Question: Changing Chord Bass Notes

[ScottJ]

I'm a beginner, and I was wondering if someone could direct me toward a resource for the following problem. I have been trying different variations on chords by changing the bass notes (not even sure if I am using the right terminology).

For example, I can play a simple D chord by using my index, ring, and middle fingers respectively on the G, B, and E strings. The problem is what fingers to use where when I go to other variants. Like D/F# - do I have to reach around with my thumb? And how do I get my fingers to play D/C#? I'm looking at a tab and I don't think my fingers will do that!

Any help?

Thanks,
Scott

[Les Regala]

D/F#

e 2
B 3
G 2
D 4
A x
E x

D/C#

e 2
B 3
G 2
D 0
A 4
E x

In fingering both of these chords, you can use your index to barre/fret the e,B, and G all at once on the 2nd fret, use the middle or pinky finger on the B, 3rd fret, and the ring on the 4th frets of the D for the D/F# and A for the D/C#. I'm sure there are other ways, but this is how I'd do it if I didn't wanna use the ol' thumb. Hope this helps!

Les

[kenliu]

Yeah, it's ok to use your thumb if it will reach. There's an old thread about thumb fretting. Do a search.

As for the D/C#, you'll have to use your pinky to reach the C#, which may be difficult for you at first. Keep working at it, you'll get it eventually. If you have a hard time, you can try playing a D2/C# which is the same except you don't fret the high e string.

Ken

[ScottyMac]

Scott,

I reach around with my thumb on the D/F# variant. No doubt it's not the technically correct way, but it works.

A songwriter named Paul Baloche has some instructional videos out that are good. He covers this somewhat in the acoustic video #2. He writes Praise and Worship music, and is a good teacher on these tapes.

PS: We can rejoice that we play Taylors, as this is more difficult on the fatter Martin, etc. necks.

[bnjp]

I play the D/F# with my thumb too. D/C# is harder. I use my pinky and keep the regular D shape, but if that's too difficult, try barring the D like below. Anything is hard when you don't know how to do it, though. Keep practicing and eventually it'll be natural.

    D/F#	    D/C#
E A D G B E     x A D G B E
===========     ===========
| | | | | |     | | | | | |
| | | | | |     | | | | | |
| | | | | |     | | | | | |
-----------     -----------
| | | | | |     | | | | | |
T | | 1 | 2     | | | 1 1 1
| | | | | |     | | | | | |
-----------     -----------
| | | | | |     | | | | | |
| | | | 3 |     | | | | 2 |
| | | | | |     | | | | | |
-----------     -----------
| | | | | |     | | | | | |
| | | | | |     | 3 | | | |
| | | | | |     | | | | | |
-----------     -----------