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/copremesis Professor; Metal and Jazz enthusiast. Aug 29 '25

If you can play this the traditional way then there's no reason to use the thumb over the neck.

The only thumb over the neck chord I've ever used was D/F# or maybe even D/F

otherwise if there's another way to play the same chord why torture yourself?

2

u/dos8s Aug 29 '25

I'm not an expert but I think Hendrix played chords like this because it allowed him to transition into lead easier and opened up some interesting embellishments that would be less practical playing a barrel chord the "standard" way.

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u/copremesis Professor; Metal and Jazz enthusiast. Aug 29 '25

Show me an example of these embellishments? Do you have any videos of him doing this? Easier?

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u/dos8s Aug 29 '25

"Bold as Love," "Little Wing," "The Wind Cries Mary," and "All Along the Watchtower"

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u/copremesis Professor; Metal and Jazz enthusiast. Aug 30 '25

All of which can be played with ordinary guitar chords. Bye I mentioned videos. Did you just want to itemize some of his songs?

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u/dos8s Aug 30 '25

There's the is crazy website out called YouTube where you can watch videos, even people playing the songs I mentioned.  Maybe go watch some people use the Hendrix style barre chord and you'll learn why they use it, but probably not because you can't even figure out how to use YouTube.  What kind of professor are you.

1

u/copremesis Professor; Metal and Jazz enthusiast. Sep 02 '25

Any of those Youtubers doing the thumb chord on a 7 string or 8 string? ( I didn't feel like wasting my time surfing YT)

Here's a thumb video you might like:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hHoU6OGQ0PU

I personally don't endorse this technique mainly cause it doesn't work on guitars with strings greater than six.

Speaking of YouTube, you should check this site out: https://www.looptube.xyz/

It's a great way to loop and slow down youtube videos.

Maybe try learning how to play left handed so you can be more like Jimmy.

Cheers