How to Play Barre Chords
A barre chord uses your index finger like a movable capo, pressing all strings at one fret while your other fingers form a chord shape. The two key shapes are the E-shape (root on the 6th string) and the A-shape (root on the 5th string); slide them along the neck to play any major or minor chord.
The idea behind barre chords
An open E major chord uses no capo-like finger. If you move the entire shape up one fret and replace the open strings with your index finger, you get F major. Moving it up another fret gives F#, and so on. One shape gives you twelve chords.
The E-shape and A-shape
- E-shape barre: root on the 6th string. Barre at the 1st fret gives F, at the 3rd fret gives G, at the 5th fret gives A.
- A-shape barre: root on the 5th string. Barre at the 1st fret gives Bb, at the 3rd fret gives C, at the 5th fret gives D.
Getting a clean sound
- Place the index finger just behind the fret wire, not in the middle of the fret.
- Roll your index finger slightly onto its bony side. The fleshy pad is soft and tends to cause buzz.
- Keep your thumb behind the neck, roughly opposite your index finger, and press with the arm weight rather than only a squeeze.
- Check each string one by one and adjust finger position where the sound is muted.
Build strength gradually
Start with a partial barre across only the top 4 strings. Practise short sessions of five minutes and rest. Barre chords usually feel easier higher on the neck, where strings sit closer to the frets, so it can help to start there.
Related
FAQ
Why do my barre chords buzz?
The usual causes are the index finger being too far from the fret wire, a lack of pressure at the weakest point (often between fingers), or the finger sitting on a joint crease. Roll the finger slightly and move it closer to the fret.
How long does it take to learn barre chords?
Most players need several weeks to a few months to play barre chords cleanly. Short daily practice is better than one long session.
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