the best way to progress and play effectively.
