Is there a reason not to play A/C# as x42225?

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I'm having a hard time fingering A/C# as this sheet suggests: x42220. I've tried:



  • barring with the first finger, but it's difficult for me not to touch the high E.

  • barring with the first finger and muting the high E with my little finger, which was hard to do reliably.

  • using four fingers and stretching my little finger to the fourth fret, which was hard due to the angle of the little finger.

My idea now was to bar all four high strings with and make put my little finger on the fifth fret (A) of the highest string. I haven't seen this voicing anywhere while A/C#, so I was wondering if there's a reason not to play it this way?



Also, do my difficulties with x42220 suggest any problem with my technique that I should be working on?



enter image description here



I'm playing on a steel-stringed acoustic guitar.










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  • 9




    The short answer is no. There is no reason not to play any chord with a voicing that pleases you and doesn’t change an important aspect of the music. You can open up “A Whole New World” of possibilities when you decide to voice chords the way you want to.
    – Todd Wilcox
    Aug 21 at 12:17











  • @ToddWilcox Thank you for the no and saying that you can't see any reason not to. About this idea of playing whatever sounds good, which is prevalent on this SE: I'm early enough in my development not to trust myself completely about what "sounds good", and much less about what is technically sound. That's why I'm posting these questions. For instance, I got several potential reasons (for some cases) not to play it this way that I hadn't thought of: that it covers the melody note, and that it's a parallel movement from the prior chord.
    – Anna
    Aug 21 at 13:30






  • 1




    You could press the 4 with thumb from above.
    – Džuris
    Aug 21 at 18:37










  • @Džuris Didn't consider that, thanks!!
    – Anna
    Aug 21 at 21:50










  • I find if I bar 5-2, I can bend my finger just enough to avoid 1, but equally it doesn't seem to matter much (to my ear anyway) if I muffle 1 a bit
    – Strawberry
    Aug 22 at 19:03














up vote
13
down vote

favorite
1












I'm having a hard time fingering A/C# as this sheet suggests: x42220. I've tried:



  • barring with the first finger, but it's difficult for me not to touch the high E.

  • barring with the first finger and muting the high E with my little finger, which was hard to do reliably.

  • using four fingers and stretching my little finger to the fourth fret, which was hard due to the angle of the little finger.

My idea now was to bar all four high strings with and make put my little finger on the fifth fret (A) of the highest string. I haven't seen this voicing anywhere while A/C#, so I was wondering if there's a reason not to play it this way?



Also, do my difficulties with x42220 suggest any problem with my technique that I should be working on?



enter image description here



I'm playing on a steel-stringed acoustic guitar.










share|improve this question

















  • 9




    The short answer is no. There is no reason not to play any chord with a voicing that pleases you and doesn’t change an important aspect of the music. You can open up “A Whole New World” of possibilities when you decide to voice chords the way you want to.
    – Todd Wilcox
    Aug 21 at 12:17











  • @ToddWilcox Thank you for the no and saying that you can't see any reason not to. About this idea of playing whatever sounds good, which is prevalent on this SE: I'm early enough in my development not to trust myself completely about what "sounds good", and much less about what is technically sound. That's why I'm posting these questions. For instance, I got several potential reasons (for some cases) not to play it this way that I hadn't thought of: that it covers the melody note, and that it's a parallel movement from the prior chord.
    – Anna
    Aug 21 at 13:30






  • 1




    You could press the 4 with thumb from above.
    – Džuris
    Aug 21 at 18:37










  • @Džuris Didn't consider that, thanks!!
    – Anna
    Aug 21 at 21:50










  • I find if I bar 5-2, I can bend my finger just enough to avoid 1, but equally it doesn't seem to matter much (to my ear anyway) if I muffle 1 a bit
    – Strawberry
    Aug 22 at 19:03












up vote
13
down vote

favorite
1









up vote
13
down vote

favorite
1






1





I'm having a hard time fingering A/C# as this sheet suggests: x42220. I've tried:



  • barring with the first finger, but it's difficult for me not to touch the high E.

  • barring with the first finger and muting the high E with my little finger, which was hard to do reliably.

  • using four fingers and stretching my little finger to the fourth fret, which was hard due to the angle of the little finger.

My idea now was to bar all four high strings with and make put my little finger on the fifth fret (A) of the highest string. I haven't seen this voicing anywhere while A/C#, so I was wondering if there's a reason not to play it this way?



Also, do my difficulties with x42220 suggest any problem with my technique that I should be working on?



enter image description here



I'm playing on a steel-stringed acoustic guitar.










share|improve this question













I'm having a hard time fingering A/C# as this sheet suggests: x42220. I've tried:



  • barring with the first finger, but it's difficult for me not to touch the high E.

  • barring with the first finger and muting the high E with my little finger, which was hard to do reliably.

  • using four fingers and stretching my little finger to the fourth fret, which was hard due to the angle of the little finger.

My idea now was to bar all four high strings with and make put my little finger on the fifth fret (A) of the highest string. I haven't seen this voicing anywhere while A/C#, so I was wondering if there's a reason not to play it this way?



