[pjprofili]

I'm having real trouble making out the left hand fingering in some of the videos. I wonder if that could be detailed in the text?

The one I'm working on now is the 12 bar rhythm riff. I just can't for the life of me see which fingers are fretting some of those notes:



Right after the green box - what fingers are being used for the (A) and (E7) fragments?

[MCH]

There is really no set pattern of fingers used. Its best to try a configuration that works comfortably for you. I just use a fingering that gives the simplest transition from movement to movement.
that's my take

[Kirk Lorange]

Hi pjprofili ...

For the A, I use my index finger for both strings, sort of a mini barre chord; for the E7 fragment, I use my middle for the B string, ring for the G string. They're both hovering there during the A bit, ready to drop onto the strings.

But, as MCH says, if there's a way that feels more comfortable for you, do it.

[pjprofili]

Thanks!

I agree - it makes sense to use whatever's most comfortable, but as a complete beginner I'm trying to be sure I don't start off with some bad habits that'd be hard to break. I look to you guys for the expert guidance.

(As an example, when I first picked up a guitar - last Christmas - I started playing the G chord using my first and second fingers on the A and low E strings because it was comfortable - but I've since realised that using the second and third makes a lot of common transitions much simpler. Now I'm finding it hard to break that habit.)

Anyway - thanks again, guys. Kirk - that's exactly what I needed to know. Keep on rockin'

[72FenderAcousticality]

=P im trying to break myself of that habbit also atm... trying to play Imagine by John Lennon, and tis much easier to go from G - C by using my second and third fingers on my G chord then just moving them each back one string to form C and putting my index finger on first fret to complete C... now to work up the strength and precision of my pinky =D c'mon little pinky i know you can do it!

[crazymammas]

I just realized I've been doing the same exact thing (For quite some time).

[Jim]

It might be better to try and get used to playing certain chords - such as G - both ways. Sometimes it's easier to transition using one fingering, sometimes the other. I learning it with 1st and 2nd fingers on the low E and A and played it only that way for years - but now I've also learned to play it with 2nd and 3rd fingers, and I use which ever is better for the situation. Once you get used to playing the common chords and they become like second nature, it's almost as easy to play it either way regardless of which other chord your going to or coming from.

Jim

[crazymammas]

Cool. That makes sense for me. Thanks Jim.

[mrhev]

I also noticed the ease of G to C with the 2nd and 3rd fingers. Iv'e been trying to learn
both ways. The same goes for barre chords. I have re learn them with my 2nd, 3rd, and 4th fingers as i use my index to bar.

I'm just starting to try my hand at finger style. A little tricky. I was wondering, should
I be using my finger tips or finger nails? It's hard to tell in the video how Kirk is doing it.
Any suggestions would be most helpful.

[allthumbs]

Kirk has let his fingernails grow just enough to be able to pick with. With your palm facing you, your nails should just peek out over your finger tips. It is OK just to use your finger tips too. There is a difference in tone and volume between the two. Try both ways and see which you like best.

[mrhev]

First I'll have grow some finger nails