• From: Stockton-on-Tees UK
  • Registered: 2010-07-22
  • Posts: 146

Topic: Inspiration Needed

Hi all

Almost threw my guitar in frustration today.  I am trying really hard to learn to play barre chords so that they are clear mainly because I want to learn one song in particular - Saltwater by Julian Lennon which has a quick progression of C#m B A Abm Gm F#m in the chorus.  Problem is due to an old rugby injury in which broke the scaphoid bone in my fretting hand I have a lot of pain between my forefinger and thumb when forming a barre chord.  The reason for my frustration is that the rest of the song is very easy to play and I know that if I could manage it the progression itself is essentially straightforward.  Does any one have any suggestions to help me play this wonderful song?

Ian

All things good to know are difficult to learn.
Greek Proverb
  • Zurf
  • Zurf
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  • From: Virginia, USA
  • Registered: 2007-06-27
  • Posts: 7,522

Re: Inspiration Needed

Do the progression as a bass run playing only the bass notes or if you really want a chord feel, then power chord versions of the chords only on the E and A strings. 

- 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
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  • From: Chesapeake,VA
  • Registered: 2008-11-12
  • Posts: 332

Re: Inspiration Needed

Good idea Zurf.  Or perhaps for the initial learning and pain phase drop the strings to a lower gage.  If you're running .012 go to .010 and just deal with the fact your strings are softer and quieter than you're used to.  Also, if you drop tuning two steps and put a capo on the second fret you'd find the hand position is a bit easier and that may help.  Good luck, you'll get it.

AccoustikNoyz's Website

  • From: Stockton-on-Tees UK
  • Registered: 2010-07-22
  • Posts: 146

Re: Inspiration Needed

Hi guys

Thanks for the suggestions.  I already have .010 strings on my guitar.  You have a point though.  I was a bit fed up of the kid next door cranking out thrash metal after midnight last night so I got out my strat that hasn't seen the light for 3 years with the intention of winding my amp up and getting my own back.  When I started playing I realised how much lighter the action is on it compared to my acoustic so I thought why not and started playing the song on electric.  Sounds OK and the barres were manageable.  Zurf I couldn't get it to sound just right with the power chords but I suppose it's a good reason to let the strat out of the bag (Oh!!! not funny) every now and again at least until I master the acoustic barres or die in the attempt.

Cheers guys

Ian

All things good to know are difficult to learn.
Greek Proverb
  • Astronomikal
  • Astronomikal
  • Illudium Q-36 Explosive Space Moderator
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  • From: Texas
  • Registered: 2009-11-01
  • Posts: 644

Re: Inspiration Needed

Hey, boll:

One thing you can do is cheat on all of the chords.  I'm not good at barre chords either, so with practice you could play all of the chords in the chorus like I would (like this):

For the first three, just play strings 1-4.
C#m - xx6654 (Am shape with fingers 3-5 and finger 1 on string 1)
B - xx4442 (A shape with fingers 3-5 and finger 1 on string 1)
A - x02220 (just slide down two frets from the B and raise your index finger.)

For the last three, grip the neck with your hand (don't barre clamp it) and barre just the first three strings with your index and fret strings 5 and 4 with fingers 3 and 4.  Then fret string 6 with your thumb from the top.  Play all of the strings if you wish.
Abm - 466444
Gm - 355333
F#m - 244222

It may not sound exactly the way you want it to, but I'll bet there will be less pain.

Good luck.

"Just because you've always done it that way doesn't mean it's not incredibly stupid." - Despair, Inc.