starting to play guitar seriously

**arjue** · 18 Jan 2004, 10:17 AM

I have the same problems with bar chords.

and for strumming, I'm pretty sure that down strokes start on the beat, and up strokes are off the beat. keep your hand in a constant up and down motion and just bring it towards the strings when you want to play.

eg

Code:

d = down, u = up

just say you're playing this simple rhythm:
xx-x--x-xx-x-x-x

and your hand moves like this:
dudududududududu

the strokes you play will be like this:
du-u--d-du-u-u-u

to make it more clear:
xx-x--x-xx-x-x-x <-- the rhythn
du-u--d-du-u-u-u <--- your strokes
dudududududududu <-- your hands motion

i hope thats clear.

**Diff-chan** · 18 Jan 2004, 03:10 PM

gotcha.

**Astral** · 18 Jan 2004, 05:39 PM

Originally Posted by diffusionx

I tried learning barre chords a few days ago, and its driving me nuts.

Like my finder has a little indentation above the knuckle which is not allowing me to press on all the strings. The third string in particular is being the dirtiest whore. I can barre the first five strings without any problem, but... not all six.

How can I overcome that?

This is the first big roadblock, everything else Ive tried Ive done in a day or two. AHHH!

I wish I was fatter or something right now... almost.

Oh, and if someone could tell me what strokes are up and which are done in that first part of smells like teen spirit that would be amazing... Im trying real hard here but Im still pretty deaf with stuff like that.

Well learning bar chords on an acoustic is pretty hard. Its also something that becomes easier over time.

You might want to try doing minor bar chords but put your second finger on top of your first to try and help it clamp down the strings. If that helps after your fingers get a little more aclimated to the position then try majors.

**arjue** · 18 Jan 2004, 07:34 PM

or rotate your hand slightly for a straighter finger edge.

**Shakey** · 19 Jan 2004, 12:29 AM

Originally Posted by arjue

or rotate your hand slightly for a straighter finger edge.

that's a good one. Try not to get used to a bad thumb position though, as it can only make things harder on you in the long run. Nothing beats hours and hours of practice though.