Hi,
When I try to play an F-chord with the thumb over the 6th string, I often end up having the A string open. Is this OK as the A is part of the chord anyway, or best to work on muting it with the tip of the third finger?
I’m fine with muting the 5th string further up the neck, even two frets up playing G with the thumb over, just a bit of an issue on the F only, but thought maybe I can get away with it with the open string part of the chord on that one?
Yes. As long as you are playing the notes F A C you are playing a F chord
It’s OK if you are playing an F chord, but when you slide the shape up two frets to make a G chord, it will be not be right.
If you are having difficulty getting the shape right, move up the neck and try it there.
You should strive to fret the A string, not just mute it. As you progress on your journey, you will be using shapes where the fretted A string note will be needed.
Don’t let this problem stop you from continuing your progress through the course. It may take a lot of practice time to eventually get it right. Just keep working on it as you continue.
For me, it took years to get the thumb over to fret the low F, even though I could do it further up the neck.
Hi Said,
You’re right. In theory you can get away with playing the open A string as part of an F major chord. It usually sounds a bit messy though, so most people would avoid that. It will sound much clearer if you mute the 5th string.
The 5th string can be muted with the tip of the 3rd finger. It can also be muted with the thumb. I prefer muting it with my thumb.
