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Joined:
June 2009
Posts: 18
Location: USA - New Jersey | I have been playing or should say trying to play for about 3weeks. Seem to be getting the scales and open cords ok but cannot seem to get the hang of Barre Cords. Been trying to strengthen and excersise my left hand fingers but it is so hard. How long does it take? |
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Joined:
April 2008
Posts: 1851
Location: Newington, CT | Lol! Different times for different people. Keep at it! When it happens, it's REALLY rewarding, and opens up HUGE new possibilities. I promise! |
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Joined:
May 2006
Posts: 4236
Location: Steeler Nation, Hudson Valley Contingent | You're way ahead of my learning curve Philly. When I started, I morphed into a "chord cheater" for years. I didn't even attempt bar chords for a LONG time. But Alan is right, when it happens, it's very rewarding and well worth the effort. Keep at it. |
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Joined:
April 2008
Posts: 2336
Location: Brighty in Blighty | One thing I would say about learning an instrument is remember to enjoy the journey, there is no such thing as a final destination.
Which practise and time you will continue to progress, don't over practise and don't get frustrated.
With regard to barre chords, you will find using lighter strings easier on the hand. Build up your strength/stamina slowly to avoid injuries.
ENJOY! |
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Joined:
January 2009
Posts: 4536
Location: Flahdaw | Barre chord strength comes mostly from the index finger and thumb, not so much the whole hand. Anyway, it's practice. Try going from a C chord to a barre G, then E to barre G....over and over til your hand screams. Do that everyday a couple of times a day and your strength will increase, as well as your speed. |
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Joined:
November 2006
Posts: 3969
| It takes time to build up the muscle strength and calluses. Some of us here have been playing for 30 or more years - we forget how hard it was when we first started. If you're already trying barre chords after just 3 weeks of playing you're way ahead of most everybody starting out.
Don't strain! Practice in multiple short intervals and give your hand and arm plenty of time to recover. That "no pain - no gain" trope will hurt you in the long run for playing guitar. Repetitive stress injury is NOT your friend. |
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Joined:
January 2002
Posts: 14127
Location: 6 String Ranch | years.................................. |
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Joined:
November 2005
Posts: 4833
Location: Campbell River, British Columbia | If you don't get it in the first 5 - 10 minutes, give up. It's too tough.
Or exercise and work your way up to fingertip pushups. |
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Joined:
December 2006
Posts: 6268
Location: Florida Central Gulf Coast | Originally posted by darkbarguitar:
Barre chord strength comes mostly from the index finger and thumb, not so much the whole hand.
Good point. Just keep at it. It'll happen. |
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Joined:
May 2009
Posts: 26
Location: Vermont | Maybe start with "easier' barre chords? I find Am7 (at the 5th fret) and Bm7 (at the 7th fret) pretty easy to do. For Am7 index finger bars at the 5th fret and the 3rd finger goes on the 7th fret on the 5th string. Bm7 is the same fingering just starting on the 7th fret. Get those 2 chords down and you've mostly got Van Morrison's Moondance down! |
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Joined:
August 2006
Posts: 3145
Location: Marlton, NJ | Originally posted by fillhixx:
If you don't get it in the first 5 - 10 minutes, give up. It's too tough.
Or exercise and work your way up to fingertip pushups. Or try a different guitar - it's much easier on a well set-up guitar with a nice neck. (Any excuse to buy a new guitar!). |
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Joined:
February 2005
Posts: 11840
Location: closely held secret | Crimson has a good point - there's nothing more painful than trying to do barre chords on a badly set up guitar. High action will make it much harder and frustrating. |
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Joined:
August 2005
Posts: 3736
Location: Sunshine State, Australia | How long does it take? How long have you got?
I've been playing for nearly 40 years and I haven't gotten where I want to be yet.
Never will.
I'll keep trying.
Oh yeah, +1 on the setup advice. |
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Joined:
May 2009
Posts: 1433
Location: Right now? | It takes longer than three weeks ... |
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How long does it take
