4 months ago
I have some confusion - The notation for the Em shows only the 3rd string - g string, second fret is utilized the others are open. However, looking at Anders finger position - he also has the low e string opened, but he has his fingers on the 2nd and 3rd - g and b strings, 2nd fret utilized, rest open.
I play/practice the exercises utilizing the frets/strings as shown in the notation.
Would you advise how to play the Em, the way I see in the printed notation ?
Thanks,
Bob
Mike Olekshy
4 months ago
Hey there - thanks so much for your question! First off - I think your understanding of the string numbers is reversed. For an Em chord, you would put your fingers on the 2nd fret of the A string and 2nd fret of the D string with the rest of the strings left open. We number the strings from "highest pitch" to "lowest pitch" - so the high E string is the 1st string. Then coming "down" the strings (down in pitch) you get the 2nd string (B string), 3rd string (G string), 4th string (D string), 5th string (A string), and the 6th string is the low E string. Please refer to this page to refresh how to read tab correctly:
https://www.guitartricks.com/lesson/16478
The direct answer to your question is that, generally speaking, it is a good idea to fret the entire chord shape like Anders does, even if you do not need to play a note in the chord, like it is shown here in the notation. Hope this helps!
