Forum - Banjo Ben Clark

Today I Wished I Was A Drummer

Drummers never have to worry about keys or chords.
I’ve been pretty happy with my beginner’s’ progress and have enjoyed the lessons.
But now all the lessons and songs seem to involve a full F chord. “F demented” as Ringo Starr called it.
My fingers hurt and want to cramp, they can’t seem to spread apart far enough and I certainly cannot lay down that chord quickly.
I know all I’m doing is grousing and ain’t nobody can help me walk this road, 'cause it must be walked alone.
I just wanted you to know I’m still working at it!

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Keep walking that road. It gets easier!

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Like Underdog said…try, try again!

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Hey Joe,

Been there, and still am there for over 40 years. You might try.

Imagine your left hand kind of like a circle as your shaping the chord
Plant your thumb firmly in center of the back of the neck so you can squeeze harder
Tuck you upper arm closer to your side
Elevate the neck a bit

Soon, you will discover you can actually do it. Eureka!

Hope those tips may help you. Let us know.

Jack

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There will be always something with everything. I think it is more of a mind thing. I don’t have the long finger stretch either but to get the max reach it requires a lot, lot more practice than comfortable reach positions. It pays off. Also I don’t set lofty goals, I play and I enjoy and that’s how I approach.

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Cheer up. No one ever asks a drummer to play them a song.

Keys and chords can be frustrating, but they’re what makes it music.

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Thanks for the tips! I will certainly try them…1,000 times I believe it the correct amount. :grin:

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:laughing: Bare minimum.