How can I reduce that dragging sound my fingers make when I'm moving up and down the neck of the guitar?

Question

I play the acoustic guitar. When I try to play a song like Green Day's "Macy's Day Parade" , I have to first barre the 7th fret (E chord form) then I have to slide down to barre the fourth fret (Em chord form) then down to a first position E chord, then back up to barre the 7th fret again. The problem is, I make this awful dragging sound on the strings when I'm moving up and down the neck of the guitar. How can I eliminate this sound? I hear it occassionally on recordings of acoustic guitar music so maybe, at times, it's unavoidable? I'm trying to make the chord changes quickly, but I guess I'm not lifting my fingers enough. If it's possible to make a Martin sound bad, then I'm guilty!

Mostly, I play fingerstyle, and I don't really have this problem when I fingerpick a song. I sure will apreciate any tips y'all can give me! Thanks.

Answer 1

You are correct, you are just not lifting your fingers enough. It's tough to do that. Some folks try to work the sound into the music, but it doesn't often sound very good.
As you said, listen to the recordings...even the pros do that a lot.
I eliminated some of that drag by going slow and practicing chord changes while gradually speeding up.
Good luck.

Answer 2

You already have the answer in your question...you have to learn to lift those fingers up when changing chords...(fast changes are unavoidable unless you practice, practice, practice...)..even Santana occassionally rubbed his fingers on the strings...keep up the good work, I am sure you will be great, real soon.....good luck

Answer 3

I have this problem too, and the biggest improvement has been Elixir strings, they have a nylon coating so your fingers will slide across them more quietly. plus they tend to last longer.

Answer 4

Elixir strings are the cure,, cost more but last longer,, my Taylor and me love 'em