View Single Post
  #2  
Old 10-20-2010, 02:28 PM
Brent Hutto's Avatar
Brent Hutto Brent Hutto is offline
Charter Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 6,276
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by sasquatch182 View Post
I"m a beginner and was loaned an acoustic to learn on.
Yes it is definitely the place for newbie questions. Welcome.

Quote:
Is it normal in the beginning for me to mute other strings while trying to play simple cords?
Yes, for most of us.

Quote:
I assume once the callouses build up on my finger tips this will help?
No, not particularly.

To play cleanly you have to put your fingers on one string precisely enough not to touch any other strings (unless you mean to). It's a matter of two things. Using a hand position that lets you fret each note cleanly and gaining the coordination and flexibility to put them exactly where you mean to.

Ultimately it just takes a lot of practice. The calluses will help you practice more without your fingers bleeding so I guess in that sense it will help! You do need to make sure you're putting your finger tips straight down onto the string as much as possible rather than using the side or flat part of the finger.
__________________
Grabbed his jacket
Put on his walking shoes
Last seen, six feet under
Singing the I've Wasted My Whole Life Blues
---Warren Malone "Whole Life Blues"
Reply With Quote