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Thread: Fingering a G chord walk

  1. #1
    That guy playing mandolin
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    Default Fingering a G chord walk

    Hello everybody! I've got a fingering question. I was having a bunch of fun last night trying to emulate the piano chords of an old hymn I like. I ended up with about 18 different voicings and it sounds good to me, but there is one particular spot where I'm not sure how best to finger my chords. I drew a simple diagram to show what I'm trying to do:
    Click image for larger version. 

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    I can't tell whether I should be switching my second and third fingers for the G7 chord or not (second finger on D string and third on E string, or vice versa). Switching to G7 fingering makes it easier to play that chord, but also feels like it slows me down a bit.
    If anyone with smarter fingers than mine has an opinion, please let me know!

  2. #2
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    Default Re: Fingering a G chord walk

    Why not just choose a path that works best for you? Starting point is standard fingering, then adjusting to find your best path. Be sure to critique yourself

    And each of has a unique set of fingers, so what works for me might not work for you.

    Enjoy the journey.
    Girouard A
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  4. #3
    Registered User Bren's Avatar
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    Default Re: Fingering a G chord walk

    I have dumb fingers but I tend to switch 1st and 3rd fingers in that change/descending run.

    Or just leave the e string open and damp it or let it ring as feels right.
    Bren

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  6. #4
    Confused... or?
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    Default Re: Fingering a G chord walk

    Quote Originally Posted by A-board View Post
    And each of has a unique set of fingers ...
    And we sometimes get into positions for momentary passing that most of us wouldn't want to hold for an extended period. So yeah, whatever works best for you IS best for you. Experiment freely!
    - Ed

    "Then one day we weren't as young as before
    Our mistakes weren't quite so easy to undo
    But by all those roads, my friend, we've travelled down
    I'm a better man for just the knowin' of you."
    - Ian Tyson

  7. #5
    Professional Dreamer journeybear's Avatar
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    Default Re: Fingering a G chord walk

    This is what I'm thinking:

    --2
    -1
    ----3
    x

    --3
    -2
    --1
    x

    --2
    -1
    -1
    x

    --2
    -1
    o
    x

    Leaving the G string out for simplicity's sake. For the third chord, barre the D and A strings.

    The switch from the first chord to the second is a bit tricky; the switch from the second to the third a bit less so.

    Bear in mind, the third chord is actually an Em chord, though in this context, where the emphasis is on the movement along the D string, it might not stand out as such.
    But that's just my opinion. I could be wrong. - Dennis Miller

    Furthering Mandolin Consciousness

    Finders Keepers, my duo with the astoundingly talented and versatile Patti Rothberg. Our EP is finally done, and available! PM me, while they last!

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  9. #6
    That guy playing mandolin
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    Default Re: Fingering a G chord walk

    Thanks for all of your advice! I'm still alternating between switching second and third fingers and just reaching up with my third one. I'll keep on trying things to figure out what works for me. Though, Journeybear, either there's a slight typo in your second chord chart or you must have extra knuckles, because I can't play a
    --3
    -2
    --1
    x
    without comitting war crimes against my index finger. Happy Picking!

  10. #7
    Professional Dreamer journeybear's Avatar
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    Default Re: Fingering a G chord walk

    Nope, that's what I meant. How else would you play x323?

    Actually, scratch all that. I was doing it in my head - and I'll stand by it - but there's an easier way:

    Anchor the chords on the top two strings with your third and first fingers, and sort out the movement on the D string thusly:

    --3
    -1
    ----4
    x

    --3
    -1
    --2
    x

    --3
    -1
    -1
    x

    --3
    -1
    o
    x
    But that's just my opinion. I could be wrong. - Dennis Miller

    Furthering Mandolin Consciousness

    Finders Keepers, my duo with the astoundingly talented and versatile Patti Rothberg. Our EP is finally done, and available! PM me, while they last!

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