How To Play The D Chord

[judi]

Hi Ian,

I’m a fellow beginner, mid-way through Grade 2. I have had (and continue to have) experiences similar to what you describe. This is part of the journey - we’ll always have something to improve!

@istewart

my #3 finger will be too flat and end up slightly muting the #1 E string…at times my #1 finger won’t be pressed firmly enough and I will get a flat note from the #3 string

I’ve had exactly this problem. My guitar-playing brother-in-law saw my fingerings and suggested two things: (1) consciously curl the fingers in order to (2) use the tippy-tips of the fingers to press the strings. I’m pretty sure this isn’t meant to be “the way” to think about fretting - indeed it’s sometimes not physically possible – but rather a way to develop good habits as a beginner AND to stretch (maybe contort is a better word?) and exercise the hand. Speaking of exercise…

@istewart

I notice that my impulse when picking up the guitar is to have my thumb on top of the neck, with my palm fully wrapped around the back.

While eventually this might be a good way to hold the neck, I’m pretty sure Justin advises keeping the thumb behind the neck as a beginner (at least through most of Grade 2). The reason: he wants us to strengthen some specific muscles in preparation for “the dreaded F chord”. I can’t find the exact place he advises this at the moment, but I’m sure you’ll encounter it soon. I’m a bit jealous…I have small hands, and am fearing the day I’m SUPPOSED to be able to wrap my thumb around the neck to mute the E!

Thanks for posting this! I’ll be following the responses you get from more experienced folks.

Judi

Edited to add:

I just noticed the advice below from @stitch in another thread, so take my words for what they are - those of a beginner!

You’re playing with the finger tips but I think your putting to much curl into your fingers causing the tension in your hand and fingers. You could try flattening out you fingers a little to relax the fingers.