Hi, thanks again for the positions and feedback in the "F" and "Bb" threads. Several really good ideas in both of them.

F may be hard, Bb often avoided, but many think that Eb is the all-time great satan of chords. Here's a couple of suggestions.**

** By the way, if you've been dilligent and learned your Classical barre chords....don't rub it in! Some folks just DON'T have that index finger strength at the beginning. My tips are for them. Others very welcome.

Took me years to accidentally discover this one: Play a simple five string "C" chord, with your little finger on the first string 3rd fret.(like when you start "Freight Train). Move the whole position higher by 3 frets. (dont play bass string unless your alternating your ring finger). Presto! Eb! (Dylan has used this one in "Baby Let me Follow You down")

Harder, but a staple of both Merle Travis and Chet Atkins.

Barre 3 (only) high strings at 3rd Fret with index, put middle finger on 2nd string at 4th fret. Put ring finger on 4th string at 5th fret. Bring Thumb over to play 6th string at 3rd fret. With tip of thumb, damp out 5th string. Both Chet and Merle (and a few of my students) use this to get high melody notes on the 1st and 2nd strings with a moveable pinky. The G note on the bass is not ideal but does allow a liveable bass when you're playing blues or ragtime. Course this position can be used up and down the neck.

The third position is simply to barre 3 as before and then put down a C position (using pinky on 5th string). For some reason I hate this chord form and only use it under duress....just a lazy little finger I guess.

Rick