Also, do my difficulties with x42220 suggest any problem with my technique that I should be working on?



enter image description here



I'm playing on a steel-stringed acoustic guitar.







guitar fingering






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asked Aug 21 at 10:53









Anna

440111




440111







  • 9




    The short answer is no. There is no reason not to play any chord with a voicing that pleases you and doesn’t change an important aspect of the music. You can open up “A Whole New World” of possibilities when you decide to voice chords the way you want to.
    – Todd Wilcox
    Aug 21 at 12:17











  • @ToddWilcox Thank you for the no and saying that you can't see any reason not to. About this idea of playing whatever sounds good, which is prevalent on this SE: I'm early enough in my development not to trust myself completely about what "sounds good", and much less about what is technically sound. That's why I'm posting these questions. For instance, I got several potential reasons (for some cases) not to play it this way that I hadn't thought of: that it covers the melody note, and that it's a parallel movement from the prior chord.
    – Anna
    Aug 21 at 13:30






  • 1




    You could press the 4 with thumb from above.
    – Džuris
    Aug 21 at 18:37










  • @Džuris Didn't consider that, thanks!!
    – Anna
    Aug 21 at 21:50










  • I find if I bar 5-2, I can bend my finger just enough to avoid 1, but equally it doesn't seem to matter much (to my ear anyway) if I muffle 1 a bit
    – Strawberry
    Aug 22 at 19:03












  • 9




    The short answer is no. There is no reason not to play any chord with a voicing that pleases you and doesn’t change an important aspect of the music. You can open up “A Whole New World” of possibilities when you decide to voice chords the way you want to.
    – Todd Wilcox
    Aug 21 at 12:17











  • @ToddWilcox Thank you for the no and saying that you can't see any reason not to. About this idea of playing whatever sounds good, which is prevalent on this SE: I'm early enough in my development not to trust myself completely about what "sounds good", and much less about what is technically sound. That's why I'm posting these questions. For instance, I got several potential reasons (for some cases) not to play it this way that I hadn't thought of: that it covers the melody note, and that it's a parallel movement from the prior chord.
    – Anna
    Aug 21 at 13:30






  • 1




    You could press the 4 with thumb from above.
    – Džuris
    Aug 21 at 18:37










  • @Džuris Didn't consider that, thanks!!
    – Anna
    Aug 21 at 21:50










  • I find if I bar 5-2, I can bend my finger just enough to avoid 1, but equally it doesn't seem to matter much (to my ear anyway) if I muffle 1 a bit
    – Strawberry
    Aug 22 at 19:03







9




9




The short answer is no. There is no reason not to play any chord with a voicing that pleases you and doesn’t change an important aspect of the music. You can open up “A Whole New World” of possibilities when you decide to voice chords the way you want to.
– Todd Wilcox
Aug 21 at 12:17





The short answer is no. There is no reason not to play any chord with a voicing that pleases you and doesn’t change an important aspect of the music. You can open up “A Whole New World” of possibilities when you decide to voice chords the way you want to.
– Todd Wilcox
Aug 21 at 12:17













@ToddWilcox Thank you for the no and saying that you can't see any reason not to. About this idea of playing whatever sounds good, which is prevalent on this SE: I'm early enough in my development not to trust myself completely about what "sounds good", and much less about what is technically sound. That's why I'm posting these questions. For instance, I got several potential reasons (for some cases) not to play it this way that I hadn't thought of: that it covers the melody note, and that it's a parallel movement from the prior chord.
– Anna
Aug 21 at 13:30




@ToddWilcox Thank you for the no and saying that you can't see any reason not to. About this idea of playing whatever sounds good, which is prevalent on this SE: I'm early enough in my development not to trust myself completely about what "sounds good", and much less about what is technically sound. That's why I'm posting these questions. For instance, I got several potential reasons (for some cases) not to play it this way that I hadn't thought of: that it covers the melody note, and that it's a parallel movement from the prior chord.
– Anna
Aug 21 at 13:30




1




1




You could press the 4 with thumb from above.
– Džuris
Aug 21 at 18:37




You could press the 4 with thumb from above.
– Džuris
Aug 21 at 18:37












@Džuris Didn't consider that, thanks!!
– Anna
Aug 21 at 21:50




@Džuris Didn't consider that, thanks!!
– Anna
Aug 21 at 21:50












I find if I bar 5-2, I can bend my finger just enough to avoid 1, but equally it doesn't seem to matter much (to my ear anyway) if I muffle 1 a bit
– Strawberry
Aug 22 at 19:03




I find if I bar 5-2, I can bend my finger just enough to avoid 1, but equally it doesn't seem to matter much (to my ear anyway) if I muffle 1 a bit
– Strawberry
Aug 22 at 19:03










7 Answers
7






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up vote
19
down vote



accepted










Yeesh, x42220 is indeed terrible. Don't feel bad about struggling with that.



But the downside to x42225 in this context is that it's completely parallel to the previous chord, and that can sound cheesy1. If you don't find it objectionable, then there's no reason not to go ahead and play it that way.



If you want to break up that parallel, you could always revoice the G/B chord a little bit. You wouldn't need to change it massively, just make a small change so that it's not a completely parallel slide up the neck.




