Index finger slipping

Hi!
So, I’m having a bit of struggle moving between chords, specifically A-E-D (I’ve started this course again from scratch and I don’t quite remember having this problem but I could be wrong). When playing my index slips, it even moves off the string (3rd string in this case). Doing One Minute Changes or playing some chord progressions it’s hard, so whats happening? Maybe the fretwires is too low (it’s a cheap acoustic guitar, but I already did a setup)? Or I’m pressing wrong, maybe I need to change the angle of the tip finger? Maybe press harder? Wait more so the fingers gets more tougher and consequently easier to press to get the sounds? Play slower?

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The index is ypur anchor finger in this case. So it should be somewhat stable. Although mine does tend to slide some toward the body and headstock to accomidate fingers and back to get good tone.

I would caution on pressing harder to stabalize your index or any finger. I think you should only press down hard enough as it takes to get a good tone without string buzz. I belive the best way to over come this is doing the finger stretch exercises and more practice.

I absolutly had this problem when I was starting out. I even have a fair amount of problems having finger slipping when I do Dminor shape on strings other than e,b,g. So its not a unique problem.
Here is the begginer finger stretching excersize

This is a advanced level stretch excersize. i would probobly work on the beginner one for a good long time you dont want to injury your self.

Dont get discouraged. We have all been through this. Keep up the great work. Keep rocking

:victory_hand:t2::love_you_gesture:t2::sign_of_the_horns:t2:

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Thank you! I think first I’ll try to slow down the chord changes (it seems like I tend to go fast on the One Minute Changes too early… and I’m doing 140 bpm chord progressions :sweat_smile:).

Update: Well I’m still having struggle on the OMC with my fingers, they all slip out and it’s a bit of a mess if I play fast (specifically doing E to D), that’s weird. I actually think it’s the fretwires being too low, but I don’t know and I have no money to buy another guitar.

Update: I think it’s a practice thing indeed.

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I think this is good info there.

Maybe your fingertip callous can tell the story. Where are your callouses forming at? On the pad of the finger, or the tip of the finger. imho, I think it’s supposed to be the tip. Least that’s where mine are. I don’t generally slip off a string as from my callouses, it seems like I’m pretty much pressing straight down with the tip of my finger. It’s got no where to slid off too.

I think your slowing down idea is good. No need to go fast, especially in the beginning. Faster will come with some time.

Myself, I don’t think it’s the fret wire. Just a guess. I play a couple different guitars, one has low frets, the others kinda normal for today. I don’t slip on either type of fret wire. I just find the low fret wire I can get some real low action on that guitar, which I like. Easy play imho.

Have fun with your adventure. You’ll get this issue under control so you can then move on to another issue… :wink:

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Hi! There you go:

Thank you :smiling_face:

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Wow, it’s pretty hard to photo your own fingertips.
Here’s where mine are at.

My index finger is hard to see (and I tried 6 times to get a good pic, this was the best I could do), but it’s near center, kinda towards the finger nail, similar to where my middle finger callous is at.
imho, your index is not centered on the fingertip. It’s closer to your thumb.
No idea if this is the cause of your finger slipping off a string. Will just say it’s not where mine is at and I don’t slip off a string w/any finger, generally.

Maybe food for thought?

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I guess it’s because the beginning chords, the A and D for example, (A 2-1-3) requires the first finger to be slightly tilted (I guess all the chords close to the guitar’s nut(?). Pressing a little bit to the side.

The slipping got better, I’m playing more calm on the OMC :sweat_smile:

Great :call_me_hand:t2:

Here are mine. This is from last month.

I have been working them up to the tips more.


They get ridges, so I sand them down qith sandpaper. I had blood blister deep in one of them and ended up lancing it. Such relief. :grin:

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Those calluses are massive :sweat_smile:

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I know right :laughing:. I addition to using a little sandpapper to knock the ridges down, I actually try and use Udder Butter or Bag Balm as much as I rememeber.

This stuff works great to keep things silky soft for my wife. :wink:

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That’s cool. I’ve never heard about these products, maybe it’s something popular in the U.S? I’m brazilian :smiling_face:

I don’t have a wife and I’ve never dated, but I’ve thought about calluses interfering in a relationship. Maybe I’d stop playing the guitar because of them. Just like long nails, I don’t like long nails on either hands, so when I trim them I leave it as close to the flesh as possible, sometimes I even hurt myself a little :sweat_smile:. When it’s time to actually learn fingerstyle I’m going to need some fake nails or something similar.

They were developed for cracked cow utters. But my wife and I have used them for years to help with the abuse from rock climbing.

Hum… naw… I am the one giving her the back rubs, she will have to deal.

Haha, I dont do the long nails. I just do finger picking with my fingers pads. Besides I do a fair amount of outdoor adventuring. Long nails tear out and rip flesh, then blood gets slippery and it all just get in the way of stuff.

:joy:

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I find this sentence to be a little disturbing :sweat_smile:

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The sound don’t get muffled?

For me, I don’t find that particularly true. And I keep my nails short on both hands. If I see the white at the end of my nail, it’s time to trim them.
I’ve been playing w/o a pick now for perhaps the last 2 months and am enjoying the tones I get. I feel I have more control over the dynamics whether soft or hard.
Also, there is the back side of your nail. Strum with that and to me it sounds like I’m using a pick.
Give it a try, nothing ventured, nothing gained?

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I’ll try when I get to the fingerstyle. I’m following Justin’s course to the letter (beyond it I have to say). I’m perfectionist, I actually have OCD :neutral_face:

You need thicker calluses Renan. Give it time.

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Thank you :smiling_face: