How to Play Barre Chords on the Guitar

Barre chords are like the secret handshake of the guitar world. Once you get the hang of them, a whole universe of sound opens up at your fingertips. But let's be honest—they can feel like a real beast to tackle at first. So, what's the trick to making them as smooth as a silky lead line? Well, grab your guitar, and let's get into the nitty-gritty of barre chords.

Why Barre Chords Are a Big Deal

First off, why should you care about barre chords? Here's the deal: barre chords give you the freedom to play any chord, anywhere on the neck. They're essential for genres like metal, where you need to move quickly between chords and often require non-standard voicings. When you're shredding through a metalcore riff, barre chords let you switch from a growling low E to a soaring high G# without breaking a sweat.

Think of barre chords as your Swiss Army knife—they're versatile and incredibly useful. In metal and its subgenres, they're the backbone of rhythm guitar. Whether you're into the crushing riffs of death metal or the intricate passages of progressive metal, barre chords will be your best friend. Plus, once you've got them down, you'll find that your hand strength and dexterity improve across all aspects of your playing.

What Makes Barre Chords Tricky?

Okay, so why do barre chords seem so difficult at first? The challenge lies in effectively pressing down multiple strings with one finger while maintaining clarity and precision with the others. It requires a combination of strength, technique, and a bit of finesse. If you've ever felt like your hand was about to cramp up while playing, you're not alone.

To make matters trickier, each finger has its own job—your index finger acts as a "bar" across the strings, while the others shape the chord. It can be like doing yoga with your fingers, especially if your hand isn't used to those positions yet. But don't worry, with practice, it becomes second nature.

Interestingly enough, the biggest hurdle for many players is mental. The thought of barre chords can be intimidating, but remember, every guitarist faces this challenge. So, take a deep breath, and approach it one step at a time.

Getting Your Guitar Set Up for Success

Before we get into finger positioning, let's talk gear. Your guitar setup can make a massive difference in how easy or difficult barre chords feel. If your action is too high (the distance between the strings and the fretboard), even the strongest fingers will struggle. Conversely, too low of an action can lead to fret buzz, which is just as frustrating.

Check your guitar's action and consider getting it adjusted if the strings feel like they're a mile away from the neck. Also, ensure your guitar's intonation is spot on. Poor intonation can make chords sound out of tune, even if your fretting is perfect. Trust me; there's nothing more demoralizing than putting in the effort only to hear a sour note.

Finally, string gauge matters. Lighter strings are easier on your fingers but might lack the punch and sustain you want for metal. Heavier strings deliver a fuller sound but require more finger strength. Experiment with different gauges to find what feels right for you.

Proper Hand Positioning

Now, let's focus on your fretting hand. The key to barre chords is mastering the technique of using your index finger as a bar. You want to place it just behind the fret, not on top of it, to avoid muted strings. Press down with the flat, bony part of your finger, not the fleshy part, to get a cleaner sound.

Your thumb should rest at the back of the neck, providing a counterbalance. Think of it like a seesaw—your thumb is one side, and your fingers are the other. This positioning helps you apply even pressure across all the strings.

• Keep your wrist relaxed: Tension is your enemy. A relaxed wrist helps you apply pressure more evenly without tiring out your hand.
• Use your arm, not just your fingers: Instead of pressing solely with your fingers, use your arm to provide additional leverage. This technique distributes the effort, making it easier to sustain chords.
• Adjust your elbow: Move your elbow slightly outward to help your fingers arch over the strings. This adjustment provides better reach and control.

These small adjustments can make a big difference. Over time, you'll find the sweet spot that works for you.

Starting with the Basics: E and A Shape Barre Chords

Alright, let's get practical. The E and A shape barre chords are the foundation of many songs. Once you nail these, the rest will come more naturally.

E Shape Barre Chord (Root on the E String)

The E shape is probably the most common barre chord form. Here's how to play it in an easy-to-follow manner:

• Place your index finger across all the strings at your desired fret, acting as a capo.
• Position your ring finger two frets up on the A string.
• Place your pinky two frets up on the D string.
• Your middle finger goes one fret up on the G string.

