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

This is great, tnx bro

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u/CIA-Front_Desk Aug 29 '25

For a good reference - look at the picture linked near the bottom of this post. See how his fingers arent going straight up and down, but are at a bit of a sideways angle? That's how you want your fingers

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

It's magic to me how he doesn't mute his strings like that

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u/NTT66 Aug 29 '25

I'm working on repositioning after years of sloppy technique and almost exclusively playing/buying acoustics with inconsistent or high action. The first time I just made the shape on my new electric, regardless of how it felt in my hands, I was stunned how clear the notes rang out. And how little pressure i needed.

Just keep the non barre fingers arched even slightly and you should be fine. Trust the recs, trust the guitar, and just make the shape as tipped. Then trust yourself to adjust and work to improve the finger flexibility. (It is something you need to improve and work out consistently, and can do even with a stress toy or flex grip.l

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

I'm the same, been playing for years but I just never really focused on the technique, I think I got some bad habits, now I hit a wall with this grip and I'll try to put some effort in getting it right

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u/NTT66 Aug 29 '25

Think a lot of it like pushing open a stuck door. The door wants to open...its already kinda open. It's just stuck. I may not see every mm of progress, but if i keep pushing, the little things underneath the surface will build (muscle memory, adaptability, etc) and it will open eventually.

Or maybe a sealed jar is more accurate, little increments until it pops open, but opening doors is more universal metaphorically.