regardless of our skill level . Even a strong guitar player will struggle to play a guitar that ’ s not properly set up . Sometimes all it takes is a truss rod adjustment . But getting your guitar looked at could be a game changer .
4 . Strengthen your fretting hand . I don ’ t always have my guitars with me , so I keep a small hand strengthener nearby that I squeeze a lot ( please see the video for what I use .) My hands have really grown stronger because of this .
5 . Make sure your thumb is well-placed behind the neck . Remember – you ’ re emulating a clamp-style capo with equal distribution of pressure on both sides of the neck . Don ’ t let that thumb drift to the side .
6 . Try barring one string at a time . Do this by going to the 5 th fret , and fretting string 1 by itself , then strings 2 and 1 , then strings 3 , 2 and 1 , etc . Here ’ s a hint : roll your index gently towards the nut , so that the side of your finger presents a more uniform edge to duplicate a capo on the strings . If the index is too flat , little “ tunnels ” can form at the knuckles , allowing for less pressure , and more buzzing . Do this exercise several times , but never for longer than a few minutes . Remember – if you can ’ t play 4 strings cleanly , don ’ t move to 5 strings until you can .
7 . Try to use only your index finger to create the bar . I realize that we can use our second finger along with our first finger to add extra pressure , but try it both ways .
8 . Break it down and build it up . Play it with fewer fingers , and slowly add them in , making sure everything sounds and feels good . But always insist on quality over quantity . I ’ d rather be able to play one bar chord well than a dozen bar chords sloppily .
9 . Play an electric or classical guitar to boost your morale . The action and playability of electric and classical guitars is normally much easier . Feel the bar chords on an electric or classical neck and remind yourself of what ’ s waiting for you as you get better on your instrument .
10 . Choose songs you want to learn that have some bar chords in them . This will guarantee that your goals will be out in front of you . This will fuel your motivation . And eventually , you ’ ll be able to play legitimate music with bar chords .
11 . Learn some alternate , open voicings . Although many bar chords are only available in their barred form , some open chords can be subbed in for bar chords . These can tide you over until you learn the official bar chords . Exempli gratia : instead of a barred B minor chord , I occasionally like to play a B minor 11 ( catch this on the video .) It sounds more colorful , too .
12 . See how quickly ( and accurately ) you can achieve bar chords . Think about it . These chords are like words in our vocabulary , and we ’ re learning to “ pronounce ” them well . Eventually , you ’ ll be able to summon them instantly , as you “ speak ” fluently . As you practice , try playing a bar chord , then make a fist , and then see how long it takes to recreate the chord . Try moving between bar chords and other chords because chords exist in context .
So those are 12 strategies for tackling bar chords . You may find several of them to be helpful . But play the long game .
If you ’ re “ in it to win it ,” and you really are intentionally developing your skills and want to have a solid command of your instrument , avoid expecting bar chords to be something to be developed in days , or even weeks . Work on your strength and coordination and give yourself permission to take the necessary time to tackle bar chords .
You might have smaller hands that aren ’ t that strong yet . Developing your strength will take time . You may be new to the guitar , so you may be moving your fingers in totally new ways . Enhancing your dexterity will also take time . Set reasonable goals for yourself so that you can accomplish them , but don ’ t aim so high that you lose hope .
WHY BAR CHORDS ?
It ’ s always good to circle back around and ask ourselves why a concept or tool is important .
If you want to be able to play full chord voicings in a variety of keys , bar chords will serve you well .
If you want to borrow chords from outside the key you ’ re in , bar chords will unlock many of these possibilities for you .
And if you want to add interest to your arrangements by modulating or transposing , bar chords will bridge the gap between keys .
Add to this the fact that when you create a bar chord , you ’ re in charge of how long those strings ring ; you ’ re not at the mercy of open strings over which you have little control .
That ’ s a pretty strong case for why bar chords can add value to our guitar playing .
I hope this was helpful . Please stay in touch for more battle-tested guitar tips . Keep showing up !
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David Harsh David is a nationally touring worship leader , songwriter and performing artist . He is passionate about equipping guitarists to discover their potential . Learn more and join now at www . GuitarSuccess4U . com .