The fingering of G chord, IMHO

[killdeer43]

There's been some discussion lately about the 'woes' of certain chord changes, etc., which moved around specifically to the fingering of G chord. Should I use 1,2,3 or 2,3,4?
Well, from someone who is a HUGE proponent of 2,3,4 here's Stefan Grossman with two songs by Mississippi John Hurt that clearly demonstrate 2,3,4 as the only way to travel. :wink:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wc1qpH8dmGw&feature=related

When I have a new student, they begin their "careers" with 2,3,4....no exception. It's simply the most efficient way to make a G.

I'll wait here with a cup of joe and MHO, :wink:
Joe

 

[learnintoplay62]

Here's to you Joe ( raising my BIG mug of coffee ) me likes 234 as I can easily change to the D chord. I try to keep it simple. By the way, veer here, the D4 we swapped is just magnificent. Love them Guilds

 

[evenkeel]

Depends on what's before and what's next in the song. Sometimes, 2,3,4, sometimes 1,2,3 and sometimes all are in the game (the "bluegrass G").

 

[AcornHouse]

My go to G fingering is none of the above. I tend to use 1234, with a D on the B string (Townshend's go to fingering.)

When I need to be adding the 7th, or alternate with a C chord, then I'll use 234.

 

[ladytexan]

Another discussion. Joe, your comments are in the thread there, too.

 

[walrus]

+1 "depends what's next". I will finger a chord differently depending on the song. And as Acorn said, sometimes the G/add C chord is what you want, so again, its up to the song.

Almost every chord can have this discussion! Depends how you learned it, what's most comfortable, what's next in the song, etc.

walrus

 

[dreadnut]

I play a 5-string G using my thumb on the low E string 3rd fret, my middle finger on the top E string 3rd fret, and I mute the A string with my thumb.

 

[Darryl Hattenhauer]

Dreadly,

Why mute the A? Could you fret it with the index finger? (I don't know, never tried it).

hf

 

[Bikerdoc]

I'm with Chris at times. I like the added tone of the 'D' on the 'B' string.
As for the youtube video, it's the right hand that's killing me.
Peace

 

[jte]

Depends on what's before and what's next in the song. Sometimes, 2,3,4, sometimes 1,2,3 and sometimes all are in the game (the "bluegrass G").

THIS is correct. It's simply not a "one size fits all applications" thing. I use both version depending on where I'm coming from and where I'm headed. Two Eagles songs come to mind- "Take It Easy" and "Tequila Sunrise" work better for me with different fingerings.

John

 

[adorshki]

I'm with Chris at times. I like the added tone of the 'D' on the 'B' string.
As for the youtube video, it's the right hand that's killing me.
Peace

There was this science experiment where a guy used tiny electrical shocks to train flatworms to navigate a maze. Then they ground up those flatworms and fed 'em to other flatworms who then knew how to navigate the maze. :shock:
Maybe you can find somebody recently deceased who knew how to fingerpick.
I'm on several waiting lists across the country myself.

 

[killdeer43]

When I was first learning to play guitar in the early 70s and soaking up everything I could from anyone who played, I was a 1,2,3 guy. Then, I sat quietly and watched this fellow play in the Old Quarter in Houston and saw that there was another way.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQx0Pb6ZPXQ

Notice how effortlessly he changes from G to C and back again, and watch the freedom of movement in both the 1 and 4 fingers throughout this great song (one of the first I learned to fingerpick).
No twisting of the wrist....just nice, smooth transitions. :wink:

To each his own and even though there is no RIGHT way, this is my way.

8)
Joe

 

[drc]

whats a G chord? :lol:

 

[adorshki]

whats a G chord? :lol:

Slightly beefier version of a G string.

 

[killdeer43]

whats a G chord? :lol:

Slightly beefier version of a G string.

More coverage! :shock:

Joe

 

[adorshki]

whats a G chord? :lol:

Slightly beefier version of a G string.

More coverage! :shock:
Joe

Such as it is...

 

[killdeer43]

More coverage! :shock:
Joe

Such as it is...

Whatever it takes. 8)

Joe

 

[adorshki]

I always was puzzled that seemingly normal sensible folks would ask how to finger a chord but never a string.
Some things just come naturally, I guess?

 

[Bikerdoc]

So, we talked about 4 fingers, "B" string, 3rd fret ('D' note) and that brought me to another question.

When I move from the basic 'D' chord to a 'C' chord I will often leave my ring finger on the 3rd fret ('D' note) and only move my index and middle fingers to the 'C' position. My question is; why is that position referred to as a Csus2 AND a C(add9)? What exists (does it take) that makes it one or the other?

I supppose I have to understand something else before I understand the answer to that question but hey, a lesson is a lesson and they're free on LTG, and I just love you guys. :wink:


Peace

 

[Yoko Oh No]

i'm loving this....two pages of discussion regarding g