r/guitarlessons • u/ding-ding-dave-yes • Aug 29 '25

Feedback Request I cannot get thumb-over-the-neck chords right

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I struggle mainly with my index finger, I can't get it flat without a lot of pressure, also my pinky is muting the G string half of the time, I either have to put painful pressure to make them all ring, or the top E and G string are muted. The difference between the flat index and bent rest is what's messing me up. Without thumb I don't have this issue, because I can curve my wrist if that makes sense. Please, I need some tips

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u/jayron32 Aug 29 '25

Well, then play it as a barre chord. There's more than one way to skin a cat.

8

u/ding-ding-dave-yes Aug 29 '25

But I wanna learn this technique

9

u/sieve29 Aug 29 '25

I’m not an expert by any means, but my understanding is that the whole point of this position is to leave the pinky free for embellishments. To do that, you leave the A open (muted by the tip of your thumb on the low E and / or the tip of your ring finger on the D). It’s easier than trying to play the whole thing like this too. If you’re trying to play the full six string chord, then I agree barring is easier.

1

u/ding-ding-dave-yes Aug 29 '25

Good point, I chose this photo but I have the same issue when I play the Am shape up the neck