Great lesson on tricking your brain for playing the chords. Especially helpful is your suggestion on playing variations of different strings within the chord.
I am having a problem with “pausing” when I’m trying to make a smooth transition from one chord to another, particularly G to (full) C. The partial does not seem to be much of an issue.
I’m a firm believer in the “just keep at it” theory and fully intend to do so, but are there any tips/techniques available for smooth chord transitioning (similar to the Speed Test tips) ??
Discuss the Banjo lesson: Basic Major Banjo Chords
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Most of it will be just a factor of time and getting familiar with putting that chord down, but one thing you can take note of is to allow your fingers to rest just above the strings where you’ll be fretting in a few moments. This can slightly reduce the movement and time needed when putting your fingers down.
I have a great tip. Often when we struggle to form a chord, a particular finger is the culprit. So, practice slowly changing to the chord but leading with the various fingers–make your index land first 20 times, then make your middle land first 20 times, and so on. You’ll identify the problem finger and also train your brain to be more confident in that finger placement.
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Hello all!
I’ve been struggling to not mute strings when I play, and developed an alternate way to play the C chord; my question is if it’s a bad habit. In this case, I rest my index on the first 2 strings of the 1st fret, and press the first string of the 2nd fret with my middle finger. Finally, I wrap my thumb around the back to get the 4th string on the 2nd fret. This link is a picture of what I do:
It feels natural to me, but I’m wondering if I should be putting the effort in now to change how I play it. Thoughts?
Also, new here and to playing instruments in general! I’m excited to get serious with the lessons.
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Hi @lennjona602 Johnathon 
I am so glad you asked for help. What you are doing is going to lead to major problems going forward. The best advice I can offer is to follow @BanjoBen 's Beginner Learning track.
https://banjobenclark.com/university/beginner-banjo
Muting strings is all part of the learning process. The fact that you know your muting them is a start. What you’ve got to do is adjust your hand position until your find the position where you can play it clean.
Post a video let Ben see what your doing and he’ll keep you right
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Howdy @lennjona602 and welcome to the forum! Great question!
My advice is to stop doing this asap and work your way through the proper chord shapes. Please post a pic of your hand from a couple angles making the normal C chord so I can see if there is a technique issue.
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Thanks for the great advice Ben. Problem seems to be getting a clear third string which seems to be affected by the middle finger not positioned just right. I’ll definitely work on that via your advice.
I would like to know if the issue of not being able to transition smoothly into the C chord should stop any advancing in the beginner learning track? (e.g. learning rolls, etc.)
Or would you suggest I continue to develop the C chord and complete lessons while that is happening?
Thanks again.
Continue on!
Thanks. That removes a lot of the C chord (beginner) frustration experienced during the lessons.
Onward it is !!!
Thanks again.