1Then again, you are playing a disney song on guitar...






share|improve this answer




















  • Thank you! Hadn't considered the parallel movement at all. And thank you for pointing out for me what kind of guitar person I've become :)
    – Anna
    Aug 21 at 13:35






  • 5




    Just because of this comment I'm going to learn "A Friend Like Me" on guitar, ask a question about it, and then post a youtube video. Just you wait.
    – Aric
    Aug 21 at 14:48

















up vote
8
down vote













You could try x4225x:



third time lucky



Mute the top string with your little finger rolling sideways and don't play the bottom string. Then you get the low C# and the high E, along with the A on the third string which is the root note. This alternate chord sacrifices the C# on the second string, however since the main focus is to have a C# in the bass this won't harm the chord too much.



Ideally, I would ask you to try playing it with four fingers but if you struggle to get your little finger to the 4th fret this will still work. It's not like you're playing a whole new world.






share|improve this answer






















  • This way you get a D# on the fifth string, right? Did you mean to fret it one fret above?
    – Anna
    Aug 21 at 11:40










  • It is more convenient for me than my alternatives though!
    – Anna
    Aug 21 at 11:40










  • Sorry, changed the diagram because it was wrong. This is x4224x
    – Aric
    Aug 21 at 11:55










  • Sorry I still don't understand, it looks like the notes of this chord would be C#-E-A-D#, is that correct?
    – Anna
    Aug 21 at 13:32










  • Oh wait yes, there's a D# on the second string (thI was confused because you said fifth string). It should be one fret above, you're right.
    – Aric
    Aug 21 at 13:39


















up vote
6
down vote













One of the moveable chord shapes from open to barred (apart from the well known/used E and A shapes) is the open G shape. It's quite easily played using the usual index finger for barre. Here, on the second fret. The other three fingers then form the rest of the open G which becomes a barred A. 542225.If you wanted, the pinky can cover top and second string giving that E an airing, or even - playing the E on 2nd string, and muting the top string - although a lot of folk like that voicing, I find it harsh. By not playing the bottom string, you'll get what you want.



It isn't always necessary to play the chords exactly as they are portrayed, but obviously, if you do want to get A/C#, this way works well. You could even finger the G with out using the barre (index) finger, so you simply slide the whole shape up two frets, getting to the A?C# with little change in fingering, again leaving out, or muting the bottom string, not too bad to get to after the supposed previous D chord.






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  • Thank you! Great idea perspective to think about the x4225x and x4222x as G barre shape! Somehow made it feel easier and gave me a new relation to that barre shape. I'll try to play it with the slide. Thanks again!
    – Anna
    Aug 21 at 13:44

















up vote
3
down vote













If you are touching the high e with your index while barring on 2 then you can use that touch to mute it. The high e open is the melody note which could be nice if you are playing it solo on just the guitar. But based on the chord voicing before it that is not the goal here. As your fingers get stronger you will be able to play it as suggested. For now play it however feels easiest.






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  • I didn't consider that, thank you for pointing out that it's the melody note!
    – Anna
    Aug 21 at 11:54

















up vote
2
down vote













There's no reason not to play it like that, if it sounds right to you and you can play comfortably. My favourite A/C# is x42225, or x4222x. Fingers used: x-3-1-1-1-4, i.e. barre the "222" with the index finger. Very easy and comfortable to play, if you tilt/twist your wrist the right way, so that you do the barre with the side of your index finger.






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  • Thank you! How do you mute the high E? With the first finger (bar finger)?
    – Anna
    Aug 21 at 11:35










  • The index finger mutes it naturally, and actually I usually play the index finger's barre all the way like x42222, so it's an A6/C#, and if I don't want to sound that jazzy, I add the final 5th fret with the little finger to make it just A/C#.
    – piiperi
    Aug 21 at 11:43










  • Also try x4225x. Or even x4x25x, which spreads the notes nicely, doesn't require a barre, has each note of the triad only once, and has the melody note as the highest note. :)
    – piiperi
    Aug 21 at 12:11

















up vote
2
down vote













Play it however you want. Once you get comfortable with common voicings look at the guitar as if it was a piano, find all the notes of a chord, and go to town trying random combinations. Trying different voicings is beneficial making you focus more on the music (what you're playing) than the technique (how you're playing it), and lets you focus on the melody that the high notes of the chords make up independently than how you fill in the other notes.



Eventually you'll end up playing songs with different voicings just for the hell of it, start noticing that you prefer a certain voicing in the context of a particular chord progression, or just feel like messing with different finger combinations. Or maybe, simply, the chord is easier to play with a less-used voicing that sounds well, just the same. It simply isn't included in the list of "common chords".



I just wanted to add an answer that focuses more on the music than the technique. That said if you wanna move up the neck a bit x4765x sounds pretty good.






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    up vote
    1
    down vote













    A different approach would be x4x220. You can mute the 4th string easily using the finger that goes in the 4th frame.






    share|improve this answer




















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      7 Answers
      7






      active

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      7 Answers
      7






      active

      oldest

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      votes








      up vote
      19
      down vote



      accepted










      Yeesh, x42220 is indeed terrible. Don't feel bad about struggling with that.



      But the downside to x42225 in this context is that it's completely parallel to the previous chord, and that can sound cheesy1. If you don't find it objectionable, then there's no reason not to go ahead and play it that way.



      If you want to break up that parallel, you could always revoice the G/B chord a little bit. You wouldn't need to change it massively, just make a small change so that it's not a completely parallel slide up the neck.




