Note: If you have not viewed the lesson on open chords, it is highly recommended you do so before going through this course.
Introduction to Barre Chords
Barre Chords are essentially open chords that are transposed to another part of the guitar to create a new chord. By placing our index finger across the strings behind an open chord shape, we can change the pitches of the open strings and transpose the chord to play a Barre Chord. Barre Chords are extremely challenging to play at first, as they require a lot of strength to bar across the guitar neck while pressing down on the chord shapes.
Barre Chord Example. Note the placement of the index finger and the extension of the fingertip past the fingerboard. Also notice the thumb placement behind the index finger.
Five tips on how to play Barre chords:
Make sure to keep your thumb behind your first finger. Place your thumb directly behind the lower part of your first finger.
Your index and thumb should form the shape of a guitar capo, with your index finger extended straight with no bend in your joints and your thumb pressing against the base of your index finger.
Use the side of your 1st finger to barre across the fret to get an even sound on all six strings.
Press down with a lot of pressure on each string with your index finger.
Play one string at a time to hear each string instead of strumming the chord.
Never use your index fingertip. It should be resting slightly above the guitar neck
