• Zurf
  • Zurf
  • Blunt but well meaning moderator
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  • From: Virginia, USA
  • Registered: 2007-06-27
  • Posts: 7,522

Topic: Ring finger

For some reason, my ring finger doesn't like to fret.  Oh, I can make it work, but especially on a G chord where it's all the way at the edge of the neck, it likes to slip around rather than just go straight down and hold the string in place. 

I try real hard to keep my back straight and my thumb on the side of the neck near the bottom (not directly at the bottom like I do with my bass), but I keep having the ring finger sliding around. 

Any suggestions? 

- Zurf

Granted B chord amnesty by King of the Mutants (Long live the king).
If it comes from the heart and you add a few beers... it'll be awesome! - Mekidsmom
When in doubt ... hats. - B.G. Dude
  • Registered: 2007-08-23
  • Posts: 27

Re: Ring finger

Hi Zurf,

I've noticed the same problem, especially with Barre chords of the A minor shape. The finger bends at the knuckle and slips off the string.

I'm starting to think it might be some kind of double jointing thing. I have'nt a clue what to do about it to be honest.
Has anyone else noticed this?

Shane

  • From: A black hole in deep space
  • Registered: 2007-10-28
  • Posts: 7,865

Re: Ring finger

zurf instead of putting your 3rd finger on the 1st string (open G) try putting it ont the 2nd string 3rd fret its called a country G and you have the opiton of muting the 1st or as I sometimes do place my 3rd finger between the 2nd and the 1st and play them both smile

Zurf wrote:

For some reason, my ring finger doesn't like to fret.  Oh, I can make it work, but especially on a G chord where it's all the way at the edge of the neck, it likes to slip around rather than just go straight down and hold the string in place. 

I try real hard to keep my back straight and my thumb on the side of the neck near the bottom (not directly at the bottom like I do with my bass), but I keep having the ring finger sliding around. 

Any suggestions? 

- Zurf

"Growing old is not for sissies"

Russell_Harding's Website

  • Registered: 2006-03-04
  • Posts: 2,662

Re: Ring finger

Hi Zurf,
   If you increase the flexibility of your ring finger at the first knuckle(closest to fingernail) this will greatly help your fretboard application. Throughout the day press your thumb to your ring finger and  stretch, stretch, stretch. It sounds simple but it really is effective.

Peace and Guitars,
SouthPaw41L

Give everything but up.