      1Then again, you are playing a disney song on guitar...






      share|improve this answer




















      • Thank you! Hadn't considered the parallel movement at all. And thank you for pointing out for me what kind of guitar person I've become :)
        – Anna
        Aug 21 at 13:35






      • 5




        Just because of this comment I'm going to learn "A Friend Like Me" on guitar, ask a question about it, and then post a youtube video. Just you wait.
        – Aric
        Aug 21 at 14:48














      up vote
      19
      down vote



      accepted










      Yeesh, x42220 is indeed terrible. Don't feel bad about struggling with that.



      But the downside to x42225 in this context is that it's completely parallel to the previous chord, and that can sound cheesy1. If you don't find it objectionable, then there's no reason not to go ahead and play it that way.



      If you want to break up that parallel, you could always revoice the G/B chord a little bit. You wouldn't need to change it massively, just make a small change so that it's not a completely parallel slide up the neck.




      1Then again, you are playing a disney song on guitar...






      share|improve this answer




















      • Thank you! Hadn't considered the parallel movement at all. And thank you for pointing out for me what kind of guitar person I've become :)
        – Anna
        Aug 21 at 13:35






      • 5




        Just because of this comment I'm going to learn "A Friend Like Me" on guitar, ask a question about it, and then post a youtube video. Just you wait.
        – Aric
        Aug 21 at 14:48












      up vote
      19
      down vote



      accepted







      up vote
      19
      down vote



      accepted






      Yeesh, x42220 is indeed terrible. Don't feel bad about struggling with that.



      But the downside to x42225 in this context is that it's completely parallel to the previous chord, and that can sound cheesy1. If you don't find it objectionable, then there's no reason not to go ahead and play it that way.



      If you want to break up that parallel, you could always revoice the G/B chord a little bit. You wouldn't need to change it massively, just make a small change so that it's not a completely parallel slide up the neck.




      1Then again, you are playing a disney song on guitar...






      share|improve this answer












      Yeesh, x42220 is indeed terrible. Don't feel bad about struggling with that.



      But the downside to x42225 in this context is that it's completely parallel to the previous chord, and that can sound cheesy1. If you don't find it objectionable, then there's no reason not to go ahead and play it that way.



      If you want to break up that parallel, you could always revoice the G/B chord a little bit. You wouldn't need to change it massively, just make a small change so that it's not a completely parallel slide up the neck.




      1Then again, you are playing a disney song on guitar...







      share|improve this answer












      share|improve this answer



      share|improve this answer










      answered Aug 21 at 13:11









      MattPutnam

      13k22551




      13k22551











      • Thank you! Hadn't considered the parallel movement at all. And thank you for pointing out for me what kind of guitar person I've become :)
        – Anna
        Aug 21 at 13:35






      • 5




        Just because of this comment I'm going to learn "A Friend Like Me" on guitar, ask a question about it, and then post a youtube video. Just you wait.
        – Aric
        Aug 21 at 14:48
















      • Thank you! Hadn't considered the parallel movement at all. And thank you for pointing out for me what kind of guitar person I've become :)
        – Anna
        Aug 21 at 13:35






      • 5




        Just because of this comment I'm going to learn "A Friend Like Me" on guitar, ask a question about it, and then post a youtube video. Just you wait.
        – Aric
        Aug 21 at 14:48















      Thank you! Hadn't considered the parallel movement at all. And thank you for pointing out for me what kind of guitar person I've become :)
      – Anna
      Aug 21 at 13:35




      Thank you! Hadn't considered the parallel movement at all. And thank you for pointing out for me what kind of guitar person I've become :)
      – Anna
      Aug 21 at 13:35




      5




      5




      Just because of this comment I'm going to learn "A Friend Like Me" on guitar, ask a question about it, and then post a youtube video. Just you wait.
      – Aric
      Aug 21 at 14:48




      Just because of this comment I'm going to learn "A Friend Like Me" on guitar, ask a question about it, and then post a youtube video. Just you wait.
      – Aric
      Aug 21 at 14:48










      up vote
      8
      down vote













      You could try x4225x:



      third time lucky



      Mute the top string with your little finger rolling sideways and don't play the bottom string. Then you get the low C# and the high E, along with the A on the third string which is the root note. This alternate chord sacrifices the C# on the second string, however since the main focus is to have a C# in the bass this won't harm the chord too much.



      Ideally, I would ask you to try playing it with four fingers but if you struggle to get your little finger to the 4th fret this will still work. It's not like you're playing a whole new world.






      share|improve this answer






















      • This way you get a D# on the fifth string, right? Did you mean to fret it one fret above?
        – Anna
        Aug 21 at 11:40










      • It is more convenient for me than my alternatives though!
        – Anna
        Aug 21 at 11:40










      • Sorry, changed the diagram because it was wrong. This is x4224x
        – Aric
        Aug 21 at 11:55










      • Sorry I still don't understand, it looks like the notes of this chord would be C#-E-A-D#, is that correct?
        – Anna
        Aug 21 at 13:32










      • Oh wait yes, there's a D# on the second string (thI was confused because you said fifth string). It should be one fret above, you're right.
        – Aric
        Aug 21 at 13:39















      up vote
      8
      down vote













      You could try x4225x:



      third time lucky



      Mute the top string with your little finger rolling sideways and don't play the bottom string. Then you get the low C# and the high E, along with the A on the third string which is the root note. This alternate chord sacrifices the C# on the second string, however since the main focus is to have a C# in the bass this won't harm the chord too much.



