[Nick Manley]

Hi All,
I have been playing now for about 10 months and i can change between chords and play some tunes which are recognisable.

But I am having a problem with the D chord. More specifically when i change between chords the notes usually continue ringing (which sounds good) but when i release a D chord the strings seem to mute instantly which doesnt sound so good.

does anyone have a similar problem or know what may be causing this?

thanks in advance.

Nick.

[allthumbs]

Well assuming your playing all cowboy chords down at the nut, it is the nature of how many open strings a D chord has. There is only the D string left to ring when you lift your fingers off the other strings.
Just make sure you hit the open D string and let it ring during the change.
This all becomes a non issue when you start to move up the neck with barre chords unless you learn to play part barre chords with open strings in them. Not that common.

[thodwris]

Hello Nick and welcome to the site...
The thing is very simple.The chords continue ringing mostly because of the open strings that you play in a chord.Try playing The D chord from the open D string or even from the first E string.I guess that it will give you the effect you like and wish for...Also know that you wiil come across the same problem at the barre chords.Another thought is to try changing between chord more rapidly so that it wiil not be noticeable or better try holding your fingers down for a longer time so that the ringing effect that you say wiil go on...
Good luck with your practice....

[Nick Manley]

Thanks Guy's,
i was practising last night and got a much better sound by keeping the D chord strings fretted for as long as possible before changing chords. It puts pressure on moving fingers quickly to the next chord but i guess this will help in the long run as it forces me to move the fingers quickly.

Many thanks.

Nick.

[allthumbs]

Cool. Glad your getting a handle on it.

[thodwris]

I am really glad NIck that you found the advice usefull.Changing chords rapidly means knowing the instrument better.Keep up the practice and good luck....