Barre chords

Barre chords use one finger (usually the index) to press several strings at once, like a movable capo. They're harder than open chords, but they unlock something huge: every chord in every key with just a few shapes.

The E-shape barre

Play an open E chord with fingers 2, 3 and 4 instead of 1, 2 and 3. Now slide it up one fret and lay your index finger across all six strings at fret 1. You've played F major!

The root is on the 6th string, under your index finger. Move the shape and the chord changes:

Fret	1	3	5	7	8	10
Chord	F	G	A	B	C	D

The minor version comes from the Em shape — just lift your middle finger:

The A-shape barre

Same idea using the A chord shape. The root is on the 5th string. Barre with the index and press the other three notes with your ring finger (or fingers 2-3-4).

And the minor version comes from Am:

Fret (5th string)	1	2	3	5	7
Chord	B♭	B	C	D	E

Tips for a clean barre

1. Use the side of your index finger, rolled slightly toward the headstock. The bony edge presses better than the soft middle.
2. Keep the barre close to the fret.
3. Thumb low behind the neck, roughly opposite your index finger. Squeeze like a clamp — but only as hard as needed.
4. Use your arm's weight, pulling slightly back, instead of squeezing with your thumb.
5. Check each string one at a time and fix the ones that buzz. Usually it's the 2nd or 3rd string, which sit in a crease of your finger — move the finger slightly up or down.

Practice

A common progression using barre chords:

F → Dm → B♭ → C · 75 BPMPlay

↓1

·&

↓2

↑&

·3

↑&

↓4

↑&

Now you can play any major or minor chord anywhere. Look up all the shapes in the chord dictionary.