How to Play Barre Chords on a Guitar

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Position your index finger along a fret.

   You don't want to use the squishiest part of your finger, but rather use the harder portion close to your thumb.As you begin practicing barre chords, place your middle finger on top of your index finger, but only to familiarize yourself with the required pressure needed against the strings./images/thumb/1/15/Play-Barre-Chords-on-a-Guitar-Step-1-Version-4.jpg/v4-550px-Play-Barre-Chords-on-a-Guitar-Step-1-Version-4.jpg /images/thumb/1/15/Play-Barre-Chords-on-a-Guitar-Step-1-Version-4.jpg/v4-300px-Play-Barre-Chords-on-a-Guitar-Step-1-Version-4.jpg The eighth fret is lower in string tension.
   
   This will make an easier starting point for your fingers.
2. 2

   Step 2: Press your thumb against the back of the neck.

   Imagine holding your fingers on the neck of a guitar like you're squishing a bug.
   
   Apply pressure from both sides to get the cleanest sound.
   
   It will feel awkward at first. /images/thumb/a/af/Play-Barre-Chords-on-a-Guitar-Step-2-Version-4.jpg/v4-515px-Play-Barre-Chords-on-a-Guitar-Step-2-Version-4.jpg /images/thumb/a/af/Play-Barre-Chords-on-a-Guitar-Step-2-Version-4.jpg/v4-300px-Play-Barre-Chords-on-a-Guitar-Step-2-Version-4.jpg , This chord is played in standard tuning, as in EADGBE (the rest of the explanations for this article are also in this tuning).
   
   If you already know how to play an E major, then apply this position underneath your index finger.
   
   The position on the eighth fret is: /images/thumb/e/e4/Play-Barre-Chords-on-a-Guitar-Step-3-Version-4.jpg/v4-550px-Play-Barre-Chords-on-a-Guitar-Step-3-Version-4.jpg /images/thumb/e/e4/Play-Barre-Chords-on-a-Guitar-Step-3-Version-4.jpg/v4-300px-Play-Barre-Chords-on-a-Guitar-Step-3-Version-4.jpg Barre the eight fret with your index finger.
   
   Place your ring finger on the fifth string (A) on the tenth fret.
   
   Place your pinky-finger on the fourth string (D) on the tenth fret as well.
   
   Then place your middle finger on the third string (G) on the ninth fret.
   
   This will be hard at first, but know that everyone has struggled just like you are. , Jimi played the guitar differently than the described method above.
   
   He employed the thumb over technique.What this means is that instead of barring your index finger, you can use your thumb on the lowest string.
   
   Imagine holding the guitar neck like a microphone or a drum stick.
   
   Everyone has their preferences and many people would advise against this approach, but you could say, "this is how Hendrix played." /images/thumb/c/c3/Play-Barre-Chords-on-a-Guitar-Step-4-Version-4.jpg/v4-550px-Play-Barre-Chords-on-a-Guitar-Step-4-Version-4.jpg /images/thumb/c/c3/Play-Barre-Chords-on-a-Guitar-Step-4-Version-4.jpg/v4-300px-Play-Barre-Chords-on-a-Guitar-Step-4-Version-4.jpg
3. 3

   Step 3: Practice the major chord.

4. 4

   Step 4: Play barre chords like Jimi Hendrix.

Detailed Guide

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