Chords
Barre chord
A barre chord is a chord where the index finger presses several strings at the same fret like a movable nut, so an open chord shape can be moved anywhere on the neck.
What is a barre chord?
In a barre chord, your index finger replaces the nut: it lies across several strings at one fret while your other fingers form an open chord shape above it. F (133211) is simply the E shape (022100) moved up one fret, with the index acting as the nut.
The payoff is huge: one shape gives you all twelve keys. You only need to know the note names on the low E and A strings, which the CAGED system then organises across the whole neck.
The four basic barre chord shapes
| Shape | Example | Fingering | Root on |
|---|---|---|---|
| Major, E shape | F | 133211 | low E string |
| Minor, Em shape | Fm | 133111 | low E string |
| Major, A shape | B♭ | x13331 | A string |
| Minor, Am shape | B♭m | x13321 | A string |
To find the chord you want, put your index on the root:
- Low E string: F at fret 1, G at 3, A at 5, B at 7, C at 8, D at 10.
- A string: B♭ at fret 1, C at 3, D at 5, E at 7, F at 8, G at 10.
Example: Bm is the Am shape at the 2nd fret, x24432.
How do you play a barre chord without pain?
- Thumb behind the neck, roughly behind your middle finger, not wrapped over the top.
- Index rolled slightly onto its bony edge (thumb side), which is firmer than the soft pad.
- Index right next to the fret wire, not in the middle of the space.
- Press only where it matters: in F (133211), the index really has to sound only the low E, B and high E strings. The other strings are fretted by other fingers.
- Use arm weight by letting your arm pull gently toward the floor instead of squeezing with your hand.
Meanwhile, the small F (xx3211) with a mini barre on two strings is a great stepping stone.
Practice routine: I-V-vi-IV in A major
Play one bar of each, four downstrokes:
- A: 577655 (E shape, 5th fret)
- E: x79997 (A shape, 7th fret)
- F#m: 244222 (Em shape, 2nd fret)
- D: x57775 (A shape, 5th fret)
Start at 60 beats per minute. Between chords, release the pressure without lifting off the strings, then slide. If a note is dead, play the chord string by string to find it. When the full barre still tires you, swap in a power chord (577xxx for A) to keep the groove going.
Key takeaways
- The index finger works as a movable nut.
- Four shapes (E, Em, A, Am) cover every major and minor chord.
- Find the root on the low E or A string.
- If you are unsure about a fingering, place it in the chord identifier.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my barre chord buzz?
Usually a string falls into a crease of your index finger, or the finger sits too far from the fret. Shift the index slightly up or down the neck and roll it onto its side. High action can also make barres hard: a setup by a guitar tech helps a lot.
How long does it take to learn barre chords?
Usually a few weeks of daily practice, 5 to 10 minutes at a time, for a clean F. Start around the 5th fret, where string tension is lower, then work your way down to the 1st fret.
Can you avoid barre chords?
Partly: a capo lets you play many keys with open shapes, and the small F (xx3211) replaces the full one. But to play anywhere on the neck and in every key, barre chords remain essential.
Related terms
Practise in the workshop
Take it from theory to the fretboard
Open the workshop tools and see this idea across the whole neck. Free account, no card needed.