How To Play A Barre Chord (Videos)

Learning to play a barre chord on the guitar is a difficult lesson for a beginning guitar player.  Not only is it a difficult lesson to learn, but it is a hard lesson to teach using text.  So I spent some time browsing videos on YouTube to find good video explanations on how to play a barre chord.  I think you will enjoy learning visually since it is much easier to follow along with.  Barre chords may seem difficult at first, but I guarantee they will make playing chord progressions on the guitar that much easier.

This first video will provide a good explanation of what a barre chord is and how to build a series of them on the fretboard of the guitar.  Take a look at this detailed explanation here at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9yZZx9jiXGQ.

 

Now that you have gotten a lesson on finger placement for barre chords, I suggest using exercises to build your finger strength for play these chords.  I have had many people request exercises like these since it is difficult at first to hold down multiple strings with one finger.  Find a nice exercise to help you play barre chords here at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zGIGYIuK6-c.

The best way to develop finger strength to play these barre chords is to keep practicing them.  Much of guitar playing is based on muscle memory, so the more your fingers play these chords, the more comfortable they will become playing them.  Another barre chord exercise that will definitely build finger strength and fretboard knowledge can be found here at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y_z-UFLpzSE&feature=related.

And lastly, one of the best practice methods you can apply to your guitar playing is to build rhythm in your playing.  If you play these exercises with a metronome, your timing will develop as well as your playing.  If you intend to play with other musicians, good timing is essential.  If you can play these exercises without breaking the rhythm or tempo of the metronome, your guitar playing will advance tremendously.  Keep in mind that when you practice exercises with a metronome, always start slow and work as hard as you can to stay on beat for the entire exercise.  As you start playing the exercises efficiently at a slower tempo, push your boundaries by increasing the tempo of the metronome 5 beats per minute at a time.  For a great rhythmic barre chord exercise check out this video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NMhvfm4J43Q&feature=related.

Whether you are a beginning guitar player or an advanced one, these exercises should be a part of your practice routine all the time.  As you practice efficiently, your barre chord playing will progress substantially.

Have fun and stay tuned!

Mike