Barre chords are one of the most useful skills a guitarist can develop. Unlike open chords, these movable shapes allow you to play chords in different positions across the fretboard, opening up a whole new world of songs, chord progressions and musical possibilities.
In this free 17-minute guitar lesson, AJ Moore introduces two of the essential major and minor barre chord shapes, explaining how they’re formed, how they relate to the CAGED system and how to develop the correct technique to make them sound clean and comfortable.
We’ll begin with the familiar E major shape and gradually transform it into an F major barre chord, before exploring how a simple adjustment creates F minor. Along the way, we’ll look at finger positioning, fretting-hand technique and practical ways to overcome common problems such as buzzing strings and excessive hand tension.
Learn through five progressive exercises and two classic songs!
Using the verse chord progression from (Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay by Otis Redding, we’ll work through five carefully structured exercises, starting with simple power chords and gradually building towards full major barre chords across the fretboard.
We’ll then turn to Creep by Radiohead to explore the difference between major and minor chords, including how changing just one note can completely transform the character of a chord progression.
Your FREE four-page downloadable PDF includes:
Whether you’re attempting barre chords for the first time or looking to improve your technique, this lesson will help you build confidence and take another important step towards becoming a more versatile guitarist.
Watch the FREE lesson.
Download the accompanying four-page PDF, featuring guitar TAB, music notation, chord diagrams and five progressive exercises designed to help you develop your major and minor barre chord technique.
Starting with simple power chords, you’ll gradually work towards playing full barre chords using the verse progression from (Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay by Otis Redding.
You’ll also find exercises based on Creep by Radiohead, helping you practise changing between major and minor barre chord shapes and understand how these changes affect the sound of a chord progression.
Using the five progressive exercises from Dock of the Bay, begin at Level 1 and gradually work your way towards Level 5. Focus on achieving a clean, even sound before moving on to the next exercise.
Once you’re comfortable, try playing the chord progression from Creep, paying particular attention to the change from C major to C minor. Listen to how changing just one note creates a completely different musical feel.
Remember to practise slowly, keep your fretting hand relaxed and avoid applying more pressure than necessary.
Extra challenge: Try moving your major and minor barre chord shapes to different positions on the fretboard. See how many new chords you can discover!
Happy playing!
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