[justinthyme]

Hi all.

When playing E7 my pinkie always sits close to the nut end of the 3rd fret on the B string, causing a bum note. If I try to slide my pinkie closer to the 3rd fretwire where it should be, it drags my ring finger onto the second fretwire. causing a different bum note.

Is this a common problem and how do I get rid of it? Will general fingerstretching exercises that include the pinkie eventually just let this happen, (haven't helped at all so far) or is there some other trick/principle to be learned?

Thanks

Ian

[allthumbs]

Do you have your thumb under the neck enough? Your fingers will stretch in time.

[papadog65]

It might be of help to you by first playing the E Maj chord, then moving your pinkie down on the third fret while trying to keep your riing finger up out of the way. With practice, muscle memory soon should take effect. Just keep practicing!

Optionally, you could use that ring finger to press the 2nd fret of the D string. I have big fingers so I usually use my middle finger on the 2nd fret of both the A & D strings, while keeping my ring finger up out of the way.

Play around with it and see how it works for you. And like allthumbs said, be aware of positioning your thumb below the neck. Try different positions.

[justinthyme]

That thumb thing has always plagued me ... way too high on the neck.

OK - thanks for the advice guys.