guitar neck too narrow ?

Comment

Comment by Reuel Blackwell on January 24, 2009 at 9:37am

I hated that chord when I was learning try using the Barre method I use my middle finger. By using the middle it helps to transfer to the next chord.

Comment by David Rigby on January 19, 2009 at 5:35pm

John, That A chord can be pesky. I have tried just about every possible way to play that chord and what works for me( and took a few years to master) is I lay my index finger across the strings to form the chord,i.e. pressing the E,A,C# notes on the D,G,B strings accordingly. Hope this helps. D. Rigby

Comment by Rick Turner on January 19, 2009 at 6:37am

It may be possible to have a luthier install a new string nut with slightly wider string spacing. I'd suggest having the luthier also check to be sure the action is optimized at the nut so you're not fighting the strings. Also, this is one of those situations where you may benefit from a "master class" lesson with a good teacher. Ask him or her to just watch your left hand. They may find some bad habit fingering issues.

Comment by Jonathan Christopher on January 18, 2009 at 8:10pm

I have the same problem on many guitars (I have 7, and they all give me problems with a 3-finger technique even the classical one) and use the one-finger barre solution. Actually I find it has some benefits b/c the other fingers are free to add in notes. My finger doesn't have to bed back all that much to clear the high-e either. Just take practice. If you do it too hard though, your knuckle will get sore, but eventually you'll build up more flexibility.

Comment by Ken Rogers on January 18, 2009 at 11:38am

If you have trouble playing the chord with three fingers, have you considered trying to use only two? I know a lot of people who play the standard A by covering the strings with two fingers, and several folks who manage with only one. Takes a bit of practice, of course, but it's doable.

Comment by Jeroen Wenting on January 17, 2009 at 2:13pm

It's got a pretty standard size neck so it's unlikely to be too narrow.
The A chord is a bugger of course, placing 3 fingers that close isn't easy.