      Ideally, I would ask you to try playing it with four fingers but if you struggle to get your little finger to the 4th fret this will still work. It's not like you're playing a whole new world.






      share|improve this answer






















      • This way you get a D# on the fifth string, right? Did you mean to fret it one fret above?
        – Anna
        Aug 21 at 11:40










      • It is more convenient for me than my alternatives though!
        – Anna
        Aug 21 at 11:40










      • Sorry, changed the diagram because it was wrong. This is x4224x
        – Aric
        Aug 21 at 11:55










      • Sorry I still don't understand, it looks like the notes of this chord would be C#-E-A-D#, is that correct?
        – Anna
        Aug 21 at 13:32










      • Oh wait yes, there's a D# on the second string (thI was confused because you said fifth string). It should be one fret above, you're right.
        – Aric
        Aug 21 at 13:39













      up vote
      8
      down vote










      up vote
      8
      down vote









      You could try x4225x:



      third time lucky



      Mute the top string with your little finger rolling sideways and don't play the bottom string. Then you get the low C# and the high E, along with the A on the third string which is the root note. This alternate chord sacrifices the C# on the second string, however since the main focus is to have a C# in the bass this won't harm the chord too much.



      Ideally, I would ask you to try playing it with four fingers but if you struggle to get your little finger to the 4th fret this will still work. It's not like you're playing a whole new world.






      share|improve this answer














      You could try x4225x:



      third time lucky



      Mute the top string with your little finger rolling sideways and don't play the bottom string. Then you get the low C# and the high E, along with the A on the third string which is the root note. This alternate chord sacrifices the C# on the second string, however since the main focus is to have a C# in the bass this won't harm the chord too much.



      Ideally, I would ask you to try playing it with four fingers but if you struggle to get your little finger to the 4th fret this will still work. It's not like you're playing a whole new world.







      share|improve this answer














      share|improve this answer



      share|improve this answer








      edited Aug 21 at 13:41

























      answered Aug 21 at 11:15









      Aric

      544213




      544213











      • This way you get a D# on the fifth string, right? Did you mean to fret it one fret above?
        – Anna
        Aug 21 at 11:40










      • It is more convenient for me than my alternatives though!
        – Anna
        Aug 21 at 11:40










      • Sorry, changed the diagram because it was wrong. This is x4224x
        – Aric
        Aug 21 at 11:55










      • Sorry I still don't understand, it looks like the notes of this chord would be C#-E-A-D#, is that correct?
        – Anna
        Aug 21 at 13:32










      • Oh wait yes, there's a D# on the second string (thI was confused because you said fifth string). It should be one fret above, you're right.
        – Aric
        Aug 21 at 13:39

















      • This way you get a D# on the fifth string, right? Did you mean to fret it one fret above?
        – Anna
        Aug 21 at 11:40










      • It is more convenient for me than my alternatives though!
        – Anna
        Aug 21 at 11:40










      • Sorry, changed the diagram because it was wrong. This is x4224x
        – Aric
        Aug 21 at 11:55










      • Sorry I still don't understand, it looks like the notes of this chord would be C#-E-A-D#, is that correct?
        – Anna
        Aug 21 at 13:32










      • Oh wait yes, there's a D# on the second string (thI was confused because you said fifth string). It should be one fret above, you're right.
        – Aric
        Aug 21 at 13:39
















      This way you get a D# on the fifth string, right? Did you mean to fret it one fret above?
      – Anna
      Aug 21 at 11:40




      This way you get a D# on the fifth string, right? Did you mean to fret it one fret above?
      – Anna
      Aug 21 at 11:40












      It is more convenient for me than my alternatives though!
      – Anna
      Aug 21 at 11:40




      It is more convenient for me than my alternatives though!
      – Anna
      Aug 21 at 11:40












      Sorry, changed the diagram because it was wrong. This is x4224x
      – Aric
      Aug 21 at 11:55




      Sorry, changed the diagram because it was wrong. This is x4224x
      – Aric
      Aug 21 at 11:55












      Sorry I still don't understand, it looks like the notes of this chord would be C#-E-A-D#, is that correct?
      – Anna
      Aug 21 at 13:32




      Sorry I still don't understand, it looks like the notes of this chord would be C#-E-A-D#, is that correct?
      – Anna
      Aug 21 at 13:32












      Oh wait yes, there's a D# on the second string (thI was confused because you said fifth string). It should be one fret above, you're right.
      – Aric
      Aug 21 at 13:39





      Oh wait yes, there's a D# on the second string (thI was confused because you said fifth string). It should be one fret above, you're right.
      – Aric
      Aug 21 at 13:39











      up vote
      6
      down vote













      One of the moveable chord shapes from open to barred (apart from the well known/used E and A shapes) is the open G shape. It's quite easily played using the usual index finger for barre. Here, on the second fret. The other three fingers then form the rest of the open G which becomes a barred A. 542225.If you wanted, the pinky can cover top and second string giving that E an airing, or even - playing the E on 2nd string, and muting the top string - although a lot of folk like that voicing, I find it harsh. By not playing the bottom string, you'll get what you want.



