Norman86
hello...
i am struggling to fret some chords, for instance, the G and D7 chords.
its as if my fingers are too chunky on the tips, causing fret buzz or stopping the open strings from ringing properly.
i am trying the "bowling ball grip" technique, and short of seeing my teacher for the first time next week, any help or advice in the meantime?
regards
ezietsman
When you fret the chord, take a close look at the buzzing strings. Why are they buzzing? Is it because you are fretting them wrong? Maybe you're pressing down on the strings too far away from the fretwire or right on top of it(you're supposed to fret right behind the fretwire). Some chords will be tougher than others master. Barre chords are especially tricky when you start out.
Keep at it. It becomes easier with time and practice. Your teacher will help too, of course.
Norman86
it buzzes because my fingers end up touching the other strings which should be open!
but they arent touching them directly, they just block the string from ringing normaly! thats why i think my fat fingers are getting in the way!
singemonkey
You can have fingers like Polish sausages and still fret so that all the strings ring. It just takes time and practise. Make sure your hand is curling around the fretboard so that you can use the tips of your fingers - as opposed to your fingers being flat across the strings. Like typing on a computer or drumming your fingers on a table.
Sterkte. Everyone goes through this stuff at the beginning. And just wait'll you try to fret barre chords. The horror... the horror.
Elfreako
If you haven't changed your strings yet maybe change down to 0.09 (if they aren't that gauge already). You will prob find it a lot easier. You may need to get your guitar setup for the different string guage though. Also welcome to fun of guitar practice! Its going to take a while to build up your strength for it to sound perfect. In the words of Ben Lowery from vguitarlessons "Its not a race!". It may take days, weeks, maybe even months! Don't loose heart just keep it up ?
