Chord change G-D (version 2)

[phoeg]

I'm posting this with some hesitation, as I'm not sure I shouldn't have waited a day until my muscles weren't as sore or tired from physical work. I may have done better if I'd waited, but then again, maybe the same issues would be present anyway.

Anyway, this has two things: two runs of the change from G-D (with support) going one finger at a time, and the other two are G-D moving fingers 1 & 2 simultaneously. I seem to find that easier as my third finger doesn't have to go between two fingers, but that's just my perception. The 4th finger still has lots of tension in it as I change. This even after I waited an hour and was posing like crazy. That's why I'm not sure the tension isn't (in part) due to my arms being worn out this evening.

Anyway, here's the You Tube link: http://youtu.be/eAKJAnPGdjI

Many thanks, as always.

Paul

[Jamie]

Hey Paul, everything looks good to me, even your pinky. I don't see any excess tension there.

Now, we need to get things to a tempo. I think you are very close to being able to move ALL fingers at once into their position on the D chord, even without support.

Do this: practice divebombing the whole thing, do the G, lift all fingers slowly, focus intensely on the shoulder and neck and keep them as relaxed as possible as they support the weight of the arm and while you manipulate your fingers. Be extremely careful of 3, make sure it moves forward AS 1 and 2 take their position....pose often during this movement.

then, use the procedure given in the Path, and begin tempo practice at 8 clicks at 60, spreading the motion out among all 8 clicks, and work up from there. Let me see that.

[phoeg]

Thanks, Jamie. I guess I am looking so hard at keeping all fingers bent and relaxed phase of every technique that I don't realize that in some cases (I'm guessing) physiology may not allow it. I just had some moments DURING the movement, when the little finger was straight out. Once I get the change complete, though, I'm careful to bring it over the strings ready for action, as it were.

Interestingly, I had much better success when I switched guitars. In the video I was using my dad's 1960s vintage Gibson acoustic, then later in the evening I practiced this on my 2009 vintage, Epiphone "Lesser Paulie" (my affectionate term) Special II and had MUCH more success. Maybe the neck dimensions and shape coupled with the thinner body made the difference.

Anyway, I took heed of a recent FB post and didn't want to keep waiting until I got this "perfect" before posting again. I'm glad I didn't wait. I'd still be working. I will have more ladder videos forthcoming as well as these changes as I work up the speed.

Thanks much!

Paul