Partial barres - an unexpected problem

Rocker · April 2021

I have no problem using my fingers to play my bass yet never liked the feeling of my fingers playing the thinner strings of a guitar.

However to learn Stairway to Heaven it seems to be the way to go. Stairway..... is a song that I never bothered learning but I decided, recently, to give it a try. The online instruction videos suggest learning the chord structure first. On that basis the first chord is a shortened version of A minor at the fifth fret. My problem is that the high E string (playing an A note) slips into the crevice of the joint between the first and second 'bits' of my fretting index finger. And the note sounds muffled as a result. Barring from the A string to the E string at that position ends up with the second (B) string muffled.

I want the strings to ring out so would welcome any suggestions on how to achieve this. Thanks.

stratman3142 · April 2021

For the shortened version, how far is the finger tip of your index finger protruding beyond the 3rd string? It only needs to be far enough to hold down the 3rd string. Then (at least with my index finger) the first string is still on the index finger pad section.

Jimbro66 · April 2021

You only need to barre the 1st, 2nd and 3rd strings while you fret the 4th string A and Ab notes. Then move your barre up to cover the 4th, 3rd and 2nd strings at the fifth fret while your pinky is fretting the first string.

Rocker · April 2021

Thanks @stratman3142 and @jimbro66 for your suggestions. I will give them a go.

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Partial barres - an unexpected problem

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