      It isn't always necessary to play the chords exactly as they are portrayed, but obviously, if you do want to get A/C#, this way works well. You could even finger the G with out using the barre (index) finger, so you simply slide the whole shape up two frets, getting to the A?C# with little change in fingering, again leaving out, or muting the bottom string, not too bad to get to after the supposed previous D chord.






      share|improve this answer




















      • Thank you! Great idea perspective to think about the x4225x and x4222x as G barre shape! Somehow made it feel easier and gave me a new relation to that barre shape. I'll try to play it with the slide. Thanks again!
        – Anna
        Aug 21 at 13:44














      up vote
      6
      down vote













      One of the moveable chord shapes from open to barred (apart from the well known/used E and A shapes) is the open G shape. It's quite easily played using the usual index finger for barre. Here, on the second fret. The other three fingers then form the rest of the open G which becomes a barred A. 542225.If you wanted, the pinky can cover top and second string giving that E an airing, or even - playing the E on 2nd string, and muting the top string - although a lot of folk like that voicing, I find it harsh. By not playing the bottom string, you'll get what you want.



      It isn't always necessary to play the chords exactly as they are portrayed, but obviously, if you do want to get A/C#, this way works well. You could even finger the G with out using the barre (index) finger, so you simply slide the whole shape up two frets, getting to the A?C# with little change in fingering, again leaving out, or muting the bottom string, not too bad to get to after the supposed previous D chord.






      share|improve this answer




















      • Thank you! Great idea perspective to think about the x4225x and x4222x as G barre shape! Somehow made it feel easier and gave me a new relation to that barre shape. I'll try to play it with the slide. Thanks again!
        – Anna
        Aug 21 at 13:44












      up vote
      6
      down vote










      up vote
      6
      down vote









      One of the moveable chord shapes from open to barred (apart from the well known/used E and A shapes) is the open G shape. It's quite easily played using the usual index finger for barre. Here, on the second fret. The other three fingers then form the rest of the open G which becomes a barred A. 542225.If you wanted, the pinky can cover top and second string giving that E an airing, or even - playing the E on 2nd string, and muting the top string - although a lot of folk like that voicing, I find it harsh. By not playing the bottom string, you'll get what you want.



      It isn't always necessary to play the chords exactly as they are portrayed, but obviously, if you do want to get A/C#, this way works well. You could even finger the G with out using the barre (index) finger, so you simply slide the whole shape up two frets, getting to the A?C# with little change in fingering, again leaving out, or muting the bottom string, not too bad to get to after the supposed previous D chord.






      share|improve this answer












      One of the moveable chord shapes from open to barred (apart from the well known/used E and A shapes) is the open G shape. It's quite easily played using the usual index finger for barre. Here, on the second fret. The other three fingers then form the rest of the open G which becomes a barred A. 542225.If you wanted, the pinky can cover top and second string giving that E an airing, or even - playing the E on 2nd string, and muting the top string - although a lot of folk like that voicing, I find it harsh. By not playing the bottom string, you'll get what you want.



      It isn't always necessary to play the chords exactly as they are portrayed, but obviously, if you do want to get A/C#, this way works well. You could even finger the G with out using the barre (index) finger, so you simply slide the whole shape up two frets, getting to the A?C# with little change in fingering, again leaving out, or muting the bottom string, not too bad to get to after the supposed previous D chord.







      share|improve this answer












      share|improve this answer



      share|improve this answer










      answered Aug 21 at 12:09









      Tim

      88.8k1090225




      88.8k1090225











      • Thank you! Great idea perspective to think about the x4225x and x4222x as G barre shape! Somehow made it feel easier and gave me a new relation to that barre shape. I'll try to play it with the slide. Thanks again!
        – Anna
        Aug 21 at 13:44
















      • Thank you! Great idea perspective to think about the x4225x and x4222x as G barre shape! Somehow made it feel easier and gave me a new relation to that barre shape. I'll try to play it with the slide. Thanks again!
        – Anna
        Aug 21 at 13:44















      Thank you! Great idea perspective to think about the x4225x and x4222x as G barre shape! Somehow made it feel easier and gave me a new relation to that barre shape. I'll try to play it with the slide. Thanks again!
      – Anna
      Aug 21 at 13:44




      Thank you! Great idea perspective to think about the x4225x and x4222x as G barre shape! Somehow made it feel easier and gave me a new relation to that barre shape. I'll try to play it with the slide. Thanks again!
      – Anna
      Aug 21 at 13:44










      up vote
      3
      down vote













      If you are touching the high e with your index while barring on 2 then you can use that touch to mute it. The high e open is the melody note which could be nice if you are playing it solo on just the guitar. But based on the chord voicing before it that is not the goal here. As your fingers get stronger you will be able to play it as suggested. For now play it however feels easiest.






      share|improve this answer




















      • I didn't consider that, thank you for pointing out that it's the melody note!
        – Anna
        Aug 21 at 11:54














      up vote
      3
      down vote













      If you are touching the high e with your index while barring on 2 then you can use that touch to mute it. The high e open is the melody note which could be nice if you are playing it solo on just the guitar. But based on the chord voicing before it that is not the goal here. As your fingers get stronger you will be able to play it as suggested. For now play it however feels easiest.






