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So... is it time to move on? Are you bored with just knowing open chords like C, G7, E, Am, and D?

Don't fret. There's a really easy way to turn one chord into 12.

What is it? Bar chords.

Here's how bar chords work:

You take a chord that you know in open position. Let's use E major as an example. Re-finger it so that you aren't using your index finger. Now pretend that your index finger is fretting all of the strings right behind the nut. Scoot all of your fingers up one fret. Your index finger will now be laying across the first fret.

That's an F chord.

Now strum it. A lot of the notes probably sound dead. It happens. Play the notes one at a time to find the ones that aren't clear. There's a 99% chance that the bad notes are on the low E, B, and high E strings. Those are the strings you are barring with your index finger.

Experiment with how hard you press and where you position your index finger to find the place that works for you. Don't worry, it'll take a few tries, and everyone's hands are different.

Now scoot that entire shape up until you're index finger is on the fifth fret. Play it. It should be easier to press down than the F chord. This chord is A major.

Practice playing the bar chord at every fret.

That's it. Bar chords take a little getting used to but the payoff is enormous.

Scott Anderson is a guitarist and writer. Check out teammethodguitar.weebly.com

// posted by lhtbx @ 4:18 PM