Hey & welcome to GT! Thanks for posting a video. It really helps assess the situation & allow us to help you.

Originally Posted by: zollybosher

Well here goes http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mwA6tKrf888

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I can see right away that when you are playing notes on the low E string your thumb is too far on the bass string side of the neck.

Look at this video in which I explain the mechanics of fretting notes using what I can an axis of power.

https://www.guitartricks.com/lesson.php?input=12188&s_id=605

It also looks like you might be palming the neck. Don't palm the neck. Give your fingers enough reach to get to the lower bass strings by putting your thumb in the middle of the neck. Even move it toward the other side if necessary to reach lower strings!

Also, it might help to angle the neck up toward the ceiling a bit more in order to give you better access. I can't see your wrist in that video, but it needs to have a natural curve. Also, the neck is moving around a bit as you play. That makes me think the guitar is just sitting in your lap without a strap. A strap can help stablize the guitar making it much easier to play. You don't have a "moving target" & your hands & arms don't have to do double duty: hold the guitar in place & play notes.

Your arms, hands & fingers only have one job: play notes. That's why a strap is a good idea even if you are sitting.

This could also be the cause of your shoulder pain. And tension could be adding to it. You need to make sure you are as relaxed as possible. Please check out this video on proper posture. It look like you are sitting up straight! :) But have a look to see if any of this can help.

https://www.guitartricks.com/lesson.php?input=13958&s_id=1141

[quote=zollybosher] i am struggling with being able to hold the string down whilst not catching the strings either side.

When your fingers are interfering with adjacent strings the most likely problem is that the last knuckle of your fretting finger is not perpendicular enough to the string.

It looks like you need to focus on getting your hands around the neck so your fingers have enough access to the strings. This will happen if your thumb is more behind the neck, down toward the middle. That allows your hand to reach around the front side of the neck. Make sense?

You usually need to get that last knuckle of the fretting finger straight down into the string. As perpendicular as necessary to clear the other strings. However, remember, there are times when it is useful to be able to mute adjancent strings with your fingers! So, it depends on the context of the musical example you are working on.

This video addresses properly fretting hand technique.

https://www.guitartricks.com/lesson.php?input=10654&s_id=358

Hope this helps! Hang in there & be patient with yourself. Please ask more if necessary & best of success!