2nd inversion struggles

[michrowe]

Hi, I have been struggling with 2nd inversion chord shapes. Namely, my ring finger often mutes the 3rd string, especially as things speed up. I’m really working at having more arch in my fingers, but I’m starting to wonder if I will benefit from a narrower neck banjo.

I am learning 3 finger on my clawhammer banjo (Nechville Moonshine). It has the slightly wider Nechville neck.

I definitely have a better downward angle (especially for hammer ons) on my ring finger on my Deering clawhammer banjo that has a slender neck.

Will this muting problem go away with practice or should I look for a 3 finger banjo with a narrower neck? I play piano and guitar so I don’t expect a lot of changes, but maybe a little.

Anyone know what type of neck Kristin prefers?

Thanks!
Michelle

[Archie]

Hi @michrowe Michelle to @BanjoBen 's Forum. I think most beginners have problem’s with the D Shape /2nd Inversion early on especially when you start moving fingers around independently.

Here is a tip I learned many years ago. If you can hold the F Chord shape G Chord without difficultly then the D Shape is no more difficult just swap the index & middle fingers and move the whole shape down the neck one fret. Some would say it 's down to muscle memory and the more you practice moving in and out of the shapes the easier it gets. Don’t worry about muting strings, just watch and adjust your fretting hand until it sounds clean

Ben has got some great lessons on D licks and I would encourage you to spend more time working on the D shape.

I also encourage you to share a video and let Ben see what your doing

[Mike_R]

I think since you are aware of it, you WILL improve over time. It’s not just the angle of the finger arch, it is also where you place the fingers. I bet your hand will find it’s way as you do like Archie suggested and listen for clean noting . I picked up mandolin for first time in a long time and I was muting stuff all over the place at first. It got significantly better (but not done) over a couple weeks.

Another thing to consider is that you may benefit from having a new nut cut to allow for a slightly wider string spacing. The string slot spacing can totally alter the way an instrument plays. I’d try that before buying a whole new instrument. Unless you want an excuse to get a new instrument… in that case go for it

[justjon]

@michrowe hello! I had the exact same problem and with @BanjoBen ’s advice and the video he recorded for me, I have overcome this issue. Hope this helps too: #2 postion cord - ring finger mutes 3rd string