Hi there 'Zurf'. Thanks for the comment. I was unable to log on for a week due to my user name and password not being accepted. Tried new passwords and other accounts to no avail. A fellow player came along last night and sorted it. Since '56, I've not really progressed past rhythm playing, but still enjoy what I do. Playing for enjoyment is what it's all about - if you don't enjoy it- pack it in!! We have a monthly open session in the Whistlefield Hotel, near 'Holy Loch' (Argyllshire) near where the U.S. Navy had their Submarine Base for 30 years We play mainly Scottish music, and amusing Glasgow songs. I prefer playing Sinatra, Martin etc. (remember I'm 74 !!!) but can turn my hand to most. As President of the local 'Senior Citz Club' I play and sing a lot for them and other groups. The voice still not bad.They seem to enjoy it . Probably because half of them are deaf!!! Hey, take care . Pat
2 2011-06-06 13:49:51
Re: "F" chord is now outlawed (148 replies, posted in Acoustic)
I first picked up a (friends) guitar in 1956 whenI was in Germany with the Royal Air Force. He could only play in the key of 'C' - C, F G7. It was no bother mastering 'F'. From the 'C' chord it was just a matter of lowering my fingers on to the next string below (ie-towards the 1st string) , and covering the 'B'(2nd)and 'E' (1st) strings with my index finger. I later found it easier using the barre version - I barre most chords. It is easy to play in most keys, using the barre.
The 'E' chords (E, E7, Em, Em7) and the 'A' chords (A, A7, Am, Am7), played in the 1st and 2nd frets, are moveable chord shapes and are the basic shapes of barre chords.
For 'F'major, the fore finger is laid on the 1st fret, and the middle finger on 3rd (G) string 2nd fret. The ring and 'pinkie' fingers are placed on the 5th (A) and 4th (D) strings (respectively) on the 3rd fret. For 'F7', remove 'pinkie' from string. If so desired, the pinkie can be placed on the 3rd ('G') string 4th fret, tho this might prove to be a wee bit awkward.
From the barre 'F' major position, for 'F' minor, replace 'pinkie' and remove middle finger from the string. From this position,lifting pinkie from string will give 'Fm7'
From the barre 'F' major position, lower the three fingers (middle, ring, and pinkie) to the next string below their current positions. This will give 'Bb minor' Lifting the pinkie will give 'Bbminor7'. Placing the pinkie on the same string as the middle finger but on the 3rd fret (it is easier not lifting the ring finger off ) will give 'Bb7'. - Sliding the original 'Bb minor shape' up one fret will give the so called problem 'Bm' chord.
The name of major barre chord is taken from the note being played by the index finger ( the barre)on the 6th string. It may be worth pointing out, that barring the the first fret, and placing the three fingers on the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th strings on thew 3rd fret, will give 'Bb major', tho it's a wee bit awkward at first.
1st fret barre upper position = 'F' chords. ------ 1st fret barre Lower position = 'Bb' chords
3rd fret barre upper position = 'G' chords ------ 3rd fret barre Lower position = ' C ' chords
5th fret barre upper position = 'A' chords ------ 5th fret barre Lower position = ' D ' chords
6th fret barre upper position = 'Bb'chords ------ 6th fret barre Lower position = 'Eb' chords
8th fret barre upper position = 'C ' chords ------ 8th fret barre Lower position = ' F ' chords - etcetera
You may have noticed that the 'lower' chords have taken their name from the 2nd chord in the '1-4-5' chord rule.