Left hand chord fingerings

[Fenix]

OK so i have been watching a couple of videos online and it seems that a lot of people are doing what i am doing...playing only the root, the 5th and then doubling up on the root again.

The way i have been playing was i play the root, 5th and root an octave higher on my left and then play the 3rd, 5th and any other extension on my right. Rarely have i used my right to play the root. Is this a bad way to play? My friend was the one who first introduced me to this and since then i can't break out of it.

Is this a bad way to play? How do i break out of it. Ive been trying lately to play the root 5th and then whatever extension i want ton the left but its a slow process. Thanks!!

[4hisglory]

The way you friend told you is definetely a good way to get started.

[jlewis]

If you are playing behind a singer  then what you are doing is fine.   If you are playing solo, then you might also  want to kep the melody in the right hand, then you would play the chord in your left hand.


Its not a hard rule and while you play you can change it up quite a bit,  but typically if you are playing solo,  you would want to keep the melody as well.


Jlewis