Root 5 Bar Chords
All the previous bar chord shapes you have learned have had the root note on the 6th string i.e., Root 6 bar chords. The next bar chord shapes introduced are Root 5 bar chords i.e., the root note is on the 5th string.
Root 5 Major Bar Chord
A
The root 5 major bar chord is based upon an open A major chord which is usually played using the first, second and third fingers of the left hand. When it is used to form a bar chord the third finger bars across all three notes.
e.g.:
- If this open A chord shape is played with the first finger bar at the 1st fret it will become a B flat major chord (Bb).
- If this open A chord shape is played with the first finger bar at the 5th fret it will become a D major chord (D).
- If this open A chord shape is played with the first finger bar at the 7th fret it will become a E major chord (E).
Bb
D
E
Even though the root note is on the 5th string you should strum all 6 strings (as the note on the 6th string is also a part of the chord).
In the following chord progression the A and F#m chords are root 6 and the D and E chords are root 5. Practice the progression using an easy rhythm first, then once you are confident use the suggested pattern.
Rhythm Pattern
When playing the root 5 major shape many guitarists have difficulty in producing a clear sounding note from the first string. It is quite difficult at first and will take a lot of practice to master. If the first string is deadened accidentally the remaining five strings still produce the major chord when strummed.
These root 5 shapes are commonly called A formation bar chords because they are based upon open A chord shapes.
The following chord progression is a 12 Bar Blues in the key of A major. Play the A and A7 chords using root 6 chord shapes (at the 5th fret) and play the D and E chords using Root 5 chord shapes (at the 5th and 7th frets respectively). When changing between the root 6 A chord and the root 5 D chord the first finger barring the 5th fret does not change position.
Rhythm Pattern
