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  #1  
Old 08-21-2013, 06:20 PM
Beetlescott Beetlescott is offline
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Default Does the "F" Chord CHALLENGE EVERYONE?

I guess this is probably the most elementary of all questions. I am pretty sure that everyone who comes to this site has probably passed this problem up long ago. I can play the "F" chord, but there are days.....I not only have a problem with the F, but I am having a time using my index finger to bar all the way across the fret board! I have buddies who seem to be able to do this as easily as I can play C. Please tell me i'm not alone here!!! Let me hear some stories of how you overcame the "F" chord??
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Old 08-21-2013, 06:22 PM
mc1 mc1 is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Beetlescott View Post
...Let me hear some stories of how you overcame the "F" chord??
can't be done.
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Old 08-21-2013, 06:26 PM
K20C K20C is offline
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I, and everyone I know, struggled with it at one point. But, everyone that sticks with it eventually masters it.
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Old 08-21-2013, 06:31 PM
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I had an easier time with it once I started pressing down with more of the side of the index finger.
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Old 08-21-2013, 06:33 PM
philo426 philo426 is offline
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At first sure!I find it helpful to rock the finger across the bar at an angle towards the fret to make sure all notes ring clearly.
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Old 08-21-2013, 06:39 PM
handers handers is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Beetlescott View Post
I guess this is probably the most elementary of all questions. I am pretty sure that everyone who comes to this site has probably passed this problem up long ago. I can play the "F" chord, but there are days.....I not only have a problem with the F, but I am having a time using my index finger to bar all the way across the fret board! I have buddies who seem to be able to do this as easily as I can play C. Please tell me i'm not alone here!!! Let me hear some stories of how you overcame the "F" chord??
You are not alone. It is difficult... but only in beginning. Learn to play it without pushing hard and that takes some weeks. practice closing the notes without pushing as hard as you can. no more pressure than the C chord. Why should there be?

Stay with it. You'll get it. Don't over-try. Practice for a few minutes then move to something else. Come back in 20 mins. Try again. Goal: hold all the notes closed clearly with minimal pressure. You'll do it but it will take some practice.

Good luck
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Old 08-21-2013, 06:39 PM
ecguitar44 ecguitar44 is offline
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Yes indeed...it's quite tricky at first.

After a little bit of practice you won't think twice about it!
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Old 08-21-2013, 06:40 PM
saxonblue saxonblue is offline
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At one stage it was a pain, the years helped me through it. As others have said rotate the index finger back toward the nut for better fretting. More often than not I just bar the 2 treble strings & do the E shape +1 fret using the remaining fingers with the added option of thumbing over if I need that low F on the bass string. That could be a challenge on your 12 string though .
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Old 08-21-2013, 06:44 PM
ukejon ukejon is offline
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Yes indeed, the thumb is useful for this chord.
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Old 08-21-2013, 06:49 PM
johnny196775 johnny196775 is offline
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I love this chord and play it very often. Usually half baring it and using the thumb for the low F note if needed.
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  #11  
Old 08-21-2013, 06:49 PM
mc1 mc1 is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ukejon View Post
Yes indeed, the thumb is useful for this chord.
i'm sure you mean, to be behind the neck to apply an opposite force for the fingers.
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Old 08-21-2013, 06:52 PM
ukejon ukejon is offline
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Not quite but you are close, MC1. Bad-Form is my middle name!
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  #13  
Old 08-21-2013, 06:53 PM
jpd jpd is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Beetlescott View Post
I guess this is probably the most elementary of all questions. I am pretty sure that everyone who comes to this site has probably passed this problem up long ago. I can play the "F" chord, but there are days.....I not only have a problem with the F, but I am having a time using my index finger to bar all the way across the fret board! I have buddies who seem to be able to do this as easily as I can play C. Please tell me i'm not alone here!!! Let me hear some stories of how you overcame the "F" chord??
Try doing it without a mid-finger!
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  #14  
Old 08-21-2013, 06:53 PM
jackaroo jackaroo is offline
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Nope...wraparound!

That's what the thumb is for!
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Old 08-21-2013, 06:56 PM
MikeVB MikeVB is offline
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Mindnumbing repetition, and then one day you'll literally lay your hand across the fretboard while absentmindedly strumming and realize the F chord is your minion.
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