Bar Chords

After you know some open chords, its good to learn how to make bar chords. These chords have a different sound, and will also allow you to play up the neck. They do require a bit more hand strength, but aren't a big problem for most players. Practice and repetition will help you form these chords.

A Little Bit of Theory (but not much)


You can already make an open E and an open A chord. Now you will learn how to make an A bar chord that sounds almost identical to the open A chord, yet uses your fingers in a way that's closer to the open E chord.

Here is an open E chord...

This chord uses your fingers to press down 3 strings, while the other 3 strings of the guitar ring out as open strings. In essence, the plastic looking bar (called the "nut") that runs parallel with the steel frets of your guitar is pressing these strings down for you. Wouldn't it be cool if you could move this nut around? Well, you can. All you have to do is use your 1st finger (index) instead of the guitar nut. This is called a bar chord.

Notice how the 2,3, and 4 fingers are in the same shape as the 1,2, and 3 fingers in the open E chord. Where the nut was in the open E, you now see a curved line representing the position of your 1st finger. The R stands for "root", as in root note of the chord. Whatever note lives in this spot will determine the name of the chord. For an A bar chord, you simply find the A note on the 6th string and begin your bar chord there.

Since this bar chord is simply an open E chord that you have "moved" up the neck, you can also "move" it other places as well. Move it down two frets and you have a G bar chord. Move it up two frets and you have a B bar chord. Whatever fret your 1st finger presses down will tell you the name of chord, but the shape of your hand and fingers remains the same.

Here is a representation of the 6th string of the guitar and the notes that are found there.

You can also use the open A chord as a foundation for bar chords. The shape is a little different, and you also use the 5th string to determine what chord you are playing, as opposed to the 6th string.

Here is the open A chord.

And here is the bar chord version, where you use your 1st finger as the nut. Notice how three strings are being held down by only one finger (3rd finger). This is tricky, and will take some time to perfect. Don't worry if you can't sound the 1st string with your 1st finger because your 3rd finger is getting in the way. This is a common problem. Many guitarists never sound that 1st string, but it is worth trying.
















Here are the note names of the frets along the A string.

Bonus Chords

Once you have these two bar chord shapes down pat, its easy to turn them into minor chords. For the bar chords that begin on the 6th string and are modeled after the open E chord, simply remove your 2nd finger from the fret board and let your 1st finger play that note as part of the bar. For the bar chords that begin on the 5th string and are modeled after the open A chord, use your 2, 3, 4 fingers to make the shape shown below. Most guitar learners find these minor bar chords easier to make then the major versions.