[GeoNjules]

I've been going at it for five months now. The open chord changes are coming along pretty good, except for the C.
My fingers keep going down one at a time instead of all at once (idex,middle,ring). This is the only chord (so far) to give me this habbit I can't seem to break. Any suggestions?

[fireblade]

I've been playing for 2 yrs now and I still don't put all my fingers down at the same time. What's more important IMO is that you keep your strumming hand moving so that the rhythm isn't lost.
Also take you time, get yourself a metronome, set it slow, take it at a pace you can keep pace with and build up a bit at a time.
Hope that helps.

[Doug]

When you play the chord, do you find yourself looking at the chord in three separate steps? Do you look at the index finger, followed by the middle followed by the ring? Try restricting your eyes to look only at the middle and ring frets and try to ignore the index fret. It may help in getting your fingers to get to the chord shape in a single action rather than three separate ones. It'll come - don't worry.
Sight directed targetting is a great way to become more accurate when you are learning new chord patterns. Just before the chord change, look at (target) the frets where you're going to place your fingers. It helps a lot.
-Doug

[JessThrasher]

Whatever it is you choose to do, don't rush. When you rush, old habits return.

[GeoNjules]

Thanks for the help. Time to practice.

[solidwalnut]

GeoNjules--

It takes different people different lengths of time to learn this step.

This is how I learned and how I teach it: Chord Planting.

Pick three chords. Be sure to pick the C chord since it's the toughest for you! Now practice switching back and forth between them without regard to any rhythm. Learn to form the chord in the air before your fingers land on the fretboard. Begin slowly. Make sure you're playing cleanly and you can hear each note (no fretbuzz and no muffled strings). Strum once and then switch. When you are playing cleanly and comfortably, increase your speed. When you're comfortable, either switch the chord positions or choose three different chords.

This will not only help you to become a clean player, it will also help you improvise on the spot. When a song calls for one chord and you accidently almost play another, you'll be able to switch fast and clean to the correct chord. And no one will be the wiser!! It also helps immensely for learning to stay in the pocket and play within the rhythm. You'll become a master rhythm player.

Have fun,

Steve