Major Chords II – Barre Chords

In a barre chord the 1st finger (index) presses several strings at once to simulate the guitar’s nut (fret 0) at a higher position. With this technique we can move the basic major-chord shapes from the first lesson — including their open strings — so we can play them for any root.

When people talk about barre chords, they usually mean the following two types based on the E major and A major shapes. If attempting these hurts more than it sounds good, start with the “partial barre chords” further down this page …

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Enharmonic equivalents: Notes/chords with # or b have same-sounding counterparts. For example, F# major and Gb major sound identical on the guitar. Which spelling you see depends on the harmonic context. Some spellings are less common: G# major contains B#, which is enharmonically C, but written as B# when it functions as the 3rd of G#. Likewise, the 3rd of A# major is correctly C##. For this reason you’ll more often encounter the equivalents Ab major (instead of G# major) and Bb major (instead of A# major).

Exactly the same works with the A major shape, although the fingering of the notes on the D, G and B strings is less obvious. Many advanced players barre those three with the 3rd finger, bending it so the high E can ring (Ouch???). To relax, you can switch to the 4th finger and simply skip the high E (otherwise: Ouuuch!!!). In the early phase of practising barre chords, the fingering shown in the diagrams (2, 3, 4) is often the least painful.

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The rare enharmonic stand-ins A# major, C# major and D# major are not listed here.

One finger (again the 1st) covers two or three adjacent strings.

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With a strongly rhythmic feel or for smoother/faster changes in progressions, the D major or E major chords created this way are often preferable to the basic open shapes.

The G major chord can also be moved. It’s easier to play — and often sounds clearer — if you mute the A string. You can also omit the high E string, which frees the 4th finger for the bass note on the low E string.

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Of course we can also move the D major chord along the fretboard. Strictly speaking it isn’t a barre chord and is a little off-topic here — but for completeness, here it is. In higher positions this voicing can create a ukulele-like sound. It also serves as a basic shape for other chord types such as minor, m7, maj7, 7, etc. Especially on electric guitar, voicings on the top four strings are very common, since the bassist provides the low end.

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