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Dave TOTALLY MODD

Joined: 09 Jun 2008 Posts: 10325 Location: UK - Southampton
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Posted: Sun Jan 27, 2013 5:23 pm Post subject: Extended chords/avoiding barres - help needed |
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Might have seen this thread talking about my bad index finger. I happened to read up on Tim Buckley and read the following:
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During a football game he broke the first two fingers on his left hand, permanently damaging them. He later said that the injury prevented him from playing barre chords. This disability may have led to his use of extended chords, many of which don't require barres. |
Initially I've taken a look at a wiki article on extended chords but instantly got overwhelmed with theory. I'm not against plowing into the theory but was hoping someone with am expert grasp (Bacchus Paul, Gabriel, Ultratwin!) might be able to point me at something (a vid or article) that would put this concept in visual terms so i can see how this would avoid so much barring. If not, then any other tips to try out this finger saving notion?
Finally is there any other ways I can mold my playing of chords etc to be less stressful on my index? |
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Gabriel .


Joined: 11 Apr 2010 Posts: 3168 Location: NYC
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Posted: Sun Jan 27, 2013 5:49 pm Post subject: |
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I wouldn't say it's so much about extensions - as then you start getting into jazz territory. It's more about finding comfortable inversions.
I'd refer you to the CAGED system for finding chord shapes that are comfortable, some involve barring but some of them don't.
I use the 'C shape' constantly as I just prefer how it sounds and how it works with other chords.
The best route I'd say would be to just experiment. As long as you understand the basics of chord construction you will be able to experiment to find some comfortable shapes. It's all about adapting to your situation, it may even be worth switching over to 4ths tuning - E A D G C F - as this would significantly change the approach to fretting chords.
Also consider switching over to 3 or 4 note chord shapes, when playing alone they may not sound as satisfying, but in a band context they work brilliantly.
Last edited by Gabriel on Sun Jan 27, 2013 5:51 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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George .


Joined: 03 Jul 2009 Posts: 20945 Location: UK
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Posted: Sun Jan 27, 2013 5:50 pm Post subject: |
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E shape but dont barre it. Use the index on the b or top e string only |
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lorez .


Joined: 16 Dec 2009 Posts: 9096 Location: Hopelessly Wayward
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Bacchus Whatever's handiest

Joined: 20 Apr 2006 Posts: 20431 Location: wandering
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Posted: Sun Jan 27, 2013 7:17 pm Post subject: |
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What Gabriel said. Plus, try those shapes and play the bass note with your thumb, a la Hendrix. _________________
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stewart Cunning Linguist

Joined: 14 Jul 2008 Posts: 17625 Location: Edinburgh, Scotland
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Posted: Sun Jan 27, 2013 7:50 pm Post subject: |
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there are plenty of ways of creating chords without using barres, you just have to be prepared to fumble around a bit, make use of open strings, drones, etc. _________________
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Thom lamp

Joined: 20 Apr 2006 Posts: 5583 Location: Exeter, UK
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Posted: Mon Jan 28, 2013 4:30 am Post subject: |
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BacchusPaul wrote: |
Plus, try those shapes and play the bass note with your thumb, a la Hendrix. |
I've done this pretty much since I started playing guitar...much more comfortable. I use a mixture, but if I don't need a very quick change, then I'll always use my thumb on the bass string. |
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lorez .


Joined: 16 Dec 2009 Posts: 9096 Location: Hopelessly Wayward
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Posted: Wed Feb 06, 2013 9:37 pm Post subject: |
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Just had a thought about this Dave, if your hands/fingers are stopping you play in standard tuning & making interesting chords have you thought about altered Tunings? Lots of stuff might suit and tuning to a chord might mean simple shapes can be used which would be gentler on the hands.
Also drones/pedal notes can help create interesting harmonies as well as having melodies moving about to make things interesting. _________________
paul_ wrote: |
drink 2 beers and wank to the Sears catalog. |
robroe wrote: |
I dont need a capo. I have the other chords in my tonefingers |
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NickD .


Joined: 20 Apr 2006 Posts: 4263 Location: Sheffield, Innit
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Posted: Fri Feb 08, 2013 1:48 pm Post subject: |
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Altered tunings were my first thought as well - I use a few. |
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