We've discussed the G string. What about the G chord?

[TonyT]

My first class (17 weeks ago) , we talked at some length about leaving the index finger out of the equation, playing with the 2-3-4 fingers. Of course, this is not how I learned it, and I've fought it tooth and nail, but I'm starting to come around. As the songs get harder, it's now beginning to make sense to keep that 1 finger available for the next chord change.

How do you play it?

 

[GAD]

Pinky for me. Always liked to have the ring finger ready for that extra D. I can play it either way though depending on what's coming next.

GAD

 

[Graham]

2-3-4 for me. Let's me drop the index on the B string once in a while.

 

[zzrider]

After playing it with the first three fingers for 30 years, I came across some progression - don't even remember the song now - that needed the index finger free for the next change. After a couple years - I am able to use either fingering pretty fluidly now.

Mastering the first position G chord after 30 years :roll:

I take my victories as I can, be they ever so small... :lol:

 

[cjd-player]

Definitely learn to play it both ways.

Also learn to play what is sometimes referred to as the "bluegrass" version with the third fret on the second string (D note) fretted as well with the third or fourth finger.

I also use 1, 2 and 4 sometimes to leave the 3rd finger available to go on and off of that D note as needed.

And don't forget to keep working on that F chord; full bar or four strings. Move it up to the 3rd fret and you have another G. :mrgreen:
Actually, I think it's easier to learn the full-bar F as a G at the third fret. Then you're not fighting the higher string tension at the first fret. Once you get the G well, it's easier to back down to the F at the first fret.

Here's a neat little progression to try:

Play one mesure of a C chord, then drop the 4th finger onto the first string third fret (G note) for a measure.
then go to the G using 2, 3, and 4 (never lifting the 4th finger) then back to the C (Still not lifting the 4th finger) then to a Dsus4 (keep that 4th finger down) then lift the 4th finger to resolve to a D. Then start all over on the C.

 

[TonyT]

Here's a neat little progression to try:

Play one mesure of a C chord, then drop the 4th finger onto the first string third fret (G note) for a measure.
then go to the G using 2, 3, and 4 (never lifting the 4th finger) then back to the C (Still not lifting the 4th finger) then to a Dsus4 (keep that 4th finger down) then lift the 4th finger to resolve to a D. Then start all over on the C.

I don't know if I'm more surprised that I just actually did this, or that I could even understand it.

That's a great exercise,CJD. Thanks !

 

[dreadnut]

I don't know if anyone ever does this, but I often play a G chord with my thumb on the low E string and my middle finger on the high E string and I simply mute the A string with the tip of my thumb - a 5 string "G"

 

[markus]

I allways used index-middle-pinky; now practising "Baby James" (needs d on 2nd string) and "You've got a friend" with lots of Gsus4 makes me using all kind of fingerings …
Markus

 

[slowhand111666]

i have to use the 1, 2, and 4....i had a bad injury to my ring finger.....so if and when i can afford to have the surgery to correct it, i should be able to play chords in a many different ways. i had to re-learn ways to pull stuff off...the biggest part it has hurt me on is augmenting....and adding the pinky on to chords cuz my pinky has become my ring finger

 

[JerryR]

I allways used index-middle-pinky; …
Markus

Me too - I know technically it should be 1,2,4 if you use the index, but my ring fingers have a definite curve inwards so I find it easier to use the pinky. Fingers are quite short as well (deformed or what :roll: )

 

[Bikerdoc]

I use both but I really need to use 2,3,4 more often; not with just the 'G' chord but the 'Am' as well. Darn barre chords are difficult when ya stumble through gettin' 3 and 4 in the right spot. Also, I've been known to play the 'G' chord 1,2,4; leaving the 3rd finger free to wander the 'B' string and the 'G' string at the 3rd fret (hammer-on, pull-off, slide kinds o' things). I still suck at guitar but luckily most folks don't know that. :wink:

Peace

 

[RussD]

Like most of these folks, I use situational fingering, which sounds ominously like a punch-line... :?

 

[Steelpickin']

Whats a "G" chord?

 

[JerryR]

Like most of these folks, I use situational fingering, which sounds ominously like a punch-line... :?

Hey - you can get dismiised from your job for that - these days :shock:

 

[JerryR]

Whats a "G" chord?

Larry - I almost believe you - as I think a lotta the time you are just stopping the string you are picking, and therefore not using chord shapes at all. Now dummies like me can only work using chord shapes - and the fewer the better (one of my favorite songs only ises 2 chords) :mrgreen:

 

[killdeer43]

Put me down for 2-3-4. Transitions to/from G are much easier and using the pinky and index alternately on the first and second strings adds a lot of range within the G chord.

Joe