Help!!!

RC Antolina · #1 September 21st, 2006

Arthiritis at the base of my thumb keeps me from forming a B Chord. Is there a chord I can substitute properly?

Matty22 · #2 September 21st, 2006

Have you tried playing it like a power chord? and mute the e string?
Thats the way i play a B, theres no way my fingers will fit in that 4th fret without muting..

Perhaps that would allow you to play it, near enough anyway.

RC Antolina · #3 September 21st, 2006

I'm using it in slower ballads. Willie Nelson type stuff. Not sure that power chord thing would sound just right. Whatcha think?

Matty22 · #4 September 21st, 2006

Sorry, i should clarify that, i dont mean play a B5 (power chord), play a Bmaj chord, but rather than barre with your index finger, and use your Ring Middle and Pinky for the 4th fret DGB strings, use your index to barre, and your ring (or pinky if its more comfortable) to barre the 4th fret DGB strings, and mute the E string with the same finger...

It wont ring out the same as a x24442 Bmaj, but you can probably get away with it (i do

lol)

Matty22 · #5 September 21st, 2006

Ultimately, try it, if it works, great, if not, somebody smarter than me can probably help ya out

wjp01908 · #6 September 21st, 2006

Hi RC

Have you tried using a capo in a position that enables the use of other chord shapes to get the B chord?

For example a E, A, B progression could be played using a capo on the second fret using the shapes for D, G, and A.

Will

krissovo · #7 September 21st, 2006

How about a x21202 B7th? Or a cheat B7th x20202 they sound ok

allthumbs · #8 September 21st, 2006

Not sure why it would just be the B chord or is it all barre chords that make your thumb hurt? Try this. Play the 3 strings on the 4th fret with your last 3 fingers and reach down with your index to grab the root on the 5th string second fret. Don't play the top string since it is now open. That should put less pressure on your thumb though it might stretch your fingers a bit.

RC Antolina · #9 September 21st, 2006

Thanks to all of you for the suggestions. I love the key of E cuz I can sing in it...

I've never used a capo before so that's a priority purchase. It's probably time for me to experiment with different voicings anyway.

Today the base of my thumb is aching pretty good so I'll give it a rest for a few days and try allthumbs suggestion as well. I don't have any problems with Barre chords below the 3rd fret. However, the B chord at the 7th fret doesn't meld very well with open Es IMO.

Also, I noticed this morning that if I shift the guitar to my right knee, it changes my arm position so the stretch isn't quite as extreme.

Again, thanks for your kindness and caring.

Justapicker · #10 September 21st, 2006

You don't need to use the thumb as a clamp or vice to make barre chords. The thumb should really act as a "guide" to provide stability more than anything else. Without your thumb even touching the neck you can make a barre chord by applying the weight and pressure of your arm. Make sure your are fretting as close to the fret wire as possible!