Difference between revisions of "Play Barre Chords on a Guitar"
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=== Getting Your Finger Position Correct === | === Getting Your Finger Position Correct === | ||
| − | #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.<ref>http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/lessons/chords/getting_those_barre_chords_down.html</ref> 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.<ref | + | #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.<ref name="rf1">http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/lessons/chords/getting_those_barre_chords_down.html</ref> 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.<ref name="rf1" /> |
#*The eighth fret is lower in string tension. This will make an easier starting point for your fingers. | #*The eighth fret is lower in string tension. This will make an easier starting point for your fingers. | ||
#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. | #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. | ||
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#*Then place your middle finger on the third string (G) on the ninth fret. | #*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. | #*This will be hard at first, but know that everyone has struggled just like you are. | ||
| − | #Play barre chords like Jimi Hendrix. Jimi played the guitar differently than the described method above. He employed the thumb over technique.<ref>http://www.carlosseo.com/2011/11/28/jimi-hendrix-playing-style/</ref> 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." | + | #Play barre chords like Jimi Hendrix. Jimi played the guitar differently than the described method above. He employed the thumb over technique.<ref name="rf2">http://www.carlosseo.com/2011/11/28/jimi-hendrix-playing-style/</ref> 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." |
=== Building up Dexterity === | === Building up Dexterity === | ||
| − | #Begin a practice routine. Before perfecting your barre chord, practice each component. Spend 10-15 minutes a day only practicing your index finger along the eighth fret.<ref | + | #Begin a practice routine. Before perfecting your barre chord, practice each component. Spend 10-15 minutes a day only practicing your index finger along the eighth fret.<ref name="rf1" /> Pluck each string and listen for a clear sound from each string. |
| − | #Move down to the fifth fret.<ref | + | #Move down to the fifth fret.<ref name="rf1" /> You are using the same practice of only barring your index finger, but now you're using more pressure from your finger. The fifth fret has more tension from the strings then the sixth fret. Try going for complete clarity from all strings at least 90% of the time.<ref name="rf1" /> |
#Practice holding this position while moving between frets. Remember that, as you move away from the neck, the tension of the strings will be less, so it should be slightly easier to hold. | #Practice holding this position while moving between frets. Remember that, as you move away from the neck, the tension of the strings will be less, so it should be slightly easier to hold. | ||
#Practice for two weeks. If you practice these steps everyday for 15-20 minutes, you'll notice a difference within two weeks. If you're not improving, extend the duration of your practice and check on your progress after a week. | #Practice for two weeks. If you practice these steps everyday for 15-20 minutes, you'll notice a difference within two weeks. If you're not improving, extend the duration of your practice and check on your progress after a week. | ||
