I need some tips on playing the F major guitar chord?

Question

In the chord you're supposed to have your first finger on the first fret of the (high) e and b strings, 2nd finger on the 2nd fret of g string and your 3rd finger on the 3rd fret of the d string (I tried to put in a tab of it but it didn't work). Anyway, my problem is that my fingers are small and I'm having trouble pressing down on the e and b strings with my first finger along with keeping my 2nd and 3rd fingers down. If anyone has tips or suggestions or anything please help! Thank you.

Answer 1

Well you could exerscise your fingers w/ hand grips or something(I remember my GUitar teacher saying something about them selling a hand grip or something in guitar stores. Its supposed to strengthen your finger tips so you can put just enough pressure on the string.) But you can also do it the way I did, just practice. After a couple of months(even years, it depends) your fingers get stronger. As they say, practice makes perfect. Also, it could do with(Im not sure but are you?im just going to assume you are.) a beginner. Your hand needs to be strengthened, so you can put just enough pressure on the strings and so you can fan out your hand. But then again if you are still growing, then your hands will grow, so, maybe this has to do something with it?

Answer 2

I play this as a bar chord, could never play it open.

You place your 1st finger flat across the fret board so that it pushes all strings down onto the first fret, your finger should be parallel to the fret as possible. You then place the other fingers into a E major chord shape (but 1 fret up), 2nd finger on 2nd fret of g string, 3rd finger on 3rd fret of a string, 4th finger on 3rd fret of d string.

You can move this formation up and down the fretboard to play different chords, if you want to play f# major for example move your 1st finger so that it bars the 2nd fret and the e shape is formed using the 3rd and 4th frets.

This kind of feels weird at first and takes some practice to make sure all the stings ring out right.

If you've got a high action guitar with heavy gauge strings try changing the srtings for lighter ones go for 12s on an acoustic or 9s on an electric.

Answer 3

you can "cheat" and bar across the first 4 strings with your index finger. this will allow you to use the strong part of the finger and fret the 3 and 4 strings easier. I've found this useful at times.It would be good to try to make the chord properly though because your hand will get stronger over time.

Answer 4

ok...i say fake it and let the high e-fly free. I think that makes it some sort of F 7th...it is a real hard chord to play in the 1st position. It you want to practice it try puting a capo on around the 5th fret, it will make the stretch less painful. But, remember no pain no gain, it will get easier!

keep rocking!

Answer 5

Have you tried to barre the chord. If so keep practicing your index finger will become stronger.

Answer 6

when I first learned guitar I carried around a squeezy ball to excersize my hand. also a nylon string guitar is much easier to play.