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Old 05-19-2022, 10:56 AM
Deliberate1 Deliberate1 is offline
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Default E shape question

I have to do some work on barre chords, because I basically do not play them. Even my teacher encouraged me to use the thumb-over (for fingerstyle), which I can do, though it does throw off my fingers (yet another thing to work on).

So to get my mind wrapped around the concept, should I switch to the barre form of E (fingers 2, 3 and 4) when forming an open E chord. Seems to me that it makes sense to do that since the problem I have with barre chords is not the barre, but aways thinking how I have to form the E with differerent fingers.
Any downside for make that my default E form for open chords?
Much obliged as always.
David
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Old 05-19-2022, 11:50 AM
phydaux phydaux is offline
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Many open chords have alternate fingerings.

I know four different ways to finger an open A, although I only ever use one way.

I know at least seven different ways to finger an open G, and regularly use three of them depending on song context. That is to say what chord I'm coming from before, what chord I'm going to after, and what chord embellishments & ornaments I plan to use.

Finger the open E however you want. Your reason for fingering it with your middle, ring, and pinky fingers is as good a reason as any for fingering a chord a particular way.
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Old 05-19-2022, 12:03 PM
rule18 rule18 is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Deliberate1 View Post
I have to do some work on barre chords, because I basically do not play them. Even my teacher encouraged me to use the thumb-over (for fingerstyle), which I can do, though it does throw off my fingers (yet another thing to work on).

So to get my mind wrapped around the concept, should I switch to the barre form of E (fingers 2, 3 and 4) when forming an open E chord. Seems to me that it makes sense to do that since the problem I have with barre chords is not the barre, but aways thinking how I have to form the E with differerent fingers.
Any downside for make that my default E form for open chords?
Much obliged as always.
David
You could try to stop thinking about it as an E chord (with a different fingering) per se. Until that barre chord shape becomes second nature or muscle memory, think of it as a whole new chord shape.
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Old 05-19-2022, 07:37 PM
davidbeinct davidbeinct is offline
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You’ll find songs in both A and E that use E7 and E6 chords as part of the melody. You need your pinky free to play those variations. Sugar Babe by Mance Lipscomb is one example.
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Old 05-20-2022, 02:47 AM
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Coler Coler is offline
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Basically, learn to finger it both ways, so you can fret notes with your pinky, or move smoothly to a bar, as you choose deepending on the situation.

Versatility in your playing and planning a few moves ahead is the great thing to aim for.

Same thinking applies to other chord shapes. The more ways you can finger them the better. I put a little time each week into running through chords using different fingers and it really pays off in terms of overall versatility and dexterity too.
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Old 05-20-2022, 09:07 AM
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Without going into specifics, I use whatever shaping best fits with the neighboring chords, to make transitions as easy as possible. Sometimes it doesnt matter, and then I dont think about it.

I also try to keep as few rules in my playing (and life) as possible.
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Old 05-20-2022, 02:19 PM
fwellers fwellers is offline
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It maybe isn't necessary to use pinky and ring finger for the E shape way up at the nut, but it sure is a good thing to be comfortable with, because further down the neck, doing e shapes and other double stops and triads with the little fingers keeps your index and maybe middle finger free to fret up the neck.
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Old 05-20-2022, 06:19 PM
Deliberate1 Deliberate1 is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by davidbeinct View Post
You’ll find songs in both A and E that use E7 and E6 chords as part of the melody. You need your pinky free to play those variations. Sugar Babe by Mance Lipscomb is one example.
OP here. David, I was thinking of that very issue after I posted.
David
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