Changing methods once learning to barre

[Vix]

Originally Posted by fretdancer

I have recently started using barre chords and have noticed something that is slowing down my play somewhat. I find that open chords are now often easier to play using barre shape form shapes, ie the last three fingers instead of the first 3, especially when moving to an open chord following a barre'd chord.
I feel that had I originally been taught to play using the last 3 fingers to form chord shapes things would be far easier now as I am effectively having to re-learn and re-memorise how I play chords.
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What does anyone else think?

Pete

Well, personally, I think players should get familiar with both ways. What fingers you use to finger a chord obviously doesn't matter...you should just use the way that is easiest at that particular time, depending on what chords come next, ect.

I also started learning with the 1st, 2nd, 3rd finger approach but over time, I started using the other method, depending on what enabled me to switch chords faster.
However, I think one of the reasons that most beginners are first taught with the 1st, 2nd and 3rd fingers is because, when you start playing, your 4th finger is usually quite weak and so the beginners might find it extra difficult to have to use it to make chords. So, by not using it, they run less risk of being discouraged.

That's only one reason though...I think it's generally just a preference. =)