Oh the Crash

[coyoteguy]

Ok, I have been trying to play Crash for quite some time and the problem I am having is with the verse of course. My pinky, when I am playing the b string on the 5th and my ring finger on the g, those two fingers want to get really close together. So then, my pinky is almost right on the 4th fret instead of the 5th. Any help with that stretch? Thanks guys

[adamondo]

Practice Practice Practice, nothing more.

[Jer1400]

Yeah, just keep using that chord and you'll get comfortable stretching your pinky out. You could even just sit on the couch watching TV while your just strumming that chord. Then practice changing from a different chord shape to that one.

[something cool]

Personally, I've noticed people sort of get tired of the chorused 'e' sound ringing out all the time, so I see nothing wrong with playing the alternate 4-2-4 version. The b and e compliment each other so well anyway. Someone please notify Dave of the change.

And for advise on Crash...whichever version you play...make your wrist do the stretch work by getting your thumb way behind the neck. Your fingers should learn to reach anything and everything from there. If this causes your guitar to shake around to much, maybe try with a strap.

[kcw]

Yea moving your thumb lower on the neck will let you stretch more. And just keep playing the chord over and over and over and eventually it will become just as natural as a G. It takes a while but you'll get it.

[tbillie41]

I started learning crash about a month ago, and when I first tried to play it, my hand and wrist would hurt like a mother after about 20 seconds. After a month and playing it all the time, the stretch is almost no problem, and I can play for about 5 minutes. Practice works, keep it up.

[thedirte]

take your thumb and bend it like a crazy hitchhiker, then place that thumb in the middle of the neck parallel to the neck. thats how i strengthened my hand to deal with the stretch.

[coyoteguy]

thanks guys
my guitar is a piece but I will try what you guys suggested

[micahpants]

this always helps especially with dave's chords. rememer that you can always stretch your fingers more comfortably with your elbow closer to your body.

[GuitarGuy305]

Practice Practice Practice, nothing more.

There is something more after practice, practice, practice.....lot's of doctor's bills when you get carpal tunnel...




Adam

[adamondo]

Practice Practice Practice, nothing more.

There is something more after practice, practice, practice.....lot's of doctor's bills when you get carpal tunnel...




Adam

Okay?

[GuitarGuy305]

Practice Practice Practice, nothing more.

There is something more after practice, practice, practice.....lot's of doctor's bills when you get carpal tunnel...




Adam

Okay?

Just a little joke there. A few friends of mine who are very young, 21 and 24 have been diagnosed with carpal tunnel, and they are guitar players who favor a style much like Dave's, with wild stretches.

I believe some people are more prone to getting it though. I've been playing Dave's stuff and writing my own stuff with big stretches for around 11 years and I have yet to need to see a doctor about any hand pain.


Adam