Ted, first thank you for your quick response. I am assuming that the chord structure is the same for all chords.
That being the case if the root is C
minor = root + 2 half steps (d)
7th = root + 2 half steps (d) + 2 additional half steps (e)
minor 7th = root + 2 half steps (d) + 2 additional half steps (e) + 1 additional half step (f)
That being said if I want to play G chords I just change the root key and use the same "steps" to change to minor, 7th, etc.
I tried the fingering you outlined and it sure sounds a lot better.
Thanks again, I was trying various fingering combinations but you "showed me the light" (or should I say sound).
Rich