Richard Hawley

I've never obtained a crystal clear sound from that chord - the top string is always fuzzed out by the mini barre formed by my ring finger.

Good luck!

Most players do not play the sixth string (thickest) the root note(b flat in this case) is on the 5 string.

EFSB'S advice is good, play it by barring with your ring finger.

Poppy Dog's bit about muting the high e string is common, but I never let it bother me! as long as it is muted completely I see no problem. (others might especially teachers)

Also using that shape you can play power chords (or 5ths) where you only play the root and the fifth note using the 5th and 4th string or sometimes the 3rd string (which is the octave of the root).

Also if you are playing that at the nut to form a b flat, it is a little bit harder on the hands as its more of a stretch. Playing the same shape further down the neck might help tired hands ie at the 7th fret you are playing an e chord. Then work back up to the b flat when its easier on the hands.

Hope some of that helps, I learnt fuck all from books all the imprtant stuff came from asking or watching other players

Yes, I've had all of those problems My guitar teacher has shown me both those methods, he's quite relaxed about using alternative techniques. It is the stretch that's the tricky bit. Practised it again this morning - slight improvement. Thanks for the help folks, it really does..help Especially as I've no players to bounce things off at home.

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The heartbeat doesn't change, only the faces surrounding it.

Think I may have to cut my guitar lessons down from fortnightly to monthly, as I'm not getting my head around what I'm given to learn in a couple of weeks, then more new stuff comes on top of that Seem to be making some progress though, just a bit embarrassed at how slowly. Practise most evenings. Hope this won't upset the ever patient Roger though

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The heartbeat doesn't change, only the faces surrounding it.

After years of aimlessly strumming chords I have taken to trying to play songs with bass runs hammer on's and such stuff whilst trying to sing along...

It's tough on anyone within hearing distance - tho' the dog likes it...

And Lofty you were the motivation - so thanks for that

Crikey, was I really? Thank you

I think my neighbours are probably getting a bit tired of my chord changing exercise from Yellow Submarine...

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The heartbeat doesn't change, only the faces surrounding it.

After a few stark realisations over the state of my brickwork at home today, I didn't think I'd be able to apply my mind to guitar practice tonight. But it really took my mind off things & helped me get it more in perspective

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The heartbeat doesn't change, only the faces surrounding it.

if theres one thing ive found- when you least expect it youll make a breakthrough with anything- happened for me with barre chords etc...

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The sound of loneliness makes me happier

After playing every day for three and a half months since I started learning I have just been away for three and a half weeks....my fingers have stopped being numb and I thought I would be crap again.... but hey...the "magic" is still there......hahaha! I can still do what I could do before...which is great....I am happy being able to strum along changing from one chord to another and it sounding half decent.......or struggling along with a few songs.....just the fact that I am learning something new at my advanced age and really enjoying it is making it very special to me....plus, I love the looks on peoples faces when I tell them I am learning to play guitar! Too funny!!!!!

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Adventure before dementia.......so let's all dance like dingledodies!

My attempts at string bending sound like cats being strangled....

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The heartbeat doesn't change, only the faces surrounding it.

I've been playing for 10 years come the autumn. You'd think I might sound like someone who's been playing that long by now eh?

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breakingtunes.com/thechoirinvisible/

There's hope for me yet then

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The heartbeat doesn't change, only the faces surrounding it.

I've been trying to get that sound for 30 years...

I played a song for my nephews the other day [Yellow Submarine - every 6 year old favourite] - and they ran out of the room with their hands over their ears - was it my playing - was it my singing? - or maybe a combintaion of the two]...

So it's back to making paper planes for me

When I started learning to play guitar a few months ago my vision was of me sat strumming on a nice summer evening.....and I can do that and love it.....others seem to want me to go on to the moveable and barre chords, which I find difficult.....I can only use three fingers which I accept as a restriction.......but can sit and play Blowing In The Wind....as an example....with no problem...and then my teacher asks me to play it with moveable chords......not sure I will actually be able to progress any further in that respect .... cramp seems to be a problem for me when barring....oh well.....

Still looking to buy a nice acoustic steel string soon though....had my hands on an electric last Saturday in a pub in Featherstone.......liked the feel of that too.......

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Adventure before dementia.......so let's all dance like dingledodies!

There's a nice looking Epiphone Sheraton on ebay at the moment. Trouble is there's also a builder fixing my wall today.....I daresay he'll want paying...

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The heartbeat doesn't change, only the faces surrounding it.