In this lesson we are going to play a D minor chord. The same ideas about proper fingering apply to this chord shape also.

Remember that from the last knuckle of your finger to the fingertip your fingers should be arched so they are pointing straight down into the string & fretboard. Remember that your fingertip should be right behind the fret you are playing. Not on top of the fret. Remember to keep your fingers clear of strings around the one it is holding down. You don't want to mute strings that should be ringing clearly. Make sure your hand and fingers are "hovering" or "arched" slightly over any string that is supposed to make sound.

Place your index finger on the first fret of the E string. Reach over and place your middle finger on the second fret of the G string. On the B string place your ring finger on the third fret of the B string. Be careful to keep all fingertips straight down into the strings and only holding the appropriate string it is assigned.

Strum the chord one string at a time very slowly to make sure that each note is sounding as clearly as possible. Then you can go ahead and strum the chord, lightly grazing the pick over each string quickly right after one another. Practice strumming a lot. It will come in handy. Once you can strum down, then try to strum back and forth.