I got a guitar this summer with every intention of learning how to play it. I'm trying to learn chords, but I can't seem to get the majority of the notes in the chords I play (besides really easy ones) to sound, and it's frustrating the crap out of me. I press down as hard as I can on the strings, and make sure my fingers aren't in the way of anything, but it's like I'm too weak to do it.I'm really disappointed, because I have this beautiful guitar now, and lots of musical knowledge (clarinet, bass clarinet, bass guitar, and (sort of)piano), but I can't play guitar chords to save my life. Any advice or comments or anything? Thanks. ~Nova
well, my first thought was your finger may not be strong enough. but if you can play the bass you should have no problem. and also you just started!!! it takes time to get your muscle memory going. just keep playing, have fun, and it will happen!!
i think i was a real slow learner, but it took me about half a year to get chords to sound nice. shouldve been one or two months tops, but i couldnt keep interest long enough (because they didnt sound good). just keep at it.
Just curious, how's the action on your guitar? I had a similar problem, and a couple of musicians told me the guitar needed a set-up.
Trust me it just comes with persistent practice. It's always frustrating at the beginning to get your fingers on the right fret. If you work on it everyday your fretwork and finger strength will improve before you know it.
As kitty fabulous mentioned, you might want to adjust the string height. Also it may help to tune the guitar down half a step or so, to make the string tension lower. You might want use one of those finger exercise thingys for guitarists, it would help build up your finger strenght.
Being frustrated happens to all guitar players, no matter how well or badly they play. The learning part is mostly a patience thing, and the learning curves are like waves, sometimes youre up and sometimes youre down. Dont let the downs keep you from picking it up and playing, a little more and you will have it. When Im feeling frustrated, I practise playing the things I am good at, to reinforce that I have actually learned something - hang in there!
I think one thing that might be hurting you is the expectation to play well. When I first started I didn't really have any expectations and just starting trying to play songs that I liked. If I was messing up, i'd put the guitar away and try a different time. Before I knew it I could not only get chords right but I could switch quickly, make my switches work with etc.
also it takes a while for the fingertips to harden - the soreness at first will go,each time you pick up the guitar it well gradually get easier
don't be dissappointed, this happens to nearly everyone who starts to play guitar. as you've got musical knowledge, you should know that learning an instrument takes time and patience. time for your fingers to harden, time for your fingers to get used to chord positions. if you're dedicated to learning how to play then you'll master holding chords down in no time, just practise.
Nova, I teach beginners often,and if I could sit with you a few minutes I could tell if you're doing anything wrong or not.If at all possible,get a lesson from a veteran guitarist. One common unwanted habit is to let the neck of the guitar drift downward toward the floor.You lose all the strength in your wrist and hand when that happens.You want the neck angled up a little and your fretting hand above your waist,more up near your chest.Wherever the wrist is free and you're comfortable. Do you have a strap on the guitar? If not,get one and adjust it so the guitar practically holds itself in place.This keeps the neck from drifting downwards,and keeps you from supporting the neck with your fretting hand. This is my first thought,because it's so common with beginners Finger strength: You shouldn't press down as hard as you can,only hard enough so that the notes sound. When the note doesn't sound,it's usually because your finger is too close to a fret,or because a nearby finger is lapping over onto the next string.Play each note of the chord,and find the culprit. Some chords require arching some of the fingers--using the fingertip more than the pad of the finger.If you don't have a book with photos of the chords,go to Google Images and search the chord. When your hand gets tired practicing a chord,shake it out and practice another one.Rinse and repeat. Let me know if this helps,and what chords you're having trouble with. -Dave ~Nova[/QUOTE]
Wow, thanks for all the advice, guys (especially Dave)! I really, really appreciate it! I think I'm motivated enough to keep on practicing, and things will get better. I'll let you know how it goes in some awesome ecstatic post down the line. ~Nova
