First of all, yes, it should be taking you “this long” to get these chords down. It is most definitely “normal”. To really get comfortable with a chord can take months, years, depending on the person…and the chord! (You can start using a chord right away, of course…I’m talking about eliminating the “having trouble getting my fingers to _” stuff.)

On the other hand… D/F# chord? Forgive me, but what does that even mean? The D chord I’ve heard of, but the pinky finger is not used. F# is a chord you won’t need if you’re playing this kind of music and using a capo. Really, don’t bother.

As a beginner, you should be concentrating on four chords we give in Get Started—G, D, A, and C. Maybe F if you want a challenge. That’ll give you the 1, 4, and 5 chords in the keys of G and D. Use a capo to play in the other keys (see page 98 of the Songbook and ToneWay Music Method).

Maybe I’m missing something, though. Please tell me if you think I am!

Best, Luke

Thanks, Luke. No, you’re not missing anything. I’m just making things harder on myself than I have to….as usual!

Someone had shown me how to play “Down in the Valley” in the key of D. He was playing a plain D chord and then put his pinky on the fourth fret of the fourth string. He said the chord was a D/F#. I did look it up and found it on a chord chart. I think what I’m trying to do is run before I can walk. Best I stick to your book!

Hi Harry, That D/F# chord is just a partial C chord moved up two frets. You get the same thing – only better – by playing putting a capo on the second fret and playing the actual C chord (along with a 4 and/or 5 chord (F and G) when required).

Personally, I just stick with a simple D chord. Keeping it simple allows me to more easily become one with the music I’m making. I leave the fancy stuff to more talented folks.