Trouble with D, Dm and G
# 1
#1
Originally Posted by:
kplamb2
Hi, I’ve been a member for a little over a year. I’m currently in the middle of Guitar Fundamentals, Level 2. I LOVE your approach to learning guitar. However, I’m having issues progressing in a couple of areas.
First, there are a few open chords that I cannot seem to get the hang of; namely, D, Dm and G (with my pinkie). I’ve made those shapes hundreds of times, but I still struggle to fret those strings correctly. I fumble around before I find the strings, or I mute other strings, or I find the correct fret, but place my fingers too far forward or too far back in the fret.
Second, my pinkie, in general, is weak and wandering. I don’t find the strings with my pinkie very easily, and, when I do, I often mutes other strings.
I will NEVER give up trying to learn the guitar, but I am pretty frustrated and don’t know what to do. Any advice or guidance would be greatly appreciated.
Hey, there. The best way to address problems like that is targeted practice. Strip away everything but the problem task. In this case, just focus on making those chord shapes and switching between them. Don't strum them, use them in a song, add other chords, or any other task that will interfere with get your hands to make those shapes second nature.
Form and play a D chord once to make sure it rings well. Stop.
Form and play a G chord. Stop.
Repeat.
You can do the same with any other chord you are struggling with.
This is all about consistent repetitious practice in order to make those motions second nature.
Regarding your weak pinky, try this tutorial aimed at developing strength and dexterity.
https://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial/1292
If your message was addressed specifically to Anders (instructor in the current GF course) you can reach him directly in his instructor forum.
https://www.guitartricks.com/forum/c/51
Hope that helps!
Christopher Schlegel
Guitar Tricks Instructor
Christopher Schlegel Lesson Directory
# 2
Thank you for the guidance, Christopher! I will work on those things as directed. I hope it works.
# 3
Work in a “zone”: start with D or G alone. Isolate the transitions: for example, move from D to G slowly, string by string.
edited
# 4
Hi, I’ve been a member for a little over a year. I’m currently in the middle of Guitar Fundamentals, Level 2. I LOVE your approach to learning guitar. However, I’m having issues progressing in a couple of areas.
First, there are a few open chords that I cannot seem to get the hang of; namely, D, Dm and G (with my pinkie). I’ve made those shapes hundreds of times, but I still struggle to fret those strings correctly. I fumble around before I find the strings, or I mute other strings, or I find the correct fret, but place my fingers too far forward or too far back in the fret.
Second, my pinkie, in general, is weak and wandering. I don’t find the strings with my pinkie very easily, and, when I do, I often mutes other strings.
I will NEVER give up trying to learn the guitar, but I am pretty frustrated and don’t know what to do. Any advice or guidance would be greatly appreciated.