Just curious

[seanm]

I was playing a fairly straight forward blues in A (transposed from
G): A D A A D D A A E D A E

Here is an overly simplified tab of the start:
<pre>A D A A D
--------|---------|---------|---------|---------
--------|---4-7-4-|---------|-------2-|---4-7-4-
--4-7-4-|-5-------|---4-7-4-|-------7-|-5-------
-5------|---------|-5-------|-5-3-2---|---------
</pre>

I have shown two possible positions for the E in the 4th bar (no it is
not a chord): 2nd fret on the D string or 7th on the A. Which note
would you tend to play? The 2nd fret because it is close or the 7th
because it gets you back in position? Just trust me that the open E
isn't correct in this case (wrong direction).

I find the 2nd feels easier, but if I don't think about it, I will hit
the 7th every time.

 

[luknfur]

I was playing a fairly straight forward blues in A (transposed from
G): A D A A D D A A E D A E

Here is an overly simplified tab of the start:
<pre>A D A A D
--------|---------|---------|---------|---------
--------|---4-7-4-|---------|-------2-|---4-7-4-
--4-7-4-|-5-------|---4-7-4-|-------7-|-5-------
-5------|---------|-5-------|-5-3-2---|---------
</pre>

I have shown two possible positions for the E in the 4th bar (no it is
not a chord): 2nd fret on the D string or 7th on the A. Which note
would you tend to play? The 2nd fret because it is close or the 7th
because it gets you back in position? Just trust me that the open E
isn't correct in this case (wrong direction).

I find the 2nd feels easier, but if I don't think about it, I will hit
the 7th every time.

For what it's worth, I wouldn't get too hung up on one note. If it sounds and feels good, good 'nuff. If you read back through what you wrote, you'll see your answer.

 

[kanti]

In my opinion, playing up higher on the neck is often a better way to go. I find the tone more desirable that way, but thats just because I like lots of bass i guess.

 

[rockindoc]

I'd prefer the 7th fret E, sort of sliding back up on the E string after hitting the 2nd fret F# with the index finger. Sounds better to me, and as you said it gets you back in position.

I've never quite broken the habit of watching my left hand when I shift/slide however, so if I were singing while playing this, I'd be tempted to play the 2nd fret E .

Either way is OK. Whichever feels right to you.