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We play bar chords for 2 reasons…
… Bar chords allow us to play in all keys. They allow us to play all 12 major and all 12 minor chords.
… But bar chords allow us also to play rhythms that are impossible to play with open chords.
Bar chords are a must! Enjoy!
This lesson features…
… My 7 steps to make a bar chord sound.
… The on-off exercise.
… 1 application.
You can download the tabs by clicking here (search for HG8 – This Rhythm Needs Bar Chords).
Print it. Use it. Make notes.
And here is everything else you need to know. Enjoy!
💪 Action Steps
- Follow these 7 steps to get this bar chord (577655) cleanly out of your guitar: #1 straighten index,
#2 angle it (45°),
#3 put middle joint of index on bottom string fret 5, make it sound,
#4 reach top string with fingertip, make it sound,
#5 make the bottom 2 strings sound,
#6 check top string again,
#7 place E major shape next to index bar finger and make all strings sound.
- Practice playing this bar chord (577655) staccato (short, separated). Therefore, take off the pressure on the strings immediately after it sounded.
- Practice playing dead notes (percussive notes without pitch). Therefore, keep touching all strings lightly and strum.
- Do the on-off exercise. Play the bar chord (577655), take off pressure, keep touching all strings, play all muted strings (dead notes), repeat.
- Practice the rhythm in the tabs. Do it slowly and mind all details.
- Enjoy playing!
📈 Difficulty
4/10 (This gives you a rough idea of how difficult it is. If you feel it’s actually easier, great. If not, don’t feel bad.)
⏰ Time Estimation
1 Week (This is a rough estimation that can vary widely. If you’re faster, great. If not, don’t feel bad.)
✏️ Extra Tips
- Make sure your bar chords sound clean. If a single string is missing, don’t worry. Keep playing and refining. You’ll get there.
- Place your index bar finger and all other fingertips you use close to the fretwires.
- Pull back your left arm a little to get pressure on the strings in addition to squeezing the neck.
- Keep all staccato rhythms (short, separate) extra short and clean.
🎯 Encouragement
Bar chords are not optional. They’re essential. If you want to make progress, take the time and master bar chords. They open up a whole new world of rhythm guitar playing. Plus, they help you learn the fretboard. Enjoy practicing!
Talk soon,
Florian from Hi Guitar
