Different ways to play the same guitar chords?

Question

I'm just learning to play the acoustic guitar, and it seems like there are multiple ways to play the same chord. Is there one "correct" way to play any one chord? Or should I just use the fingering that is most comfortable for me?

Answer 1

Hi Elaina

Use the fingering that accomodates you. The reason why I stress the correct fingering is in case you have to switch chords in-between. The correct fingering will facilitate the change whereas, as awkward fingering will make the change sound sloppy.

Another things is that, their are different positions for the chord.

ex....C chord in 1st position which ic considered an open chord.

Then you have the C-chord in 3rd position as a bar chord.

Their is another position at the 5th fret, the 8th fret, the 12th etc....

Good Luck !!!

Answer 2

use the fingering most comfortable for u like i know of 2 different ways to finger c and i just use the most comfortable 1

Answer 3

Hi Elaina,

Unique chord types have different chord voicings.

Say for example a song says that you should play G at a certain point in the song. Well they may be referring to a G chord type that has a higher sound. Which in turn you would play a voicing of G that is located on the lower part of the neck.

Here is a great reference for guitar chords and their voicings:

http://www.chordc.com/pg/chords.php?tbl=...

As for the fingering, I think you should finger a chord in a way that is most comfortable to you and also in a way that allows you to transition between chords easily.

Answer 4

There is no one correct way.  Bar chords are usually easier to play on the guitar and widely used in music compositon.  whatever works best for you but make sure you expose and learn all variations of all chords.  You'll be a better player in the long run if you do.

Answer 5

A chord has certain notes.  The Gmaj, for example consists of G-B-D.    It doesn't matter how you play it on the guitar.

However, it depends on the song.  It's very easy to switch chords when your using the Barre technique.