"F" chord is now outlawed (Page 4 of 6)

Thank you, I travel down the road of Mutantism with head held high and a bunch of Beatles tunes and O'Carolan tunes to master!

Hello all!

ozymandias: my parents live in the Farmington area. Dad recently found a music store, I think in Augusta. He purchased a Fender CD140S, I think. Theya re in town to celebrate my 40th B-day. He brought his guitar with him. I went up to see them at my sister's house and actually strummed the chords that I know and I liked the way it sounded. I also liked the thinner neck. I am thinking about turning in my Esteban Guitar (ok stop cringing, I know. I know)

Roger: I intend to pop inhere from time to time. The song my dad introduced me to was Yes, Jesus Loves Me. It was the first song he played in front of an audience other than family. (Ok so it was kids at Vacation Bible School, but it was a big step for him). I am making progress. It actually somewhat sounds like the song (a vast improvement I must say)

Mekidsmom: I never intended on giving up. Let's just say I have a bit of a confidence problem, and I just had to build it up again to get the drive back. I also got it stuck in my head that face to face lessons were the only thing that would help. I am glad I was wrong. I have been in love with the guitar for a LONG time. I will get it. I know it will take time. I wasn't noticing any improvement before and that got discouraging. Now I have a plan in effect and am implementing it.

Thanks again all for your support!

I don't see what's the problem with 'F' chord. I use the barre chord and the only problem i ever had was maintaining the pressure, but that goes away as your fingers strengthen. just keep on practicing!

"Where you begin doesn't matter. Your willingness to start is what counts."
Without music life would be a mistake.
Country music is three chords and the truth.

Guess I am a mutant,I practiced the dreded F and B for along time too get them right. Otherwise I would not be able too play about half the songs I like.

In almost 30 years of playing I still cant master barre chords.I too use the Fmaj7 in place of an F.It takes a few minutes but try to find the proper substitute chord.My chordie printouts have all kinds of crossouts and different chords written in.Some call it cheating but  it works.

Hi Bill and welcome to Chordie,

I see you have been a lurker for a while so I am pleased you have now decided to join in.

I am only a few years younger than you and I started at 11 years old so I cannot remember when I first started playing F, admittedly it was only a 4 string version to start with, but I have been barring it for many years now and I am comfortable with it even on my 12er.

For you guys and gals that are having problems the only way is the usual way, practice, practice and then some more practice.

Roger

Some people do it by just using a normal open F chord, but they hook their thumb over the low E string to give it a more 'folky' sound.

"Where you begin doesn't matter. Your willingness to start is what counts."
Without music life would be a mistake.
Country music is three chords and the truth.

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.

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

I totally agree with you

"Where you begin doesn't matter. Your willingness to start is what counts."
Without music life would be a mistake.
Country music is three chords and the truth.

hahaha, I agree, outlaw the F and the B