mr dave

no worries.

i guess i should have been more clear with the fingering of those chord shapes. i wouldn't be using my 3rd finger on the D string, only on the high E. the D (and A) string action is all with my middle finger, the offensive one haha. your index finger takes care of the notes on the B string.

as for the thumb question, that's a matter of personal preference and comfort. myself, i'm a hendrix disciple with big hands, so i'm all about wrapping my thumb around the neck. technically this is HORRIBLE posture, and could potentially contribute to issues down the road depending on the overall position of my hands and wrists when playing. for me, wrapping the thumb is comfortable, but it really depends on what you're playing.

if you EVER start feeling cramps or a burning sensation in your wrist or in the tendons in the top part of your hand STOP PLAYING IMMEDIATELY. take a little break, stretch and shake your hand, loosen up the muscles and get the blood flowing again then CHANGE your posture. even a slight change can make a noticeable difference.

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Sam-Y

Thanks man. Now regarding the the fingers used, how do I know which fingers should be used when reading tabs? If it's on the 8th fret, shouldn't I use my third and fourth fingers since I'm holding two string on that fret?

Ricochet~kun

i would bar both strings with my pinky. in other words, i would use just on finger for both strings, but if you havent learned to bar yet, then you can use whatever two fingers get you there fastest and most accurate. however if your not pressed to hit it really fast, (ie. if there is silence before the note) and you have time to move your whole hand i would use the first and second finger, so its easiest to hold down the frets and not buzz.

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Sam-Y

That's interesting, I never considered that. My fingers aren't fast and accurate enough yet and I am little pressed for time. SoI could I save time using my pinky? Is there a correct way of holding strings or is it just personal preference? The guy teaching the instructional video was using his third and pinky finger but that's only one opinion.

Ricochet~kun

i would have to see the tab but i think that third and pinky should work from what im hearing. and yeah, generally you can use anything you want. heck, you could use ur nose if you learned it that way

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