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  #46  
Old 07-26-2022, 08:13 AM
fpuhan fpuhan is offline
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I have always used the 2-1-3 fingering for the open A chord. When I first taught myself to play guitar, the G string was often the anchor for many of the chords, and I could finger a D chord and an E chord with minimal shifting of fingers. The same way I play an open G chord with my third, fourth and fifth fingers. Moving to a C or an F chord requires less lifting and pressing on my part.

At least that's my story and I'm sticking with it.
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  #47  
Old 07-26-2022, 03:55 PM
Lefty MacGuffin Lefty MacGuffin is online now
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I have played an A chords as 213 since I first started playing in 1972. I am sure that was the diagram in my first chord book (Mel Bay?). As an aside, I also play a first position E chord as 321 rather than the more common 231, also I am sure from that same book. Of course today I can and do change fingers as needed for the song.
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  #48  
Old 08-01-2022, 06:33 PM
dbvirago dbvirago is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Horseflesh View Post
I started learning with online resources including JustinGuitar. Justin recommends the "new" A fingering:



Lately I have started taking lessons and my instructor has very diplomatically tried to tell me she thinks the new fingering sucks and I should try to switch to traditional 1-2-3.

In playing it both ways and trying to be objective, it seems to be about even -- there is something to like and dislike about each. The new way is a little harder to get to quickly but I find my fingers fit better and I am less likely to have a string that won't ring clearly. The new way also has the advantage of giving you a consistent anchor finger to E and D.

If I can't switch or don't wanna, my instructor will roll with it, but I do want to give it real consideration.

What do y'all think? Any strong opinions?
I default to this way normally. But like others have said, it depends on what is before and after. Probably me second most used method is in line, but using 2-3-4 if I need my index finger on a lower string before or after.
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  #49  
Old 08-07-2022, 05:30 AM
OliveCorduroy OliveCorduroy is offline
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I like to play the 2-1-3…for me, I like the way I can use my pinky for an A suspended chord…it’s just easier for me to do it that way…others may find you can do that with the 1-2-3 as well…I guess it’s easier for me with 2-1-3 and my fingers just fit better…if I don’t use the 2-1-3, I will go to a 2-3-4…I find that way a little easier in that I can get all three fingers down simultaneously much easier with a nice hammer-on effect
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  #50  
Old 08-08-2022, 09:42 PM
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Count me as a 213 guy.

Justin Guitar in the beginning was what kept me believing I could play guitar. So grateful for that dude. And as others have said...there is no right or wrong. Just different. Do what works for you.
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  #51  
Old 08-08-2022, 11:23 PM
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All fingerings used (depends on the context).
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  #52  
Old 08-09-2022, 07:41 AM
Bob from Brooklyn Bob from Brooklyn is offline
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Originally Posted by The Watchman View Post
Is that 2-1-3 A the "James Taylor" A chord I've heard about?
I believe James uses a 3-2-1 fingering to get that snap on the B string. I traditionally was a 1-2-3 user but I've adapted to 2-1-3 for the James songs. I don't think I'll ever get 3-2-1.
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  #53  
Old 08-09-2022, 08:19 AM
stokes1971 stokes1971 is offline
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"New" fingering? I've been using that fingering since about 1964.I originally learned the 1-2-3 fingering but found it easier to plant my index finger on the g string and sort of swing my 2 and 3 finger around it to form the 2-1-3 fingering. I was told forever that it was wrong but it worked for me.
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  #54  
Old 08-09-2022, 08:29 AM
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I guess I am a trend setter woot woot, I have been playing the "new" A for 47 years now. But, seriously, I think it is related to finger size as well, if you have shorter thicker fingers, I think the "new" A is best, if you have thinner fingers perhaps the "traditional" is better, this in regards to not muting the high E. I also like the "new" position when it comes to switching between the A and the D as I am only moving two fingers instead of three with my index staying put.
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  #55  
Old 08-10-2022, 06:39 AM
davidbeinct davidbeinct is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bob from Brooklyn View Post
I believe James uses a 3-2-1 fingering to get that snap on the B string. I traditionally was a 1-2-3 user but I've adapted to 2-1-3 for the James songs. I don't think I'll ever get 3-2-1.
I think you are right. It boggles my mind I can’t picture how he does it.
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  #56  
Old 08-10-2022, 06:52 AM
Bob from Brooklyn Bob from Brooklyn is offline
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Originally Posted by davidbeinct View Post
I think you are right. It boggles my mind I can’t picture how he does it.
He talks a little about his A and D chords within the first minute of this clip.

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  #57  
Old 08-10-2022, 09:54 AM
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What’s a hammer OFF? I know what a hammer ON is!
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  #58  
Old 08-10-2022, 10:56 AM
Bob from Brooklyn Bob from Brooklyn is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TJE View Post
What’s a hammer OFF? I know what a hammer ON is!
I guess James has his own way of saying PULL off.
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  #59  
Old 08-10-2022, 12:35 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bob from Brooklyn View Post
I guess James has his own way of saying PULL off.
That’s what I was thinking….😁
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  #60  
Old 08-10-2022, 01:21 PM
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Could it mean a Hammer-on followed immediately by a Pull-off on the same string?
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