BC-123 • The Dmin Chord

[justinguitar]

Questions...

Lesson Link: http://justinguitar.com/en/BC-123-Dm-chord.php

[licksnkicks]

No questions but just in love with the sound of this chord.  So mellow but so easy to do.  This was easier than the d chord for me!  Got this one to ring clear right off the bat!

Licksnkicks

[Rot1nPieces]

I hate this chord!  I dont like the sound and it is hard to switch into... My problems are with EMaj/Em/Am -> Dm... will I ever use those transitions because I'm about to give up on them!

[Chutzpah]

I found angling the hand really worked for me as Justin demonstrated. Try tipping your hand (from the little finger) higher.

Still practising this one as hitting it can be hit and miss. I think this initial chords that Justin teaches you will come up again and again in many popular songs, so plug at it.

[Rot1nPieces]

Ok, I'm getting a little better at it.  Starting to like the sound of the chord.

Here's a different kind of question... What chord sounds "lower" than Dm but can resolve to Am or Asus2?  Trying to put it in my song and I'm not good enough to tell yet, haha

[licksnkicks]

I hate this chord!  I dont like the sound and it is hard to switch into... My problems are with EMaj/Em/Am -> Dm... will I ever use those transitions because I'm about to give up on them!

DON'T GIVE UP!!!  You have to practice them to get them.  I know how you feel.  I won't give up though!  I want to play excellently in due time.  You have to pay your dues though.  Keep trying and never say die!

Licksnkicks

[justinguitar]

It is all practice.

And even though Dm is not used as often as other chords - the finger movements and flexibility you learn while learning to play Dm come up all the time in other situations!

J

[Estel]

Just beginning this lesson. I find putting my fingers down in 3, 2, 1 order is easier; alternatively, 1, 3, 2.
Also, anchoring 1 & continually stretching 2 & 3 helps that 3rd finger to " venture out" a little further.
Any probs with those recommendations J?

[unnamedplayer]

OK, I'm not really sure where to post this but since it started with Dm I guess I'll post here.

Lately I have been noticing some discomfort just behind and right up to my first knuckle on my index finger when I bend it at that knuckle (like if I was making the shape for the Dm chord). I started noticing this when I started playing the Dm chord.

I have noticed in the morning it is a bit stiff and sore but if I kinda "pump" that finger a few times (like bend it at the knuckle making the shape it is in when fretting the Dm chord) it goes away.

I don't notice any pain while playing so I've just continued working on but like I said I do notice it in the mornings when I wake up.

I think I am a little young to be getting arthritis and I haven't been playing that long maybe 3-4 months.

Any one else encounter something similar? Am I doing something wrong with my finger positioning?

Thanks for any advice!

[Quark]

Am I doing something wrong with my finger positioning?

A couple of things. 1). How long are your practice sessions? Over exertion could be a possibility if you are practicing 4-5 hours a day as a relatively new player. 2). Have you ever done anything before where you would have used these particular movements;i.e. piano, hours of computer key board repetition etc? If not it may be just normal stiffness from joints doing work they have never done before. 3). Do you warm up before you practice? Do you do any of Justin's Stretching or strenghening exercises? Playing "cold" is a good way to get an injury. Using the stretching and strengthening exercises will help avoid that.

I am not a doctor, but the rule of thumb is if something hurts, then give it a little rest. If its just normal "growing pains" then they will dissipate and your fingers will get stronger. If the pain persists then it could be an injury and you should have it looked at by a qualified professional.
I suspect that you have gotten a little better over the last month or so and this has inspired you to play and practice more, giving your hand and fingers a little more of a work out, creating the stiffness you now feel.
I have been playing for years and I still develop stiffness when I practice something new, or play for extended periods of time.

W

[unnamedplayer]

Am I doing something wrong with my finger positioning?

A couple of things. 1). How long are your practice sessions? Over exertion could be a possibility if you are practicing 4-5 hours a day as a relatively new player. 2). Have you ever done anything before where you would have used these particular movements;i.e. piano, hours of computer key board repetition etc? If not it may be just normal stiffness from joints doing work they have never done before. 3). Do you warm up before you practice? Do you do any of Justin's Stretching or strenghening exercises? Playing "cold" is a good way to get an injury. Using the stretching and strengthening exercises will help avoid that.

I am not a doctor, but the rule of thumb is if something hurts, then give it a little rest. If its just normal "growing pains" then they will dissipate and your fingers will get stronger. If the pain persists then it could be an injury and you should have it looked at by a qualified professional.
I suspect that you have gotten a little better over the last month or so and this has inspired you to play and practice more, giving your hand and fingers a little more of a work out, creating the stiffness you now feel.
I have been playing for years and I still develop stiffness when I practice something new, or play for extended periods of time.

W

Thanks for the reply. I don't think I practice 4-5 hours a day. Maybe 1-2 tops but I usually break it up (ie play for 15-20, take a break, go back to it etc.)

Never played any other instrument. I do spend hours on the computer playing games, but never noticed any discomfort from that (and still don't).

I guess I don't really warm up. I usually start by just practicing chords, ie strum/pickout/strum for a 5-10 minutes or so then go on to 1-minute changes or practice strumming with a metronome. I've just got to the part of the basic finger workout so I will start doing that on a daily basis.

I think I'll take a break for a few days and see how it feels (even though its so tough not to pick up!!).

Thanks!

[Estel]

Hey Guys,
So I did post reply No.7 about placing fingers in 3 2 1 order (as opposed to 1 2 3 order). Works fine for me especially with the 1 minute changes.
Would like to be sure that this is OK 'cause I don't want to practice "bad habits".
Any thoughts?
Estel.

[bluepingu34]

Ok, I'm getting a little better at it.  Starting to like the sound of the chord.

Here's a different kind of question... What chord sounds "lower" than Dm but can resolve to Am or Asus2?  Trying to put it in my song and I'm not good enough to tell yet, haha

Maybe you could try E7...

[Estel]

Hey Guys; I'm hoping 3rd time lucky that someone "in the know" might respond to my earlier questions (Nos 7 & 11) re placing my fingers in 3, 2, 1, order to play Dm.
It is easier for me to hit the chord in this sequence but I don't want to take the easy option if it isn't the correct option. J said not to practice bad habits.
Does anybody have helpful knowledge or an opinion?
Thanks, Estel.

[Linsen]

I'm sure any order is fine, Estel -- for now. Your goal is to place them all at the same time, however.