How to Play Barre Chords on Guitar

Playing barre chords on a guitar can be a challenge for beginners, but once you learn the technique, it opens up a wide range of possibilities for playing songs and chords that would otherwise be impossible. Barre chords involve pressing down multiple strings with a single finger to form a chord. The name “barre” comes from the fact that you create a “bar” with your finger across the fretboard of the guitar.

In this article, we’ll take a look at how to play barre chords on guitar, step by step. We’ll cover the basics of guitar playing, the theory behind barre chords, and provide some tips and tricks to help you master this important technique.

Understanding Guitar Basics

Before we dive into barre chords, it’s essential to understand some basic guitar concepts. The guitar has six strings, and each string is tuned to a specific note. The strings, from thickest to thinnest, are E, A, D, G, B, and E. When you play a note on the guitar, you’re pressing down a string at a specific fret to create a pitch.

Each fret on the guitar represents a semitone or half-step up from the previous fret. So, if you play a note on the first fret and then move up to the second fret, you’ve moved up one half-step, and the pitch of the note has gone up accordingly.

It’s also important to understand the names of the notes on the guitar fretboard. The notes repeat every twelve frets, and there are natural notes (A, B, C, D, E, F, G) and sharp or flat notes (A#/Bb, C#/Db, D#/Eb, F#/Gb, G#/Ab). Below is a table that shows all the notes on the six strings of the guitar from the nut to the 12th fret. Going up the fretboard means moving from the lower fret to a higher fret (left to right direction in the table) while going down the fretboard means moving from a higher fret down to a lower fret (right to left direction in the table). The same pattern repeats when you get to the 12th fret. The notes on the 12th fret are one octave higher from the notes at the nut.

Barre Chord Theory

Now that we’ve covered the basics of guitar playing, let’s dive into the theory behind barre chords. A barre chord is essentially a movable chord that you can play up and down the fretboard. The key to playing a barre chord is to use your index finger to press down all of the strings at a specific fret, creating a “bar” that acts as the nut of the guitar.

The other fingers of your fretting hand will then form the rest of the chord. For example, let’s say you want to play a G chord. To play a F chord as a barre chord, you would place your index finger across all six strings at the first fret. Then, you would use your other fingers to form the rest of the chord. The specific shape of the chord will depend on the type of barre chord you’re playing. There are three main types of barre chords: major, minor, and seventh chords.

Major Barre Chord Examples

Minor Barre Chord Examples

Seventh Barre Chord Examples

Major barre chords are formed using the major chord shape, while minor barre chords use the minor chord shape, and seventh barre chords use the seventh chord shape.

The key to playing barre chords is to keep your index finger straight and firm, so that it can press down all of the strings at once. It’s also important to use the right amount of pressure – too little, and you’ll get a muted sound, but too much, and you’ll fatigue your hand and cause buzzing strings.

Did I Say They’re Movable?

Yes. Barre chords are movable chords. Look at Figure 1 again. From that G Major barre chord fingering on the third fret, move your fingers to the fourth fret (one fret up the fretboard) to play a G# Major chord. Move up one fret again to play the A Major chord.

To practice barre chords, start with the major barre chord shape in Figure 1. Play it by strumming four times and then move up one fret and strum again. Keep moving up one fret at a time and strumming four times until you can’t go any higher. Then, go in the opposite direction. Do the same exercise with the major barre chord shape in Figure 2. Take a five-minute break and then practice the minor barre chords in Figure 3 & 4. Take another break and practice the seventh chord barre chords in Figure 5 & 6.

Once you get comfortable exercising the major, minor, and seventh chord barre chords from Figures 1 to 6, you can take it to the next level by practicing the Major 7th (M7) and minor 7th (m7) barre chords. Follow the same exercise routine of strumming four times while using a steady beat from a metronome set to 60 beats per minute. You can find these barre chord shapes in Figures 7 to 10. With continued practice, you’ll be able to switch between different barre chord shapes seamlessly and play them confidently in any song.

Major 7th Barre Chords

Minor 7th Barre Chords

Tips and Tricks for Playing Barre Chords

Playing barre chords can be challenging, especially when you’re just starting out. Here are some tips and tricks to help you master this technique:

• Start with the easier chords: When you’re first learning to play barre chords, it’s a good idea to start with the easier chords, such as F major, Bb major, and B minor. These chords only require you to barre across a few strings, making them a bit easier to play than some of the more complex chords.
• Use your thumb: One way to help with the pressure needed to play barre chords is to use your thumb to press on the back of the neck of the guitar. This can help you get a firmer grip on the neck, allowing you to use less pressure with your index finger.
• Practice slowly: It’s important to practice barre chords slowly and accurately. Take your time and make sure that each note sounds clear and distinct. If you rush through the chord changes, you’ll be more likely to make mistakes and create buzzing or muted notes.
• Strengthen your hand: Playing barre chords requires a lot of finger strength, especially in your index finger. To build up your finger strength, try practicing exercises such as squeezing a tennis ball or using hand grippers.
• Experiment with finger placement: The position of your index finger can affect the sound of the barre chord. Try experimenting with moving your finger slightly up or down the fretboard until you find the sweet spot that creates a clear, ringing sound.
• Don’t forget about posture: good posture is important for playing guitar, especially when it comes to barre chords. Make sure that you’re sitting or standing up straight, with your guitar in a comfortable position. This will help you maintain the proper hand position and reduce strain on your wrist and fingers.

Putting It All Together

Now that we’ve covered the basics of guitar playing, the theory behind barre chords, and some tips and tricks to help you master this technique, it’s time to put it all together. Here’s a step-by-step guide how to get used to playing barre chords:

1. Choose a chord to play – let’s say, for example, A major.
2. Position your index finger across all six strings at the fifth fret, creating a barre.
3. Use your middle finger to press down on the third string at the sixth fret.
4. Use your ring finger to press down on the fifth string at the seventh fret.
5. Use your pinky finger to press down on the fourth string at the seventh fret.
6. Strum all six strings, making sure that each note rings out clearly.
7. Practice the chord slowly and accurately, making adjustments to your finger placement and pressure as needed.
8. Once you’ve mastered the A major barre chord, practice playing the major 7th, seventh (dominant 7th), minor, and minor seventh barre chords up and down the fretboard.
9. Try playing your favorite songs using only barre chords. This can be a fun challenge and will help you get better at using barre chords in different songs.
10. With practice and patience, you can master barre chords and open up a whole new world of possibilities on the guitar.

Conclusion

Playing barre chords on guitar may seem daunting at first, but with the right technique and practice, it’s a skill that anyone can learn. By understanding the basics of guitar playing, the theory behind barre chords, and practicing with some helpful tips and tricks, you’ll be playing barre chords in no time. Remember to take it slow, practice regularly, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different finger placements and pressure. With enough dedication and practice, you’ll be able to play a wide range of songs and chords on the guitar.