The Jazz Guitar Chord Dictionary
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  1. #1

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    I have recently begun studying classical guitar again after a multi-decade hiatus and am really enjoying it. I picked up a new Cervantes Millennia PE (Palo Escrito) to study with.

    My issue is that I am having trouble fingering full barre chords up the neck (say around the 7th fret). I'm sure part of this is hand strength and technique -- or lack thereof -- but I'm also sensing this particular guitar is harder than others. I used my teachers guitar the other day and it was nowhere near as difficult.

    I've checked the action and it seems within the usual tolerances (e.g. 4mm on the 6th string). Would lower tension strings make a significant difference? (I'm assuming this guitar is strung with hard tension strings, but don't know for sure as they were on there when it came from the shop.)

    As a first step, would trying medium (or even low) tension strings make sense? Lowering the action would be a logical step as well, although I'd like to exhaust other avenues first as I've yet to locate a luthier in the area (Philadelphia). Any recommendations on brands?

    Thanks!

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  3. #2

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    Yes, a lower-tension string will help a little, and hopefully all you need is a little help. Lower-tension strings are also amenable to a subtle vibrato, which will help melodies sing.

    Is the problem when you try to do a full barre without the addition of other fingers, or is mainly when you do, say, a B Major chord? If the latter, you don't need to have equal downward pressure across the whole of your finger, only really on the second string (the first and sixth strings should not be a problem). In such instances, it is very useful to be able to have trained your finger to apply pressure at various points along its length.

    This is something I show my students. Just wriggle your finger around, applying pressure on different strings. For instance, do a full one-finger barre. Apply most pressure to the 6th string. No problem. Now transfer it to the 5th, still doing a six-string barre. Try to play a good-sounding note on the 5th string, even though you can't get a sound out of the other strings. Now try it on the 4th string - quite tough, but worth trying. Etc, all the way to the first. Over time you will develop a very pressure-sensitive finger, able to adapt its pressure points as the music demands.

    The most important thing is only do this for a couple of minutes a day. You won't get a cigar for hurting your finger. Good luck.

  4. #3

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    Quote Originally Posted by Rob MacKillop
    Is the problem when you try to do a full barre without the addition of other fingers, or is mainly when you do, say, a B Major chord? If the latter, you don't need to have equal downward pressure across the whole of your finger, only really on the second string (the first and sixth strings should not be a problem). In such instances, it is very useful to be able to have trained your finger to apply pressure at various points along its length.
    Thanks for the thoughtful reply, Rob. It's definitely the first issue you mentioned, the full barre without the addition of other fingers. (I've always cheated by doubling up on barre fingers, i.e. using the middle finger to add some pressure.) Even though I play fairly high tensioned strings on my archtop (TI 13's), the classical guitar strings feel like they're in another league. I will definitely try your exercise, as well as switching to lower tensioned strings to see if that provides some relief. My guess is that 80% of this technique and strength related, as our most things in life.

  5. #4

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    There are arguments for and against all kinds of strings in the classical world, i 'd say watch over your fingers more than anything else, especially till they adapt to the new guitar and material. Classical music does need a bit of a higher action to play, compared to jazz chords or runs for example. Since it requires no modification on the saddle, i 'd try the medium tension strings (which are quite popular), before going for a lower action.

    I remember a few years back getting into playing a lot of classical, i had the exact same difficulty. I eventually did both, played with a low action saddle, medium tension strings and even tuned down a half step for practice. As the hands grew more comfortable, i got to extra hard tensions today, if anything just to match the tension on the none-nylon guitars i play. Just don't over push the hands, make sure the instrument is comfortable.

  6. #5

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    This shop is in Philadelphia: The Classical Guitar Store ...since 1967 - Home .

    I am sure they can recommend a luthier.

  7. #6

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    I am no expert but I roll my index finger to the boney side to hold a full barré down. I saw Michael Chapdelaine "cheat" in a few of his Ytube videos by pressing his middle finger over the index to sound a barré and if it is good enough for Michael, it is good enough for me.

    Check that your Cervantes does not have low frets. Low frets make a clean barré hard work.

    I started out on a 650mm short scale Taiwan Yamaha with 7.5mm/6.5mm action at the 12th fret and high tension La Bella black nylon strings and wondered why it was so much hard impossible work. It came from the box that way! And I was told back then that the pros played 660mm scale length and extra high tension strings. It was dispiriting because I struggled badly with my "short scale soft string" amateur guitar.

