start with the low E tuned to D
(Its an alternating thumb on the 6th and 4th strings)

First chord is a D chord (be sure to hit the low D cause its gonna walk)

second chord: add the high G with little finger (1st string 3rd fret) and Thumb on the 2nd fret. (Leave the other fingers where they were)

third chord: Thumb goes to the 4th fret, little finger goes to the 5th fret (keep the alternating thing going)

forth chord: go back to standard D chord

fifth chord: is A (alternate 5th and 4th strings with thumb)

Got that?

I think I'd just end up with macrame'd fingers, if I tried this!

Me too. Arlo is an expert on playing guitar like that...

You can stop playing the D chord after the 2nd inversion. You only have to alternate the bass strings and play the 1st or 2nd string in addition

adg

In times like these, I'm glad I'm a struggling keyboard player and not a picker. Just reading the above makes my somewhat arthritic fingers hurt!

I can play a pretty mean "Can't Help Falling in Love" on my Yamaha electric keyboard, provided it's in C and I set the keyboard for single-finger chords. C is my favorite key, followed by G, then F (duh!).


mikey

Thanks, Arlo! You sounded great at Falcon Ridge!

kurt...

I'd be really happy if I could wrap my thumb and still be able to fret a chord...I've got tiny hands and short fingers!

There's always the Folk Process. Do the bass run on the fourth string.

kurt...

Get a 6 string uke!

'course, in my case, it would probably help if I knew ANYTHING about how to play a guitar, or a uke, or even a kazoo!

Try a Strumstick. Those are so easy to play. If I could ever save up the $$$ I'd love to get me one...

Knowing how to listen is important too! And we know you got that down good! Unless of course you try to listen to a guy like me with a guitar, who has been a begginer for 35 years and goes months at a time without picking it up

Being a good listener is the most important thing! You can't play or sing with others unless you listen to what they're doing! It's also why people tend to sit in a circle when they're playing together for fun...sometimes even eye contact is important. It's also helpful if you really don't know the song and you're getting the chords from the fret hand of someone who does know the song.
Yeah, I been doing the bass on the fourth...it just feels like cheating!! But...I can reach it!

Hey, whattaya mean cheating, on the banjo the fourth string is the only option.

kurt...

adg is so funny. Makes me smile.