'd' chord

[kippa]

hi, I am new to the forums as I am to learning guitar. Could some one please tell me if there is an alternative I could use to the basic 'd' chord? I find it hard to finger the fret as I have quite fat fingers and find I am muting the 'e' string while fingering the 'b' string. thanks in advance.

[469roadking]

Hi Kippa,

Welcome to the forum.

I'm assuming by the term basic "d" form you mean the D major chord played at the second fret that would finger in a "triangle shape" for lack of a better term. If you have large fingers that voicing would be a little tight for you until you get your dexterity up and going.
One of the easiest ways to play that chord would be to use the barre chord D at the fifth fret. Finger that chord as follows.

first finger on the 5th string at the 5th fret. (that is your root note)

third or fouth (I use my fourth) finger covering the 4th string at the 7th fret, the third string at the 7th fret and the 2nd string at the 7th fret.

It's not as hard as it sounds. At first we all try to choke the life out of the guitar neck and that makes fingering all chords more difficult. Try to relax your hand some which will get easier with practice. There are some free sites on the web with chord forms you can look at as well.
Remember to have a good time and keep after it. What's difficult today becomes second nature in no time.
Good luck and happy jamming.

[kippa]

Hi m8, thanks for that, yes you are right it is that triangle I am on about! I will try your suggestion and see how I get on.
Thanks again.

[leerummey]

hi kippa
welcome :-)
you could also try moving you thumb further down the back of the neck thus making it slightly easier to fret the chord with just your finger tips
it sounds to me like you are a bit flat on the neck with your fingering
hope i helped :-)

[lessonsthatrock]

There really aren't a whole lot of alternatives. Besides, if you have problems with that chord, you'll probably have problems with other chords as well. I would suggest getting a guitar with a wider nut width, and using lighter strings on them to increase the string to string space. of course, proper hand positioning goes a long way too!!

[kippa]

thanks to all for your help, all has been noted.

[pwfirst]

Only one answer, surgery for the fat fingers. If you don't trust Drs. A good sharp pencil sharpener is the answer.
Just KIDDING. Welcome to the forum. Positioning your thumb for support is probable you best bet. The other option is a guitar with a little wider neck.

[azsonny]

Jan 18, 2011 14:50:37 GMT -5 kippa said:

hi, I am new to the forums as I am to learning guitar. Could some one please tell me if there is an alternative I could use to the basic 'd' chord? I find it hard to finger the fret as I have quite fat fingers and find I am muting the 'e' string while fingering the 'b' string. thanks in advance.

[kippa]

thanks folks, have cracked the normal finger positions for this chord now! feel great now!!

[Mojo]

Awesome! And thanks to all who offered help