[tommy79]

This might be a stupid question to ask but when I started guitar lessons mel bay book had me make one finger chords, now their showing me to make the same chords with three fingers, should I forget what It showed me in the front of the book and make the same three finger chords. what should I do?

[LeeB]

Yep... the one finger and two finger versions were a progression to get you to the three and 4 finger versions.....

[allthumbs]

There are many ways to finger chords. There is no such thing as too much knowledge.

[Kirk Lorange]

I get the feeling you're referring to the open A chord which can be played either with one finger barring the strings or three fingers, one per string. If that's what you're talking about, either will work. It's good to know both.

If that's not what you're referring to, disregard this post.

[tommy79]

Im talking about just the basic chords in general. A,B,C,D,E,F,G

[scotty_b]

There are many ways to 'voice' chords. For instance, I can play an E chord about 20 different ways. Chrod voicing refers to the notes and the order they appear in.
The simple chords that start you off in the Mel Bay books are useful shapes to remember for later on, and you can start to apply those around the fretboard as you become more confident with that.

[scott58]

I have a terrible time barring so i tend to use what's easiest for me at my skill level. it really only effects my timing at this point depending on what i'm trying to play and "setup" for the next note or whatever, but it is actually easier for me to get faster in my changes then getting the barr every time. in my case i just need to practice my barr chords more.