Barre chords are a very useful useful way to change from chord to chord on the guitar. They are also intuitive to use once you get the hang of it.
But one common problem particularly for first-timers is that it is also somewhat tricky to make all the strings ring out clearly and therefore get the most out of using the barre chord.
In this article, I am assuming that you are familiar with the common barre chord shapes and not be going to show you these. Rather, I am simply going to show you how to execute it.
Thumb
Unlike when you're fretting open-string chords (thumb wrapped around the neck), when playing barre chords your thumb should be well behind the neck as well as being aligned with your middle finger on the other side.
Index Finger
This is your main barring finger. I say main because there are barre chords that also uses you ring finger. But we will leave that out for now and discuss this in another article.
So without fretting with the rest of your fingers, make a barre with your index finger and focus on making all the strings ring out clearly (no buzz allowed). If you notice some buzzes it could be that your thumb is not distributing equal amount of pressure across the strings. One trick you can do here is using the side of your index finger which faces your thumb to fret the strings with.
Keep on doing this until those strings ring out clearly. Don't worry if they dont't sound so musical at this point.
Other Fretting Fingers
When you got that barre sounding perfectly, keep your index finger still to maintain that nice sounding barre. Afterwards simply add on the other 2 or 3 fingers. Remember to keep them arched over the stings so that they are not in any way touching them other than the strings they are supposed to be fretting.
Another thing to remember is to use the tip and not the pad of your fingers.
I am going to be honest with you. This may be learned so quickly by some but others may struggle. It is going to hurt your fretting hand at first. It is very normal as you are still building muscles and callouses. Think of it as going to a gym to work out. It hurts at first but if you keep on doing it, the results can be very rewarding. So please don't procrastinate, just do it.
Another factor to consider is also your string height (a.k.a. string action). If you think you are exerting too much effort just to make those strings sound properly. Then your strings may be too far away from the finger board. This is common among most acoustic guitars and this why I advise my students to learn on electric ones. Anyway, take your guitar to a luthier (guitar tech/builder) and have your string action adjusted according to your playing comfort.
PS Do you want me to post Guitar Chord Charts so you don't have to look for them on your own? Feel free to comment, don't be shy, I'm here to help:)