      share|improve this answer




















      • I didn't consider that, thank you for pointing out that it's the melody note!
        – Anna
        Aug 21 at 11:54












      up vote
      3
      down vote










      up vote
      3
      down vote









      If you are touching the high e with your index while barring on 2 then you can use that touch to mute it. The high e open is the melody note which could be nice if you are playing it solo on just the guitar. But based on the chord voicing before it that is not the goal here. As your fingers get stronger you will be able to play it as suggested. For now play it however feels easiest.






      share|improve this answer












      If you are touching the high e with your index while barring on 2 then you can use that touch to mute it. The high e open is the melody note which could be nice if you are playing it solo on just the guitar. But based on the chord voicing before it that is not the goal here. As your fingers get stronger you will be able to play it as suggested. For now play it however feels easiest.







      share|improve this answer












      share|improve this answer



      share|improve this answer










      answered Aug 21 at 11:52









      b3ko

      3,010917




      3,010917











      • I didn't consider that, thank you for pointing out that it's the melody note!
        – Anna
        Aug 21 at 11:54
















      • I didn't consider that, thank you for pointing out that it's the melody note!
        – Anna
        Aug 21 at 11:54















      I didn't consider that, thank you for pointing out that it's the melody note!
      – Anna
      Aug 21 at 11:54




      I didn't consider that, thank you for pointing out that it's the melody note!
      – Anna
      Aug 21 at 11:54










      up vote
      2
      down vote













      There's no reason not to play it like that, if it sounds right to you and you can play comfortably. My favourite A/C# is x42225, or x4222x. Fingers used: x-3-1-1-1-4, i.e. barre the "222" with the index finger. Very easy and comfortable to play, if you tilt/twist your wrist the right way, so that you do the barre with the side of your index finger.






      share|improve this answer




















      • Thank you! How do you mute the high E? With the first finger (bar finger)?
        – Anna
        Aug 21 at 11:35










      • The index finger mutes it naturally, and actually I usually play the index finger's barre all the way like x42222, so it's an A6/C#, and if I don't want to sound that jazzy, I add the final 5th fret with the little finger to make it just A/C#.
        – piiperi
        Aug 21 at 11:43










      • Also try x4225x. Or even x4x25x, which spreads the notes nicely, doesn't require a barre, has each note of the triad only once, and has the melody note as the highest note. :)
        – piiperi
        Aug 21 at 12:11














      up vote
      2
      down vote













      There's no reason not to play it like that, if it sounds right to you and you can play comfortably. My favourite A/C# is x42225, or x4222x. Fingers used: x-3-1-1-1-4, i.e. barre the "222" with the index finger. Very easy and comfortable to play, if you tilt/twist your wrist the right way, so that you do the barre with the side of your index finger.






      share|improve this answer




















      • Thank you! How do you mute the high E? With the first finger (bar finger)?
        – Anna
        Aug 21 at 11:35










      • The index finger mutes it naturally, and actually I usually play the index finger's barre all the way like x42222, so it's an A6/C#, and if I don't want to sound that jazzy, I add the final 5th fret with the little finger to make it just A/C#.
        – piiperi
        Aug 21 at 11:43










      • Also try x4225x. Or even x4x25x, which spreads the notes nicely, doesn't require a barre, has each note of the triad only once, and has the melody note as the highest note. :)
        – piiperi
        Aug 21 at 12:11












      up vote
      2
      down vote










      up vote
      2
      down vote









      There's no reason not to play it like that, if it sounds right to you and you can play comfortably. My favourite A/C# is x42225, or x4222x. Fingers used: x-3-1-1-1-4, i.e. barre the "222" with the index finger. Very easy and comfortable to play, if you tilt/twist your wrist the right way, so that you do the barre with the side of your index finger.






      share|improve this answer












      There's no reason not to play it like that, if it sounds right to you and you can play comfortably. My favourite A/C# is x42225, or x4222x. Fingers used: x-3-1-1-1-4, i.e. barre the "222" with the index finger. Very easy and comfortable to play, if you tilt/twist your wrist the right way, so that you do the barre with the side of your index finger.







      share|improve this answer












      share|improve this answer



      share|improve this answer










      answered Aug 21 at 11:29









      piiperi

      1214




      1214











      • Thank you! How do you mute the high E? With the first finger (bar finger)?
        – Anna
        Aug 21 at 11:35










      • The index finger mutes it naturally, and actually I usually play the index finger's barre all the way like x42222, so it's an A6/C#, and if I don't want to sound that jazzy, I add the final 5th fret with the little finger to make it just A/C#.
        – piiperi
        Aug 21 at 11:43










      • Also try x4225x. Or even x4x25x, which spreads the notes nicely, doesn't require a barre, has each note of the triad only once, and has the melody note as the highest note. :)
        – piiperi
        Aug 21 at 12:11
















      • Thank you! How do you mute the high E? With the first finger (bar finger)?
        – Anna
        Aug 21 at 11:35










      • The index finger mutes it naturally, and actually I usually play the index finger's barre all the way like x42222, so it's an A6/C#, and if I don't want to sound that jazzy, I add the final 5th fret with the little finger to make it just A/C#.
        – piiperi
        Aug 21 at 11:43










      • Also try x4225x. Or even x4x25x, which spreads the notes nicely, doesn't require a barre, has each note of the triad only once, and has the melody note as the highest note. :)
        – piiperi
        Aug 21 at 12:11















      Thank you! How do you mute the high E? With the first finger (bar finger)?
      – Anna
      Aug 21 at 11:35




