Barre Chords for Guitar
Barre chords are the gateway to playing in every key, anywhere on the neck. Once you have two shapes under your fingers, E shape and A shape, you can play any major or minor chord without learning new patterns. They are challenging at first, but entirely learnable with the right technique.
Try it interactively
Use the Chord Explorer to see fretboard positions for major and minor chords in every key.
What Makes a Barre Chord?
A barre chord (also spelled "bar chord") is formed by pressing the index finger flat across all strings at one fret, effectively acting as a moveable nut. The remaining fingers then form a chord shape above the barre. Because the shape is moveable, the same finger pattern plays different chords depending on which fret the barre sits at.
The Two Essential Shapes
E-Shape Barre Chord (Root on 6th String)
Take an open E major chord shape and move it up the neck. Your index finger replaces the open nut. The root note is always on the 6th string at the fret you barre. This gives you a major chord at every fret from F upwards.
| Fret (barre) | Chord | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | F major | F A C |
| 2 | F# major | F# A# C# |
| 3 | G major | G B D |
| 5 | A major | A C# E |
| 7 | B major | B D# F# |
| 8 | C major | C E G |
| 10 | D major | D F# A |
For E-shape minor barre chords, simply use the open Em shape instead. The 2nd finger is removed and the index finger still barres across the full fret.
F
E-shape major
Fm
E-shape minor
A-Shape Barre Chord (Root on 5th String)
Take an open A major chord and barre at a higher fret. The root is on the 5th string and the low E string is typically muted. This gives you a second major chord position for every key, higher up the neck.
| Fret (barre) | Chord | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | C major | C E G |
| 5 | D major | D F# A |
| 7 | E major | E G# B |
| 8 | F major | F A C |
| 10 | G major | G B D |
C
A-shape major
fret 3
Bm
A-shape minor
fret 2
The Two-Shape System
Correct Barre Technique
- Position your thumb: keep it behind the neck, roughly opposite your middle finger. Avoid wrapping it over the top.
- Use the bony edge: roll your index finger slightly towards the headstock so the harder side of the finger does the work.
- Get close to the fret: place your index finger right behind the fret wire, not in the middle of the fret.
- Press from the elbow: the squeezing force comes from pulling your elbow towards your body, not gripping with just the hand.
- Check string by string: pluck each string individually to identify which one is buzzing, then adjust.
Building Up to Full Barre Chords
If full barre chords are causing frustration, use this progression to build strength gradually:
| Step | Exercise | Goal |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Barre strings 1–2 only at fret 5 | Low-resistance index finger press |
| 2 | Barre strings 1–3 only | Build partial barre strength |
| 3 | Full barre without other fingers | Check every string rings cleanly |
| 4 | Add chord shape on top of full barre | First complete barre chord |
| 5 | Transition: open chord → barre chord | Build switching speed |
Power Chords: A Simpler Alternative
Power chords (root + 5th, two or three strings) are technically partial barres and are far easier to play. They are the backbone of rock and punk rhythm guitar. While not full barre chords, they are a great stepping stone and remain essential in their own right.
E5 Power Chord