D Chord Stretches: Ring or Pinky Finger?

Lesson #378 • Aug 20, 2021

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Video lesson

Instructional PDF 2 pages

Editor’s notes

Hi all, quick Q&A video here on the topic of 4th fret stretches to the D-major chord – and whether it’s better to use your left-pinky vs. left-ring finger to reach these 4th fret notes. Patreon supporter Randy wrote in saying he prefers to use the left-pinky stretch when playing Cover Me Up (which I teach in this lesson) – even though I teach it using the left-ring finger stretch.

In summary, you can use either approach! In my video I give an overview of both techniques – as both have their place! It’s all about trade-offs, and picking the proper voicing for the job at hand.

My lesson focusing entirely on the pinky stretch

Previously, I made this video lesson which focuses 100% on using your left pinky when doing this stretch – and gives you some general tips on how to get started & up to speed with the technique. Note, this is certainly quite difficult at first! Watch my video, use my practice techniques, and give it time. As your mind & muscles get familiar with things, it’ll slowly become more and more manageable.

Song lessons I’ve made that use these techniques

Here’s the links to the free video lessons I’ve made which use these stretches on the D-major chord. Licensed sheet music is also available for purchase for each of these lessons, via the links below.

Songs using the left-pinky stretch with D:

Rocky Mountain High by John Denver
Norwegian Wood by The Beatles
Copperhead Road by Steve Earle
Feathered Indians by Tyler Childers

Songs using the left-ring stretch with D:

Welcome to Paradise (country version) by Green Day
Cover Me Up by Jason Isbell

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D Chord Stretches: Ring or Pinky Finger?

Video lesson

Instructional PDF 2 pages

Editor’s notes

My lesson focusing entirely on the pinky stretch

Song lessons I’ve made that use these techniques

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Browse Related Lessons

Enjoy My Lessons? Show Your Support!

Looking for More Song Lessons?

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Practical Music Theory

Guitar for Beginners

Beginner Chord Guide

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Fun & Helpful Tools I've Made

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Key Master

Capo Captain

Blank Tabs

Subscribe to my YouTube channel

Recent Lessons