There are so many chords, how do I remember where to put my fingers? Easy: Barre chords! One of the best short cuts in music has to be the barre chord in which you place your index finger over a whole fret and make an E major or E minor shape with your middle, ring, and pinky fingers (we can barre with other shapes, but for now let’s use all six strings).
To play a barre chord, put the bony part of your index finger flat on the fret you’re barre-ing. Your other fingers will form the E major or E minor chord. That’s it, your barre chord is the note name on the E string you’re barre-ing + major or minor depending on how you’re holding your fingers.
Check out these videos and resources on barre-ing chords:
• Free Guitar School has some great barre chord charts on their site.
• Great Songs for Barre Chords:
• Sittin’ on the Dock of the Bay by Otis Redding (G B C B Bb A) – Note the quick, fun descending chords.
• Creep by Radiohead (G B C Cm) – Keep repeating, get emotional.
• Beginner Videos