Choosing Fingering Positions

[mc1]

Originally Posted by soupy1957

healyf52: In reference to different fingering for chords, there is the classic
"G" chord fingering. I use my "Middle Finger" for the Low A on the Third
Fret. Just learned it that way many years ago, and kept doing it. Some
folks use their Pointer Finger for that note.
...

the G chord is a good example. you want to be comfortable fingering it in a number of ways. i can think of 4 or 5 (or more) ways to finger the standard open first position 5 or 6 note G chord. that way, if i'm coming from the C chord i might finger it one way, and if from the D chord another. it's about economy of motion, and finding and using pivot and guide fingers.

a pivot finger is a finger/note that is common between two adjacent chords that doesn't need to move. helps a lot.

a guide finger is a finger that stays on the same string between adjacent chords. it also helps find your bearings. it relaxes from fretting the note but remains in contact with the string.

i often prefer to shift a finger up or down on the same guide string rather than having a finger jump across from one string to another. this would be called a position shift.

[rick-slo]

One of my favorite chords. Finger it: