Thursday, December 4, 2008

5th String Root Bar Chord



Let's talk about the 5th String Root Bar Chord.It includes 5 strings/5,4,3,2 and 1.The 6th string or the biggest string is not played,normally.This chord,the Major,is barred with fingers 1 and 3.The 1 finger barring five strings and the 3 finger barring three strings.It comes from the A Major shape Open chord.You simply move the A bar up and bar 5 strings 2 frets behind the 3 string bar....got it!Just check out the diagram below!Bar chords are "movable"chords.They can be moved up and down the fretboard,unlike the open chords.You would need a capo to move them otherwise.Also,using bar chords means you can now play in all 12 major and minor keys.
The best way to practice is to play it up and down the fret board to the 12th fret and back down. (You may not be able to do this on some guitars. In this case, just go as far as you can. Say, to the 10th fret.) And remember, repeat the name of the chord out loud as you play it. You'll have to do this over and over so you can remember the name and what fret it is played on.
Use sharps going up and flats coming down.

* Going up - A(open)-Bb-B-C-Db-D-Eb-E-F-Gb-G-Ab
* Coming down - A(barred/12th fret)-G#-G-F#-F-E-D#-D-C#-C-B-A#

Remember, this bar chord is based on the open A shape.
remember...the 6th string is normally...not played.And 1st finger is barring 6 strings while the 3rd finger is barring strings 4,3 and 2.Try and pull your wrist down and out while playing this shape,it will help get the bar to work,and lays the fingers down on the fretboard!Also,slant your hand to the left!And most important is....PATIENCE
We will talk about the 5th string minor bar shape next.

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