How to play a G chord - or re-learning chords after lots of years (Page 1 of 2)

I use 1,2,3 the most, by far. But I do use 2,3,4 sometimes too. It depends on what's going on with the rest of my fingers. Like are there walk-downs (or ups), are there hammer-ons? It took me a long time to realise that there is more than one way to play a chord. As a raw beginner I just accepted that whatever shapes I had learned for each chord were final. It was like a total revelation when I realised this was not the case.

In the case of your 12-string predicament - I'd go with the one that gets best results to start with and then maybe practice more on the other to see if it improves. Man, that must be so frustrating for you!

All the best.

I play mostly 2 3 4 and one advantage is adding a c note to your g chord with your index also going from G to G7 is easier.If you are playing an alernating bass you can lift your finger of the b note while you are playing the g note of the chord and vise versa and get some good results lifting your fingers on and off.

I don't use 1,2,3 much. It makes my pinkie useless. But instead I use 1,2,4 for when it's combined with the D-chord. And the sometimes use 3 for the D on the second string.

I use 2,3,4 to change to G7 easily or when a C-chord is involved. I then sometimes I add 1 on the C on the second string.

2,3,4 and considering anything else makes my head hurt.  I'm already trying to relearn A.  Trying to relearn G is more than my meager resources of sanity can withstand. 

- Zurf

One fingering the A is out for me.  My finger just doesn't bend that way and never will.  I once made an adjustment to that knuckle with a 24oz framing hammer while driving some nails into concrete, and the adjustment hasn't worked out as well as I'd have liked.

I use the 2-3-4 and have always used this. But I play mostly Bluegrass and Classic Country. So my keys are probably alot different than say Rock. I can plat both but don't care for 1-2-3. I am quicker with the 2-3-4 change but I prefer this. So use what feels best. But, on your twelve string if you are deading your A you may have to compromise with comfort a little. After all it is only a chord. We have all learned them before. You got it. Tear it up and nail it.

I play Willin' using these chord voicings built off a variation of the 123 method.  I can really get a booming Em7  when I sing the line "...everytime I go to Mexico" for a really nice dynamic when I'm playing by myself.

1,2,3 method
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C add9
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Em7
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Depends on what I'm playing, but I'm generally a 234 type.  I like having my index finger free for other things.

2-3-4 is much faster and easier, not having to turn your hand over when you change to C.

Can't seem to physically manage to get the finger at the correct angle to miss the lighter A string properly. However the other a is not muted so maybe no-one except me will notice it

Interesting, I'm always looking for ways to do the chord transitions easier.  I'll give it a shot!

Thanks