Learning barre chords can be a challenging yet essential step in any guitarist’s journey. Barre chords unlock the fretboard, allowing you to play a broader range of music with more dynamic voicings. However, mastering them requires patience and practice. One of the best ways to get comfortable with barre chords is by practicing songs that incorporate these shapes in a musical context. This article will guide you through some of the best songs for learning barre chords, starting with easy barre chord songs, progressing to those with barre seventh chords, and concluding with additional popular songs that feature barre chords.
What Are the Common Barre Chord Shapes?
Barre chords are a fundamental technique for guitarists, enabling you to play a wide variety of chords by using a single finger to press down multiple strings simultaneously. Mastering barre chords opens up the fretboard, allowing for greater versatility and access to more complex chord progressions. Here are the most common barre chord shapes every guitarist should know:
1. E-Shape Barre Chords
The E-shape barre chords are derived from the open E major and E minor chords. These shapes are highly versatile and form the foundation for many other chord variations. They are the most commonly used type of barre chord and are even used for the common F chord shape.
E Major Shape (E)Formation: Place your index finger across all six strings at the desired fret, acting as a movable capo. Then, form the open E major shape with your remaining fingers.Example: To play an F major chord, barre at the first fret and shape an E major chord. Similarly, moving the barre to the third fret forms a G major chord.Common Uses: Major chords are widely used in countless songs across various genres, making the E-shape indispensable.
E Minor Shape (Em)Formation: Similar to the E major shape but using the open E minor form. Barre with your index finger and form the E shape, then let go of the middle finger.Example: Barre at the first fret for an F minor chord, at the third fret for G minor, etc.Common Uses: Minor chords add depth and emotion to music, essential for all genres.
E (Dominant) Seventh Shape (E7)Formation: Similar to the E major shape but without the pinky. Barre with your index finger, form the E shape with your other fingers, and finally let go of the pinky.Example: Barre at the first fret for an F seventh chord, at the third fret for G seventh.Common Uses: Dominant chords add tension and color to music, essential for many genres like blues, rock, and jazz.
E Minor Seventh Shape (Em7)Formation: Similar to the E minor shape but without the pinky. Barre with your index finger, form the E minor shape with your other fingers, and finally let go of the pinky.Example: Barre at the first fret for an F minor seventh chord, at the third fret for G minor seventh. Learning the notes on the 6th string will help you find these chords.Common Uses: Minor seventh chords are similar to regular minor chords but with added color from the extra note, softening the sound and making the minor seventh feel more relaxed and open.
2. A-Shape Barre Chords
The A-shape barre chords are based on the open A major and A minor chords. These shapes can be a little more challenging for some players compared to E-shapes but are equally versatile. They, along with E-shape chords, form the most common barre chord shapes.
A Major Shape (A)Formation: Barre across the fifth string (A string) to the first string with your index finger, then form the open A major shape with your remaining fingers.Example: Barre at the second fret for a B major chord, at the third fret for C major, etc.Common Uses: Major chords in this shape are prevalent in many songs, providing a bright and full sound. The B chord may be one of the first barre chords you encounter when learning songs.
A Minor Shape (Am)Formation: Similar to the A major shape but using the open A minor form. Barre with your index finger and shape the A minor chord with your other fingers.Example: Barre at the second fret for B minor, at the third fret for C minor, etc.Common Uses: Minor chords add a melancholic or somber tone, essential for various musical expressions. The Bm barre chord at the 2nd fret and the Cm at the 3rd fret are some of the most commonly used shapes that all guitarists encounter early on.
A (Dominant) Seventh Shape (A7)Formation: Similar to the A major shape but without the fretted note on the 3rd string. Barre with your index finger and form the A shape with your other fingers.Example: Barre at the first fret for a Bb seventh chord, at the 2nd fret for B7, etc.Common Uses: This shape is relatively easy to play and is heavily used for seventh chords.
A Minor Seventh Shape (Am7)Formation: Similar to the A minor shape but using the open A minor form. Barre with your index finger and form the A minor shape with your other fingers.Example: Barre at the 2nd fret for a Bm7 chord, at the third fret for Cm7, etc.Common Uses: Minor seventh chords add depth and emotion to music, essential for many genres like blues, rock, and pop.
Tips for Mastering Barre Chords
Finger Strength and Endurance: Barre chords require significant finger strength. Regular practice will build the necessary muscle memory and endurance.
