Hello, & question..

[Esque]

Hello, I'm 16 years old and just getting into guitar. So far I've no major problems but this one. Which is quite inconvenient.

I'm practicing the G chord(G major). And I cannot pull it off. Every time I put my 3rd finger on the 1st string it forces my second finger(on the 6th string) to flatten out and touch the 5th string. As well, when I have my second finger perfectly fit on the 6th string I can't bring my 3rd finger to push in on the 1st string properly. Seems as if my fingers are too big. Also, if I even come close I get hand cramps.

Is there any solution to this? I'm using proper technique and have tried everything I thought possible.

Thanks you.

[Stratin2traynor]

Keep at it and your fingers will be able to stretch effortlessly. You can stretch a bit before playing and a little after. Practice and patience is the remedy. Stuff I couldn't do last year if my life depended on it, I can do without even thinking now. Keep at it. Cheers

[greco]

Welcome to the forum.

Stratin2traynor has given you good advice from his own experience (and this very likely reflects the experience of virtually all of us) :food-smiley-004:

Your fingers will never stop wanting to do their own thing. They have to be trained. The good thing is that this can be done...it just takes time and effort. Meanwhile, it is very frustrating.

Each time you want them to learn a new chord, you have to get your fingers used to going to that position repeatedly in the same efficient and proper manner. Some chords will be easier than others.

Also, there are many ways to play the same chord...this can be helpful at times, as some shapes are easier for some guitarists to learn in comparison ( comparing both shapes and individual guitarists) to others. Confused...sorry...you will learn this in time.

You might find it easier to put a capo on the 6th or 7th fret or so and then work your way down the fretboard with the capo on. The frets are more narrow up on the upper frets and might be less demanding. Just a thought...see what others advise.

Enjoy and post often.

Peace

Dave

[Esque]

I most certainly will keep trying and possibly look for another way to form the same chord.

Thanks for responding.

[Esque]

One more question if I can.

When you play are you supposed to look at your fretting hand or your picking hand? Or neither?

[devnulljp]

One more question if I can.

When you play are you supposed to look at your fretting hand or your picking hand? Or neither?Neither is best of course. But when you're practising?...look where you need to.

As for th eG chord thing, don't sweat it, just keep at it, and relax as much as possible, and it will come. stratin2traynor already summed it all up...

FWIW, I always found that G-shape chord to be easier played with the second finger on the Bnote/5th string, third finger G note 6th string, and pinkie on the G note first string. Makes it easier too, when you learn about the CAGED moveable chord thing and you can slide that shape around and throw a barre in with your first finger.
Kinda like this:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3266/2619406771_e55ab68730_m.jpg

[WEEZY]

I would echo what devnulljp said - while you're learning, make sure to use the correct fingering! If you get into bad habits now, they will limit your progress as you get better.

Sometimes you might find it easier to play a chord a certain way, like using your index finger on the low E string instead of your 3rd finger for the G chord - but don't do it! The G chord should always be played as pictured above. Try going from the G chord to the C chord and you'll see why.

Have fun!!

[Esque]

Thanks for the replys fellahs', one more if I may..

v ^ v ^ v v ^ v ^ v v ^ v ^ v v ^ v ^
A A A A | D D D D | G G G G | D D D D ||

If I were to play this(^ meaning upstroke and V meaning downstroke).
For A would I only up and down stoke the 5th,4,3, and 1st string?
Same for D, would I only strum the 4th,3,2, and first string?
I tried it this way but it seems next to impossible to try and evade the extra strings on the upstroke. Do just need practice or am I doing something wrong?