Now strum all six strings. If it sounds a bit off, adjust your index finger or check your thumb placement for better pressure distribution.

A Shape Barre Chord (Root on the A String)

Now, let's tackle the A shape:

• Barre all strings except the low E string with your index finger at your chosen fret.
• Your ring finger should cover the D, G, and B strings two frets up.

This shape only requires five strings, so make sure your low E string is muted. If this is tricky, try using your ring finger to mute it.

These two shapes open up countless chord possibilities. Practice moving them up and down the neck to build fluency.

Breaking Down Common Mistakes

Everyone makes mistakes when learning barre chords. The good news? Most are fixable with a bit of patience and attention to detail.

Muted Strings

The most common issue is accidentally muting strings. This usually happens when your index finger isn't applying enough pressure. Double-check your finger positioning and ensure it's lying flat behind the frets.

Another culprit could be your other fingers—make sure they're not accidentally touching adjacent strings. Keep them arched and use your fingertips to press down.

Buzzing

Buzzing can be incredibly frustrating. It's often due to uneven pressure along the barre or fingers not pressing down hard enough. Try adjusting your wrist and elbow position, and ensure your thumb provides solid support.

Remember, buzzing isn't a sign of failure—it's a sign you're pushing your limits, which is how improvement happens.

Building Strength and Endurance

Barre chords require a fair amount of hand strength, especially if you're playing for extended periods. Here's how to build that strength over time:

Practice Regularly

The best way to build strength is through consistent practice. Start with short sessions, focusing on clarity and precision. Gradually increase your practice time as your hand becomes more accustomed to the pressure.

Hand Exercises

• Squeeze a stress ball: This simple exercise strengthens your grip, making barre chords easier.
• Finger stretches: Regularly stretch your fingers to improve flexibility and prevent cramping.

These exercises can be done anytime, anywhere—no guitar required!

Integrating Barre Chords into Your Playing

Once you're comfortable with barre chords, it's time to integrate them into your playing. Use them in songs you already know, or try writing a riff or two using barre chords. This practice not only reinforces your skills but also keeps things fresh and exciting.

If you're looking for inspiration, check out Riffhard. We've got lessons from world-class metal guitarists who use barre chords to create jaw-dropping riffs. Seeing how the pros do it can provide new perspectives and techniques to try.

Advanced Barre Chord Techniques

Once you've mastered the basics, consider exploring advanced techniques to spice up your barre chord playing. Here are a couple to get you started:

Sliding Barre Chords

Adding slides to your barre chords can create smooth transitions and add flair to your playing. Start by playing a barre chord, then slide up or down the neck without lifting your fingers. This technique requires precision and control but adds a lot of expressiveness to your music.

Partial Barre Chords

Partial barre chords involve barring fewer strings, allowing you to play more complex voicings. They're great for adding color and texture to your rhythm playing. Experiment with different fingerings to find what sounds good to you.

Common Barre Chord Progressions

To solidify your barre chord skills, practice them in the context of common chord progressions. Here are a few to try:

• I-IV-V: A classic progression that sounds great with barre chords. Try it in different keys to challenge yourself.
• ii-V-I: Often used in jazz, this progression can add sophistication to your playing.
• vi-IV-I-V: A popular progression in many genres, including rock and metal.

Playing these progressions in various keys will improve your versatility and confidence in using barre chords.

Breakthrough Moments

Learning barre chords can feel like a series of small breakthroughs. One day, something just clicks, and what once seemed impossible suddenly feels natural. Celebrate these moments—they're a testament to your hard work and dedication.

Remember, even the legends started somewhere. Everyone has struggled with barre chords at some point, so don't get discouraged. Keep pushing, and you'll soon see the results.

Final Thoughts

Barre chords are a rite of passage for any guitarist, and with time and practice, they become second nature. Whether you're rocking out to metalcore or crafting a delicate acoustic tune, barre chords offer a world of possibilities. And if you're looking to deepen your understanding, Riffhard offers lessons from top-tier guitarists that can help you refine your skills and take your playing to the next level.