Left Hand Bar

Lesson 4/52 | Study Time: 5 Min
Course: Banjo
Left Hand Bar

Left Hand Bar

On the banjo it is easy to create a major chord anywhere on the fretboard by simply flattening the first finger of the left hand and pressing it down across the first four strings. This is called a bar (or barre). By forming a bar at the 5th fret, a C chord can be played as shown in the following diagram.

C Major Bar Chord Shape

The following example uses a bar at the 5th fret to create a C chord and then at the 7th fret to create a D chord. Notice the alternating bass pattern in the right hand.

GDPR Cookie Settings

When you visit any of our websites, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. This information might be about you, your preferences or your device and is mostly used to make the site work as you expect it to. The information does not usually directly identify you, but it can give you a more personalized web experience. Because we respect your right to privacy, you can choose not to allow some types of cookies. Click on the different category headings to find out more and manage your preferences. Please note, that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience of the site and the services we are able to offer.