How to Play Barre Chords

Barre chords (sometimes called simply bar chords) are a key technique for every guitarist. By fretting all the strings across a single fret with one finger, you can use open chord shapes the entire length of the neck, opening many chording possibilities, as well as allowing for integration of chords and scale patterns. For this example play an A minor chord at the 5th fret. To use barre chords effectively, you should have a good knowledge of open guitar chord shapes.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Acoustic or electric guitar

1. Lay your index finger across all six strings at the 5th fret and press down. Strum a few times to make sure each note rings clearly. This is the "barre" portion of the chord, and is universal to barre chords.

2. Fret the 7th fret on the 6th (A) string with your ring finger. Strum again and make sure the notes are still clear.

3. Fret the 7th fret of the 5th string with your little finger. Strum once more. This is an A minor barre chord. If you look closely, you'll see that the shape resembles the E minor open chord shape, with your finger acting like the guitar nut.

4. To make other barre chords, simply mimic open chord shapes, substituting your index finger as the nut. Remember that the root note makes the chord. For example, the root in the A minor chord is the A at the 6th string, 5th fret. If you used an open A minor shape as a barre chord and played it at the 5th fret, it would be a D minor, since the root is the 5th string, 5th fret.

Tips & Warnings

• If some notes don't sound clear at first, keep repositioning your fingers until they do.
• Don't be discouraged if it takes a while to build the finger strength to play barre chords for long periods of time. These chords are one of the most daunting challenges beginners face, but you will be surprised at how quickly they become second nature with consistent practice.

Resources

• Guitar technique lessons and guides