• Zurf
  • Zurf
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  • From: Virginia, USA
  • Registered: 2007-06-27
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Topic: Approaching mutation

I played a B today.  It was all by itself, not in the midst of a song, and it took a really long time to press things and look and see if I was pressing right and all that.  But I played it without any muted notes or any "snot". 

3,000 more times like that and maybe I'll be able to hit it once in a while when I need it.

- 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
  • From: Tooele Ut
  • Registered: 2006-03-04
  • Posts: 4,049

Re: Approaching mutation

One of these days, Zurf, you're going to be playing a B without thinking and you will wonder what all the fuss was about.  You'll be a born again Chordie.

You can see all my video covers on [url]http://www.youtube.com/bensonp1000[/url]
I have finally found happiness in my life.  Guitars, singing, beer and camping.  And they all intertwine wonderfully.
  • From: A black hole in deep space
  • Registered: 2007-10-28
  • Posts: 7,865

Re: Approaching mutation

Zurf you played the evil B what wonders will happen next? I expect the rapture or an asteroid or an invasion by some evil race of beings who breed humans for there dinner table next it will be something intelligent being spoken by Joe Biden will wonders never cease lol

"Growing old is not for sissies"

Russell_Harding's Website

  • From: Tooele Ut
  • Registered: 2006-03-04
  • Posts: 4,049

Re: Approaching mutation

Ah, Soylent Green and B chords.  Life is good.

You can see all my video covers on [url]http://www.youtube.com/bensonp1000[/url]
I have finally found happiness in my life.  Guitars, singing, beer and camping.  And they all intertwine wonderfully.
  • Zurf
  • Zurf
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Re: Approaching mutation

bensonp wrote:

One of these days, Zurf, you're going to be playing a B without thinking and you will wonder what all the fuss was about.  You'll be a born again Chordie.

I will always know what the fuss was about.  smile

Russel, I'll let you know when and if I ever want you to revoke my B chord amnesty.

- 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
  • From: Tooele Ut
  • Registered: 2006-03-04
  • Posts: 4,049

Re: Approaching mutation

I still cheat on the B chord.  Probably never will learn the barred method.

You can see all my video covers on [url]http://www.youtube.com/bensonp1000[/url]
I have finally found happiness in my life.  Guitars, singing, beer and camping.  And they all intertwine wonderfully.

7 Reply by NELA (edited by NELA 2009-07-13 00:51:39)

  • NELA
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  • From: West Monroe, La. 71292
  • Registered: 2007-11-28
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Re: Approaching mutation

Zurf, have you ever tried to play using the old cowboy chords "Long A" or "Long B"? It's a barre chord but is very simple and moveable.

For the "Long A" - barre at 2nd fret with index finger the D, G & B strings, use pinky on the high "E" string at the 4th fret.

For the Long "B" - same as above except move everything down 2 frets.

If I remember correctly, from your previous posts, your problem with the "B" chord is from a injury to your ring finger.

Anyway, I play with some "ole time" musicans and this is the only way they will make an "A" or a "B" chord.

Nela

NELA's Website

  • From: Western Oregon,US
  • Registered: 2008-07-22
  • Posts: 2,498

Re: Approaching mutation

Now there's an example of "American Spirit"!

  Never give up on trying to do anything until you've spent your last breath in the attempt!

  Goodonya for getting the Evil B... soon the F will follow!

Take Care;
Doug  (another Mutant)

"what is this quintessence of dust?"  - Shakespeare
  • Zurf
  • Zurf
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Re: Approaching mutation

F isn't a problem.  It's a little slow, but I can hit it about 1/3 of the times I need to in songs when playing.  It needs practice, but it's not a problem.  B, now.  B is evil. 

Nela - I'll try that.  B by barring at the 4th fret.  I'll try it.  Could make things easier. 

The memory is correct, the problem I've been having with B is that my ring finger doesn't bend back, only down.  I have been for months pushing it backwards as far as it will go without causing pain and trying to get some flexibility in it.  There's not much, but there's a little tiny bit now. 

- 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
  • From: Frederick, MD
  • Registered: 2006-12-28
  • Posts: 851

Re: Approaching mutation

WOOHOO!!!!

After the first time it just gets easier!

Congrats man!!! I know how exciting this achievement is... I can remember the first time I pulled off my first B.
It led the way to all the other complicated A-Shaped Barre-chords further up the neck...and trained me for the dreaded F Barre-Chord...lol.

=]
Dm

"Talent instantly recognizes genius,
but mediocrity knows nothing more than itself."

-Sir Arthur Conan-Doyle

Detman101's Website

  • From: Renfrewshire, Scotland
  • Registered: 2006-03-04
  • Posts: 1,359

Re: Approaching mutation

B is a good friend of mine. It's Fm I have issues with.

Is anything really made up of zeros and ones??

alvee33's Website

  • Zurf
  • Zurf
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Re: Approaching mutation

alvee33 wrote:

B is a good friend of mine. It's Fm I have issues with.

Willie Nelson and Johnny Cash did a VH1 Storytellers album together.  They were about to do a Willie song and Johnny asked about the chords. 

Willie said "Oh, it's in A." 
Johnny, not satisfied with that answer, asked "And that leads to what?" 
Willie said, "F#m." 
"Figured it would," said Johnny, "I'll be looking at my watch during that part."

You aren't alone.  Oddly, I had a little trouble with F, and I'm improving on it.  But F#m and Bm shapes came fairly easily.  I still need to practice them hard to get them quickly in songs, but I no longer avoid songs with F, F#m, or Bm in them.  I always arrange around Evil B's.  If the song's in E, then I just use B7.  If anyone asks I claim it's because the seventh chord gives it a plaintive feel that needs to be resolved, but really it's because I can't play a B. 

- 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