Help with C chord using alternating bass

[terryd913]

I struggle when playing a C chord playing alternating bass when going to a G note for the alternate bass. It always sounds muffled maybe due to partially muting the A string. I have short fingers. Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks.

[UncleJesse]

Usually, when playing alternating bass when you play the G note you're not striking the A string. You'd do a boom chuck on the G string then hit the top four strings as the chuck.

[terryd913]

Except when one does a bass, down-up on the C the a bass on the G note followed by and up, down-up. Otherwise I agree.

[bufflehead]

why not just play 332010? Alternate as needed.

[terryd913]

I tried that and it works except I’m not used to playing C/G. Practice I guess or just switch to the other pattern when on C.

Thanks

[ljguitar]

Originally Posted by terryd913

I tried that and it works except I’m not used to playing C/G. Practice I guess or just switch to the other pattern when on C.

Thanks

Hi Terry
It's only C/G IF and when you play the 6th string. And as an alternating bass we don't hear it as a C/G because the bass moves quickly enough that it's like having a second player (a bass player if you will).

Only play alternate notes as needed. Nobody made guitar players sign a contract requiring us to play all 6 string all the time.

In fact one of the refining elements of play is eliminating notes which are not needed (from an artistic standpoint). When I'm playing backing guitar, there are lots of 4 (and even 3) note chords and inversions involved.

[Italuke]

It's not cheating if you DO mute the A string. In fact, acoustically, it's desirable, as it prevents you from having a perfect 4th in too low a register. Muddy. Your G is clearer without the C above it.

[terryd913]

This is starting to make sense. Sometimes I get too anal, I guess.

[Mandobart]

Have you tried using your pinky on the E string for G, and just leave it there?

I know a lot of us don't use either pinky for anything. I grew up playing violin and that pinky is indispensable there. Mighty helpful on guitar as well.

[Psychopasta]

I have short fingers too, so I feel your pain. With a C-chord you have two options:

1. Use your ring finger to hold down the C on the fifth string when you play the C note, and move it to the G on the sixth string when you play that note. Make sure your fingers are right behind the frets, and not say in the middle of the gap between frets.

2. Play the C with the ring finger of the G on the sixth, and use your pinky to hold down the C on the fifth. I call this the 'big' C chord.

The only disadvantage to the big C chord is when you want to move to a C7, or use your pinky on the higher strings. My suggestion is to practice both and get them right. You want the basic building blocks to be completely secure, and there's no reason why you can't play an alternative bass C chord cleanly. Take it slow, and if you have problems slow down more. Only speed up once you have a speed at which you can do it reliably.

- Mark

[DukeX]

Originally Posted by Mandobart

Have you tried using your pinky on the E string for G, and just leave it there?

I know a lot of us don't use either pinky for anything. I grew up playing violin and that pinky is indispensable there. Mighty helpful on guitar as well.

That's the way I do it also. Pinky to the rescue.

[The Bard Rocks]

I usually barre the C and G with my ring finger. But I have seen lots of folks just keep moving the ring finger between the 2 notes. It's not hard to do.