Howdy, brand new member, and new bluegrass player. I having been playing pop for awhile, but am starting this new journey.
My question is which shape should I use for the C chord.
X32010, or 332010. I play the simpler version, but am wondering if I should change to the full C chord because of the boom chuck rhythm in that it can be quite fast, and maybe it will be hard to keep time by alternating my finger back and forth between the sixth and fifth string using the simpler chord. I hope this is all clear. Thanks in advance for your thoughts.
Edited by - GBadgley on 09/12/2025 16:19:24
It's according to the music and the tempo which one I'd use. As a rule, I used the one where you alternate between 5 and 6. That brings out the bass notes best.
I've also been known to use a D7 if it fits and then just use the 2 strings next to that chord for bass notes. Usually works for me.
quote:
Originally posted by GBadgleyHowdy, brand new member, and new bluegrass player. I having been playing pop for awhile, but am starting this new journey.
My question is which shape should I use for the C chord.
654020, or 054020. I play the simpler version, but am wondering if I should change to the full C chord because of the boom chuck rhythm in that it can be quite fast, and maybe it will be hard to keep time by alternating my finger back and forth between the sixth and fifth string using the simpler chord. I hope this is all clear. Thanks in advance for your thoughts.
I am not sure what the numbers stand for. I would say that two ways of playing C are X32010 and 332010.
I almost always use the X32010 grip and rock my ring finger back and forth between the 5th and 6th strings for the bass note.
X32010 > 3X2010
I'm not sure if this is what Sherry meant, but I will often play D7 as X5453X > 5X453X
Edited by - Jim Yates on 09/12/2025 16:16:20
Yes you have the right numbers. I made the change. Thanks.
Edited by - GBadgley on 09/12/2025 16:20:14
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