      Thank you! How do you mute the high E? With the first finger (bar finger)?
      – Anna
      Aug 21 at 11:35












      The index finger mutes it naturally, and actually I usually play the index finger's barre all the way like x42222, so it's an A6/C#, and if I don't want to sound that jazzy, I add the final 5th fret with the little finger to make it just A/C#.
      – piiperi
      Aug 21 at 11:43




      The index finger mutes it naturally, and actually I usually play the index finger's barre all the way like x42222, so it's an A6/C#, and if I don't want to sound that jazzy, I add the final 5th fret with the little finger to make it just A/C#.
      – piiperi
      Aug 21 at 11:43












      Also try x4225x. Or even x4x25x, which spreads the notes nicely, doesn't require a barre, has each note of the triad only once, and has the melody note as the highest note. :)
      – piiperi
      Aug 21 at 12:11




      Also try x4225x. Or even x4x25x, which spreads the notes nicely, doesn't require a barre, has each note of the triad only once, and has the melody note as the highest note. :)
      – piiperi
      Aug 21 at 12:11










      up vote
      2
      down vote













      Play it however you want. Once you get comfortable with common voicings look at the guitar as if it was a piano, find all the notes of a chord, and go to town trying random combinations. Trying different voicings is beneficial making you focus more on the music (what you're playing) than the technique (how you're playing it), and lets you focus on the melody that the high notes of the chords make up independently than how you fill in the other notes.



      Eventually you'll end up playing songs with different voicings just for the hell of it, start noticing that you prefer a certain voicing in the context of a particular chord progression, or just feel like messing with different finger combinations. Or maybe, simply, the chord is easier to play with a less-used voicing that sounds well, just the same. It simply isn't included in the list of "common chords".



      I just wanted to add an answer that focuses more on the music than the technique. That said if you wanna move up the neck a bit x4765x sounds pretty good.






      share|improve this answer
























        up vote
        2
        down vote













        Play it however you want. Once you get comfortable with common voicings look at the guitar as if it was a piano, find all the notes of a chord, and go to town trying random combinations. Trying different voicings is beneficial making you focus more on the music (what you're playing) than the technique (how you're playing it), and lets you focus on the melody that the high notes of the chords make up independently than how you fill in the other notes.



        Eventually you'll end up playing songs with different voicings just for the hell of it, start noticing that you prefer a certain voicing in the context of a particular chord progression, or just feel like messing with different finger combinations. Or maybe, simply, the chord is easier to play with a less-used voicing that sounds well, just the same. It simply isn't included in the list of "common chords".



        I just wanted to add an answer that focuses more on the music than the technique. That said if you wanna move up the neck a bit x4765x sounds pretty good.






        share|improve this answer






















          up vote
          2
          down vote










          up vote
          2
          down vote









          Play it however you want. Once you get comfortable with common voicings look at the guitar as if it was a piano, find all the notes of a chord, and go to town trying random combinations. Trying different voicings is beneficial making you focus more on the music (what you're playing) than the technique (how you're playing it), and lets you focus on the melody that the high notes of the chords make up independently than how you fill in the other notes.



          Eventually you'll end up playing songs with different voicings just for the hell of it, start noticing that you prefer a certain voicing in the context of a particular chord progression, or just feel like messing with different finger combinations. Or maybe, simply, the chord is easier to play with a less-used voicing that sounds well, just the same. It simply isn't included in the list of "common chords".



          I just wanted to add an answer that focuses more on the music than the technique. That said if you wanna move up the neck a bit x4765x sounds pretty good.






          share|improve this answer












          Play it however you want. Once you get comfortable with common voicings look at the guitar as if it was a piano, find all the notes of a chord, and go to town trying random combinations. Trying different voicings is beneficial making you focus more on the music (what you're playing) than the technique (how you're playing it), and lets you focus on the melody that the high notes of the chords make up independently than how you fill in the other notes.



          Eventually you'll end up playing songs with different voicings just for the hell of it, start noticing that you prefer a certain voicing in the context of a particular chord progression, or just feel like messing with different finger combinations. Or maybe, simply, the chord is easier to play with a less-used voicing that sounds well, just the same. It simply isn't included in the list of "common chords".



          I just wanted to add an answer that focuses more on the music than the technique. That said if you wanna move up the neck a bit x4765x sounds pretty good.







          share|improve this answer












          share|improve this answer



          share|improve this answer










          answered Aug 21 at 14:26









          Agustín Lado

          1213




          1213




















              up vote
              1
              down vote













              A different approach would be x4x220. You can mute the 4th string easily using the finger that goes in the 4th frame.






              share|improve this answer
























                up vote
                1
                down vote













                A different approach would be x4x220. You can mute the 4th string easily using the finger that goes in the 4th frame.






                share|improve this answer






















                  up vote
                  1
                  down vote










                  up vote
                  1
                  down vote









                  A different approach would be x4x220. You can mute the 4th string easily using the finger that goes in the 4th frame.






                  share|improve this answer












                  A different approach would be x4x220. You can mute the 4th string easily using the finger that goes in the 4th frame.







                  share|improve this answer












                  share|improve this answer



                  share|improve this answer










                  answered Aug 22 at 0:15









                  mauroc8

                  111




                  111



























                       

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