Proper Hand Positioning: Ensure your thumb is placed behind the neck for better leverage. Your wrist should be slightly bent to allow for optimal finger placement.
Even Pressure: Apply even pressure across all the strings you are barring to avoid buzzing or muted notes.
Start Slowly: Begin by forming the barre shape without strumming. Once you can hold the chord cleanly, pick one note at a time to check all the notes.
Use Minimal Finger Movement: Keep your fingers close to the fretboard to reduce the effort needed to press down the strings. Ensure your fingers are curved.
Practice Transitions: Move between different barre chord shapes and open chords to improve fluidity and muscle memory.
Check Each String: After forming the chord, individually check each string to ensure it rings out clearly.
Mastering barre chords is a significant milestone for any guitarist, providing access to a vast array of musical possibilities. By focusing on the most common shapes—the E-shape, A-shape, and their variations—you can build a solid foundation for your playing. Incorporate regular practice, pay attention to your technique, and gradually increase the complexity of the chords you tackle. With persistence and dedication, barre chords will become an integral and natural part of your guitar repertoire.
5 Easy Barre Chord Songs for Beginners
These five songs are excellent starting points for beginners looking to build confidence with basic barre chords. The chord progressions are relatively simple, and the barre chords used are common shapes that every guitarist should master.
1. "Creep" by Radiohead
Chords Used: G major, B major, C major, C minorRadiohead’s "Creep" is a great introduction to barre chords because it uses just two main barre chord shapes: the 6th string root major form (like the common F chord) and the 6th string root minor (simply remove the middle finger from the major shape). The major and minor chords require you to hold down the same barre at the same fret. The song's slow tempo and repetitive chord progression allow you to focus on maintaining pressure across the strings while transitioning between these chords. Just watch out for the explicit language in the chorus if you’re around children!
2. "(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay" by Otis Redding
Chords Used: G major, B major, C major, A major, E majorThis classic song by Otis Redding is a staple for beginner guitarists learning barre chords. The progression predominantly uses major barre chords but incorporates the E Major open chord, providing a practical way to get comfortable with transitioning between open chords and a barre chord. The relaxed groove of the song allows for deliberate, careful practice of the E-form barre chord, which is often a guitarist’s first introduction to barre chords.
3. "Ain't No Sunshine" by Bill Withers
Chords Used: Am7, Dm7, Em7, G"Ain't No Sunshine" is a soulful tune that features minor seventh barre chords prominently. The song’s rhythm and repetition give you plenty of opportunities to practice moving between the 6th and 5th string shapes. Since the minor seventh shape is movable across the neck, getting comfortable with it here will help you play more complex songs later on.
4. "Knockin' on Heaven's Door" by Bob Dylan
Chords Used: G major, D major, C major, A minorWhile the original version by Bob Dylan primarily uses open chords, the song is often adapted to include barre chord versions of the G, C, and D major chords, making it a perfect practice tool. You can start with the open chord version and then progress to using the barre chord shapes, helping you to become familiar with their different sounds and the added sustain they can bring.
5. "Hotel California" by Eagles
Chords Used: Bm, F#7, A, E, G, D, Em"Hotel California" is slightly more complex than the previous entries, but it’s a fantastic song for mastering minor barre chords, particularly the B minor (Bm) shape. The iconic intro and verse section require clean transitions between open chords and the Bm barre chord on the second fret. The Bm chord is a crucial shape to learn as it’s a foundational minor barre chord that you can move across the neck.
No Longer Behind Bars!
Mastering barre chords is a pivotal milestone in any guitarist's development, opening up a world of musical possibilities and enhancing your ability to play a wider range of songs. While barre chords can initially seem daunting, consistent practice with the right techniques and songs will gradually build your strength, precision, and confidence. By starting with simpler songs and gradually progressing to more complex ones, you can develop the necessary skills to incorporate barre chords seamlessly into your playing.
Remember, the key to mastering barre chords lies in patience and perseverance. Focus on proper hand positioning, apply even pressure, and practice transitions between chords regularly. With time, these shapes will become second nature, allowing you to explore and enjoy the vast musical landscapes they unlock. Whether you’re playing the classics or diving into new genres, barre chords will soon become an essential and natural part of your guitar repertoire. Keep practicing, and enjoy the journey!
-Ryan