Bar Chords
The term "bar chord" means that the first finger acts as a bar (sometimes called a barre) across all, or some of the strings. The fact that there are no open strings in a bar chord means it is possible to move the one shape to any position on the fretboard and to play in every key. The term "position" refers to the fret your first finger is at. E.g if your first finger is at the 3rd fret, you are in the third position. If your first finger is at the 8th fret, you are in the eighth position. The diagram and photo below demonstrate an F major bar chord (played in the first position). Notice that this chord is simply an E chord shape played with the 2nd, 3rd and 4th fingers, with a first finger bar behind it.
F
Left Hand Technique
Bar chords can be difficult to play at first and will require a great deal of practice before they are comfortable to use. Try to keep the first finger of the left hand straight and parallel to the fret. It is also important to keep the other fingers arched and use only the tips of the fingers. The left hand thumb must be kept behind the neck.
Keep first finger straight.
Keep thumb behind neck.
Root 6 Bar Chords
As with open chords, there are several different types of bar chords, including major, minor and 7th chords. The bar chord shape shown above is referred to as a root 6 major bar chord because the root note (name note) of the chord is on the 6th string.
The root 6 major bar chord can be played at any fret with the name of the chord depending on which note the first finger is fretting on the sixth string. E.g. at the 3rd fret, this shape would be a G chord. At the 5th fret, it would be an A chord, etc.
Notes on the Sixth String
In order to determine exactly where to place your first finger for a particular bar chord it is essential to know the notes on the sixth string from memory. The diagram below shows the notes on the sixth string up to the 13th fret where the F note is an octave repeat of the F note at the first fret. It is rare to play bar chords any higher than the 12th fret.
Practice playing bar chords at different frets at random until you can instantly name the chord at any fret. Once you can do this, try the following example, which moves the same shape up and down the neck to form all the chords in the progression.
Percussive Strumming With Bar Chords
In lesson 9 you learned about percussive strumming. This technique is commonly use when playing bar chords. As with other chord types, it is achieved by forming a complete chord shape with the left hand and placing it on the strings, but not pressed down on the frets.
Remember that a percussive strum is indicated by using an X in place of a notehead. Listen to the following example on the recording to hear whether you are getting the correct sound. If not, practice it slowly using only quarter notes at first and then move on to eighth notes as shown in the following example.
Root 5 Bar Chords
As the term root 5 suggests, the root note of these chords can be found on the fifth string, fretted with the first finger bar. Like all bar chords, the same shape can be moved up or down to any position on the fretboard. Below is the basic shape for the root 5 Major bar chord shown in two positions.
You will need to have patience with this chord shape, as the combination of the first finger bar and the partial bar with the third finger is particularly difficult at first. Make sure the third finger frets the 4th, 3rd and 2nd strings, but not the 1 st string.
C
F
Notes on the Fifth String
To find root 5 bar chords easily, it is essential to know the notes on the 5th string from memory. The diagram below illustrates all notes on the fifth string up to the 13th fret. Try naming a chord and moving to the correct fret. Practice this until you can do it without hesitating or having to think ahead.
Here is an example which makes use of root 5 bar chords. Notice the use of percussive strumming here.
