Total newby here slowly learning the basics...

In playing chords, some are REALLY hard to get the fingers in the right position! Take the Emaj7 for example (E, G#, B, D#) The first 3 fingers are easy, but the thumb position is almost impossible. I have to contort my hand in a really awkward position, and it takes a few seconds to get it right. I can`t imagine playing that chord quicky in a song.

So my question is: For something like Emaj7, does it just take practice, or is there a special technique? Also, in chords like this, is it normal to put the fingers up higher on the keys, so some fingers are actually on white keys, but are between black keys? I find if I do this my hand doesn`t need to contort so much, but it`s also tougher because the white notes up there are so narrow.

Can anyone give me some advice/help on this?

Thanks!
John

Yep, practice is all it needs. I remember thinking this was completely impossible, too. You could chose another two chords.. say D and A, or what ever chords you like, and just practice changing betwenn them to get the hang of it. When you have to position your hand with a chord like that, I think you fingers do have to slide further up the keys; there`s no other way

Good Luck!

Did you try twisting your wrist towards the left while making sure your thumb is straight so it can reach the D#? Also, there is this thing we call chord inversion by which you don`t have to play the EM7 chord as E-G#-B-D#, instead play it as D#-E-G#-B.

John, don`t invert chords unless the music calls for it. Play what the score says.

Did you try alternate fingerings?
Left hand: 5432, 5421
Right hand: 1235, 1245, 2345

I haven`t found any of these difficult... All I can say is that being patient and trying to play slow at first, then speed up bit by bit helps a lot. It takes practise and willpower (I lacked that in the beginning) but you will get there.

Jessie

Thanks everyone for your help and support! I`ll just keep practicing every day. I already see a huge improvement over the last week...

John