The technique of playing the barre key is quite difficult for beginners to learn. Barre chords are helpful for guitar players of all genres. Almost all types of keys can be played in the form of a barre. The barre chord is an important and challenging step that all guitar players must go through. Playing the barre key takes a lot of practice and hand strength. However, if you practice diligently, anyone can do it.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Putting Your Fingers in the Right Position
Step 1. Position your fingers along the fret
Try not to use the soft part of your finger, and use the hard part near your thumb. When you start practicing the barre chord, place your middle finger over your index finger just to get used to the finger pressure needed to hold the strings.
The eighth fret has the lowest string tension so it's a great starting place for your fingers
Step 2. Press your thumb into the back of the guitar neck
Suppose you are holding the neck of the guitar with your fingers as if you were squeezing an insect. Apply pressure from both sides of the guitar neck for the clearest sound. Don't worry if it feels awkward at first.
Step 3. Practice the major chord
This key is played in the standard tuning, namely EADGBE (hereinafter, the explanation in this article also uses this tuning). If you know how to play E major, do this position under your index finger. The positions of the fingers on the eighth fret are:
- Barre on the eighth fret with your index finger.
- Place your ring finger on the fifth string (A) at the tenth fret.
- Also place your little finger on the fourth string (D) at the tenth fret.
- Place your middle finger on the third (G) string on the ninth fret.
- At first, this positioning is indeed difficult. However, with practice you will become more proficient at playing it.
Step 4. Play barre key like Jimi Hendrix
The way Jimi plays the guitar is different from the explanation above. He uses his thumb to play the keys. This means that instead of barre, Jimi uses his thumb to press down on the lowest string. Suppose you are holding the neck of the guitar like a microphone or drumstick. Everyone has their own way of playing and many people don't recommend this method. However, play the guitar in the way that works best for you.
Method 2 of 3: Improve Dexterity
Step 1. Start an exercise routine
Before perfecting a barre wrench, practice each of its components first. Spend 10-15 minutes every day just working your index finger along the eighth fret. Pluck each string and hear the clarity of the sound of each string.
Step 2. Switch to the fifth fret
The exercise is the same as the index finger barre, but your finger pressure is strengthened. The fifth fret has more tension than the strings on the sixth fret. Practice until the strings sound clear, at least 90 percent of the time.
Step 3. Practice holding this position while alternating frets
Remember, the farther the fret is from the base of the neck, the less string pressure it will have, making it easier to hold.
Step 4. Practice for two weeks
If you practice these steps daily for 15-20 minutes, the difference will be visible in two weeks. If your skills are not improving, add more practice time and check your progress after a week.
Step 5. Apply the lock shape
You should only add more fingers to form a key if your index finger is strong enough to barre comfortably (even though the eighth fret is only Cm7add11).
There are many keys that can be trained. For example, take a look at the list of bar locks here
Method 3 of 3: Continuing Practice
Step 1. Explore the "A" barre key
The trick, press the third barre (or any fret because now you know how the barre key works), starting on the fifth string (A string). Place your index finger on all the strings except the low E. To play the major chord in this form, use your ring finger to press the D, G, and B strings on the fifth fret. This position is C major.
Step 2. Learn the different variations of the "D" barre wrench
As with other barre chords, you can start on the D string as the root. This barre key is less challenging, but very useful. Practice simple, crisp chords by pressing the D string until the E string is high without strumming the E or A strings.
Step 3. Learn to play a song
One of the best ways to combine chord and dexterity exercises is to apply them both to song. Choose a song you like and search for the key on the internet. For example, you can enter "The Beatles' key I'm only sleeping" in the google search engine.
Step 4. Watch video tutorials on Youtube
There are many tutorials that teach how to play the barre key for beginners. You can also find lots of tutorials to learn how to play popular songs on the guitar.
Tips
- If you are a beginner, chances are your fingers are still too weak. Don't be discouraged because everyone has experienced it.
- Do not give up.
- The more practice you will learn the keys of the barre more quickly and easily.
- Keep practicing. At first, your fingers will find it difficult to do barre chords, especially if you have no previous experience playing the guitar. Over time, you'll be able to do it smoothly and intuitively.
- If you remove your middle finger from the string in a major chord, the note becomes a minor chord. If you slide your middle finger up one fret, the key will be stuck.
