"F" chord is now outlawed (Page 3 of 6)

Don't wait 30 years between like I did.  I put the guitar down in 1978 and didn't pick it back up until 2008.  Sorry.  Oh yeah, I have arthritis in my left hand, index finger.  I use Fmaj7 for all the F'ing I need and it is fine.  Pick it up and make yourself play.  Forgot how much I loved the guitar.

Welcome to the forums Caromshot (Scott)!  We both started "learning" at about the same time.  I was pleased with my little strides, and the great Chordie members were very encouraging (as well as my hubby) and that helped to keep me motivated.  Check out justinguitar.com and walk through his beginner lessons.  Of course, you won't get feedback on what you're doing "wrong" or "right" but he really is an excellent teacher!  If it hadn't been for him I wouldn't have ever gotten that first song down.  As he starts you out with A, D, and E ... try "Leaving on a Jet Plane" as it primarily goes between A and D with an E just for good "measure"   Pick that guitar back up and get going.  I HIGHLY suggest doing some practice exercises, just switching chords and finger stretches etc.  It makes a difference!  GOOD LUCK!

I'd like to support what dguyton has said about recording yourself.  It's so hard to pick up little problems and issues with your sound when you're concentrating on playing and singing and what's coming up on the chart and is that danged Bm on this line or the next.  But when you listen to yourself, it's a lot easier to pick up on things like your voice dropping off at the end of each line or that you throw in extra strums in a certain transition and throw off the timing or all sorts of things like that. 

When I first recorded myself singing, I was astounded at how poorly it came out.  I like Russell Harding's voice, and so sent him a copy of the recording asking for any advice.  He gave good advice, and I also used some on-line lessons, recording myself doing the same songs over time.  Now this past weekend, Topdown gave me an unsolicited complement on my voice, which was nice to hear.  Recording, listening for errors, being constructively critical of yourself and getting the advice of people whom you respect will take the place in some small way for having the immediate feedback of a live instructor. 

dguyton also gave some other excellent advice in doing what you want to do eventually slowly and accurately and keeping time now, and by the time you've done it 1,000 times a dozen times a day over the course of months, it's going to be smooth and accurate at any speed.

The only criticism I have of his message is the suggestion that B is possible by anyone other than a mutant. 

- Zurf

try something a little different start with an "e"  with pinky, ring ,and middle fingers slide the middle finger to the 6th frett and barr on the 5th frett (a chord ) slide the whole package up two fretts and you have a b chord   1 4 5 progression you will find it easier to barr farther up the neck

Thank you for your encouragement. I have no doubt I will pick it up again soon. I have a scheduling issue. I work 4 days per week 11 hours per day, I am working on my weight which take priority as it is increasing my health (thus will increase the amount of time I remain in this world to play the guitar). I will definitely check out the website you wrote about. We will see where it leads.

Scott - HV, NY

Most of us don't have alot of time either.  Hang in there, but keep at it as much as you are able, and it will come with time.  Good luck.

hahahahaha i'm a mutant hahahahaha not only am i a mutant
i'm a freak as well cos my fingers do what i want them to do on the fret board
gee i'm so lucky........ not, i'm so practiced that's what i am, i practice exercises, scales, various chord shapes,
key stuctures and even if i play a riff a tune or a song every day is a practice day even if it's a 5minute practice.
hahahaha "F" for freakn mutants hahahaha "F rules"hahahaha, rise to the challenge tommydone and good luck.

__________________________________________

practice makes better,perfect practice makes perfect.

Resistance is futile, you will be assimilated. I have been playing for 18 months now and the F chord is my nemesis. So i attack it by playing as many songs as i can with an F chord especially if the change is from a totally different chord like G. The barre chord version is like most barre chords.....frustrating !!! But again....practice....practice

The f chord isn't so hard for me anymore, or most other barred chords. But when I had a song where the main pattern was F Gm Am Bb. The playing through the first three times wasn't so bad. It sounded nice and clear, but at the end of the song I almost died. It was a nice reality check for me. Since then I've been practicing it more.

I'm from Maine, what area does your father live in??   

As SouthPaw would say, Peace Love and Guitars!!  Keep us posted!

Caromshot, this is GREAT!  I was a bit concerned you were going to give up, I'm thrilled to hear that my advice has helped you out!  When I started last year, my goal was just to be able to play a couple songs at the campfire the following summer (that's THIS summer!!).  At the time, it was the last party of the season and it felt like my Dad wasn't going to be able to play anymore.  I have similar memories as you, and I couldn't "live with the thought" of no more guitars at the campfire.  While I felt like I was taking a big leap maybe trying to fill his shoes, what happened was I actually encouraged him to play more!  Now my father and I will BOTH have our guitars out this year!  I can't compare to him... yet I can now appreciate even more what he's capable of, he's proud of what I've learned and encourages me to do more, and we have something new in common to talk about and be excited about together.  Music sure is fun when you can share it with someone you love, someone who understands and can appreciate what you're doing! 

So, I think a goal is great to have... and once you reach that goal you can make another and keep reaching forward.  Enjoy your journey!

Caromshot - Well done.