Chord Performance Question

[steve jones]

Im finding that certain chords, within my reach to be really difficult, and I wondered if I might be approaching them the wrong way.

Take this chord for left hand:

C G E

With a bit of a stretch, my hand fits this like a glove. I would say its the longest inteval I can play comfortably.

Now take this chord:

C G Eb

I cannot play correctly. My hand will reach the notes, but it seems that to play it cleanly, the pinky has to be coming down almost vertically (to prevent it from playing the D).

Now, Iv seen performances where the pianist had to roll the longer tenth, yet could easily play the short tenth (with the same key to key config as the chords mentioned above). So I figured that I too should be able to manage this?

What do you reckon, any tips or tricks that might benefit me?

Cheers!