  8. #7

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    Quote Originally Posted by Jabberwocky
    This shop is in Philadelphia: The Classical Guitar Store ...since 1967 - Home .

    I am sure they can recommend a luthier.
    Thats where I'm taking lessons! Great shop.

  9. #8

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    I found this video to be beneficial for forming barre chords barring chords on classical guitar kevin - Bing video

    I've tried medium tension strings but definitely like high tension better they have more robust sound. I have a partially amputated index on my left hand and can still barre fine most likely it's a technique issue.

  10. #9

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    Thanks, nd. I'm sure 90% of it is technique driven, but I did switch to medium tension strings this weekend on my Cervantes, and it helped out a bit with the left hand. I'll definitely watch the video carefully as I need all the help I can get.

  11. #10

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    I recently switched to low tension strings... oh boy, I should have done it 25 years ago. It's a no brainer for me. I have pain in my wrists/hands (working with computers all day long), and trying barre chord on even medium tension was a no go. With low tension I can actually play.

  12. #11

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    Several months ago I purchased a Cervantes Crossover 1 Signature to add some nylon to the repertoire, but it has sat in its case as I was experiencing the same issues you are. I know I'm used to the easy playability of my archtop, but trying to play barre and jazz type chords up the neck on the Cervantes just wasn't happening for me. The action just seems hopelessly high. When I got it I tried to fix it and messed around with the truss rod and took the saddle down to a point so low I had to buy a new one.

    I finally threw in the towel and have now taken it to a pro for a set-up. When he first played it he thought it was pretty good as is, so I'm not expecting any huge changes when I get it back, but I'm hopeful. Maybe I just have to give it more playing time to adjust to it. He also suggested low tension strings.

    One other issue I have with it is that it's a real beast to tame. It is so unexpectedly loud and responsive that I get a lot of string noise etc. and uneven notes And it has a sound port which feels like my face is pressed up against a soundhole on the front of a guitar! Most difficulties are undoubtedly due to sloppy technique I can get away with on a smooth archtop. It's going to take some work and refinement in my technique if I decide to keep it. I do think I could really start loving the tone if the other negatives I'm having get sorted out.

  13. #12

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    When i went to Barreuco solo concert/ master class ions ago.My whole focus was checking out the string/neck action.So this guitar case that looked like prop for a syfi alien coffin.The inside was an invitation to shrink your self and curl up in it sleep like a baby.Well he pulls out his baby and sure enough the action was high compared to anything i have ever played.So went back and embraced the standard.Not to happy but determined.And now happy.

  14. #13

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    A few years ago I decided to cut a new bone for the bridge on the concert guitar I used in college. With its high action and strung with extra hard strings, I was able to play a good size room unamplified. But it always hurt after a while. The new bridge dramatically lowered the action, and the guitar is now a joy to play.

    What I learned:


    • If you have the time it's a relatively cheap experiment you can do yourself. Set the current one aside, get a few bone blanks and a file. It took me a couple of tries to get a good result, but you can always put the old one back on.
    • Good amplification is cheaper, lighter, and easier these days. The lower volume hasn't been an issue.
    • Lowering the action changed the intonation. A change of strings (type and gauge) was needed.
    • The combination of lower action and new strings changed the tone, but I'm pleased with the result.


    Hope this helps!

  15. #14

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    Hi, BMW,
    If you are returning to CG after a long hiatus, your first task is to rebuild the necessary strength in your hands. I would start with some neutral medium tension strings--such as D'Addarrio EJ45 Pro-Arte nylons. Start slowly with exercises such as scales, finger alterations, trills, p-i-m-a combinations and simple 4 string barres no more than 15 minutes a session. You can do sessions 3x a day spaced widely apart until your hands are ready to move on to longer time or more sessions. Don't rush this stage or you'll injure your hands and then you'll be forced to stop playing. Your final goal should be a 15-20 minute warmup followed by a 30 minute session to work on old/new material 3 times a day. This will take several months. After that time, you'll need to decide if you want to go up or down in string tension. I play hard tension strings since I like the volume and the ability to get sounds/timbres/effects not possible on lower tension strings but your choice of strings is like your choice of whether you like blondes, brunettes or redheads. Good luck on your journey. I hope this helps. Good playing . . . Marinero