Comment by julian egan on January 21, 2013 at 1:21

I hope no-one is waiting for me to join this conversation?

Comment by Jody Stecher on January 21, 2013 at 1:29

Here's a trick to make that easier. If I try to play that chord by itself ( A on fret 2 of the third string, c on fret one of the second string, and g on the fret 5 of the first string) ,  my hand simply cannot do it. But if I first finger the f chord (ACF at frets 213 with fingers 213 on strings 321)  in advance, then play the 214 chord (at frets 215) and then release the 5th fret G (the pinky) to "reveal" 3rd fret F natural below it, it becomes possible. Not comfortable, but d0-able.

I had trouble with that 4 fret D7 as well. I just did it 3 times daily for 2 weeks and then my hand relaxed into it. I was over 50 when I did that. I'm not bragging. Just saying that a little at a time produces big results not just in kids whose bodies are forming but even in stupid (like me) adults. 

So what does "EX" mean anyway?

Comment by thereallyniceman on January 21, 2013 at 8:49

I agree the  EX412 chord is awkward, but is played as Jody suggests with the 3rd finger already on the F at the 3rd fret on the first string. The pinky lifts on and off the G at the 5th fret. It is quite a stretch but easier with a bit of practice.

The terms 412 413 312 etc are explained on the LEARN TO PLAY  video "playing by numbers". Thirteen standard chord shapes are detailed. The EX relates to the standard shape being "extended" and in this case the  4 of the 412 shape is extended from the 3rd to the 5th fret.

The video and downloadable chord sheets are here:

STANDARD CHORD SHAPES    

Simply put, the chord shape is named, from the TOP string downwards, showing which LH finger is used to  fret each note.

The position at which the chord is played is the fret at which the  1st finger frets.

 In the fretboard above the 1st position 412 chord is extended and but here the 4th finger frets at the 4th fret..    in Georgia Grind it has to extend again to the 5th fret!

Comment by Trevor Boyd on January 21, 2013 at 13:48

Isn't there an Ex412 in the "easy" Sunflower Dance? :-)

Comment by thereallyniceman on January 21, 2013 at 15:50

Well spotted Trevor,

...but in Georgia Grind it is a 1st position d/ex 412   (Double extended) and that extra fret stretch to the G with the 4th finger is what sorts the men from the boys  ;-)

Comment by Trevor Boyd on January 21, 2013 at 16:51

Eek! I just tried and even with Jody's tip - no way! More practice required.  I thought I'd left the impossible stretches behind when I mover from classical guitar to banjo :-)

Comment by Alan Sims on January 21, 2013 at 16:57

I just had a go at the 512 chord , and can get it if i lay first finger across first and second fret . Is it a Ami7 .

Comment by Trevor Boyd on January 21, 2013 at 17:06

I think you are right, Alan - but I still can get it, even using your method :-(

Comment by Mike Moss on January 21, 2013 at 17:06

THE most difficult stretch I have ever attempted is one that appears in one of the Al Jeffery transcriptions; I saw Ken Aoki do it easily, but he has foot-long fingers. It's a 3B 1144 with the 4th finger fretting the 1st and 2nd on the 8th fret while holding a barre at the 3rd! It's possible, but barely.

Comment by Trevor Boyd on January 21, 2013 at 17:38

Doh!  I mean can not get it ...

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