I decided to try a different tack with my guitar lessons, and delved into some classic Hank Williams: Hey Good Lookin’. The song is deceptively difficult for me - alternating base notes and somewhat complex fingering. The alternating base on the C chord is the most difficult, as it actually requires finger movement to hit both base notes.
But, by far, what I’m having the most trouble with is the C to F transition in the third “section” (what is the name for this? It’s a 32-bar ballad, AABA, the C to F is in the B). This transition is best accomplished by holding the third finger still on the A string, 3rd fret, and moving the fourth and second fingers into place for the F and then barring the first fret with the first finger to complete the F.
I swear my brain does not process this movement correctly. I’ve tried and completely failed to make the movement multiple times, even after careful thought. I can do it one finger at a time, but not all at once. I’m better with the F-to-C transition, but still not good. If I practice for a bit, I can sort-of do it, but then I come back the next day and can’t do it again. Very frustrating.
It also does not help that my barring is miserable. My knuckle joint falls right on the B and E strings and they both just completely die when I strum the F. Sigh.