Rhythm Guitar 201 - Barre Chords

Barre chords are movable chord shapes that utilize a technique where you lay (barre) your fingers across the neck. 

Try barring your first finger across all 6 strings at the fifth fret.  See if you can hear all of the notes as you play each of the strings.  It can be tricky at first.  You probably hear the most buzzing around the third string.  Over time you will build the strength in your hand to barre with ease.  Our first barre chords will be built on pattern 4 and pattern 2 octave shapes.  These are the most commonly used.  If you remember, pattern 2 is based off of the A shape and pattern 4 is based off of the E shape.  The diagrams below show the major and minor versions of each. 

Notice that the first set of notes in each of these chords makes a powerchord.  To play these movable shapes, you find the desired root on the fretboard and then make the rest of the shape the same as you would with a powerchord.  Make sure you play each chord one note at a time and listen for all of the chord tones.  With the pattern 2 major chord, you have the option of barring with either the fourth of third finger.  Try both and decide which one is better for you.  Take your time and work out any kinks.  Be patient. 

After you have these barre chords under your fingers, try playing the I IV V and I VI II V progressions that we learned earlier using only barre chords.  I have updated the table below to include three more keys which introduce accidentals.  Try using at least two different starting points for each progression.  For example, start with a pattern 2 shape for the first run-through of the progression and then start with a pattern 4 shape the next time.  Play both progressions in all five keys as well as experiment on your own.  Make stuff up.  Enjoy all of the sounds you can make.