Those who choose to play the guitar often do so because it looks like a "cool" instrument and believes it doesn't take long to learn how to play it. If you're just starting out, don't fool yourself. Becoming proficient with the guitar, as with any other instrument, takes years of experience. However, many contemporary rock musicians today resort to barré chords, which are simply another way of making standard chords. There are still many famous artists who use this technique, and this article is meant to help you learn how to do them.
Steps
Step 1. Begin by forming an E chord using only the middle, ring and little fingers
It might seem strange at first. When you can play this chord well, move on to the next step.
Step 2. Put your index finger across all strings at the third fret
Apply pressure to all of the strings. This is called "barré".
Step 3. Put your middle finger on the third string, fourth fret
Step 4. Put your little finger on the fourth string, fifth fret
Step 5. Put the ring finger on the fifth string, fifth fret
You just made what is called "barré in the form of an E". This chord has the same fingering as the E major chord.
Step 6. Pluck all the strings, making sure each one makes a clear sound
This is a G chord with the barré.
Step 7. Keeping your fingers in the same orientation, slide your hand so that your index finger makes a barré on the fifth fret
This is an LA chord. As long as you keep your fingers in the same orientation, the chord corresponds to the note on the sixth string. In the first case it was the G, now it is the A. If you swipe your hand so that your index finger is on the seventh fret, you would get the B major chord.
Step 8. There are different forms of barré
Another is the one in "LA form". To play this chord, form a barré on the third fret. From this position, place your index finger on the third, fourth and fifth string, two frets away from the finger that forms the barré. Put pressure on these strings. This is a C major chord.
Advice
- If you're just starting out, your fingers will likely be weak. Don't worry, it's normal. Just try to make a barré every time you practice and eventually you will be able to get a distinct sound. At that point, it won't be long before you can play the chords perfectly.
- If you remove your middle finger from the strings, you will have a minor chord. If you move your middle finger one fret forward, you'll have a suspended chord.
- Keep practicing. At first it will be extremely difficult for your fingers to play this way, especially if you have no previous experience with the guitar. Over time, however, you will be able to do this without even thinking about it.
- Start with a five-string barré, like that of B, or with a barré on the lower frets (for example, on the second fret or lower), since more pressure is required on the higher frets.
