Barre chords are the gateway to playing any song in any key on guitar. They’re challenging at first, but once you master them, you unlock the entire fretboard.
What Are Barre Chords?
A barre chord (sometimes spelled “bar chord”) uses your index finger pressed flat across all six strings while your other fingers form a chord shape. By moving this shape up and down the neck, you can play any chord.
The Two Essential Barre Chord Shapes
E-Shape Barre Chord (Root on 6th String)
This is based on the open E major chord shape:
1. Form an E major chord with your 2nd, 3rd, and 4th fingers (instead of 1st, 2nd, 3rd)
2. Place your 1st finger as a barre across ALL strings at the target fret
3. The root note is on the low E string under your barre finger
F Major (1st fret): Barre fret 1, E-shape = 1-3-3-2-1-1
G Major (3rd fret): Barre fret 3, E-shape = 3-5-5-4-3-3
A Major (5th fret): Barre fret 5, E-shape = 5-7-7-6-5-5
B Major (7th fret): Barre fret 7, E-shape = 7-9-9-8-7-7
For minor barre chords, use the Em shape instead – just lift one finger:
Fm (1st fret): 1-3-3-1-1-1
Bm (2nd fret): 2-4-4-2-2-2
A-Shape Barre Chord (Root on 5th String)
Based on the open A major chord:
1. Barre the target fret with your 1st finger
2. Use your 3rd finger to barre three strings two frets above
3. The root note is on the A string
Bb Major (1st fret): x-1-3-3-3-1
C Major (3rd fret): x-3-5-5-5-3
D Major (5th fret): x-5-7-7-7-5
Common Problems and Solutions
Problem: Buzzing strings
Solution: Make sure your barre finger is close to the fret wire (not on top of it). Apply pressure evenly. Use the bony edge of your finger, not the fleshy pad.
Problem: Hand cramps
Solution: Use your arm strength to pull the neck toward you rather than squeezing with your thumb. Keep your thumb centered on the back of the neck.
Problem: Muted strings
Solution: Arch your other fingers so they don’t accidentally touch adjacent strings. Keep your fretting fingers on their tips.
Barre Chord Practice Routine
1. Start with just the F chord – hold it for 10 seconds, release, repeat 10 times
2. Practice the F to C transition (barre to open chord)
3. Try the Bm chord (2nd fret barre is slightly easier than 1st)
4. Play simple 2-chord progressions: F-C, Bm-G, Bb-F
5. Graduate to full songs that use one barre chord
Barre Chord Alternatives
If barre chords are still too hard, try these substitutions:
– F → Fmaj7 (x33210) or F/C (x33211 – small barre)
– Bm → Bm7 (x20202)
– Bb → Bb/D (xx0331)
– Use a capo to change the key so you can use open chords instead
Songs to Practice Barre Chords
– “Hotel California” – Eagles (Bm, F#, A, E, G, D, Em)
– “Creep” – Radiohead (G, B, C, Cm)
– “No Woman No Cry” – Bob Marley (C, G, Am, F)
– “Sweet Home Alabama” – Lynyrd Skynyrd (D, C, G)
Check out all our chord songs organized by difficulty!