Guitar CHEATS! - Never Play a Barre Chord Again!

[@ShaneOpeno]

You. You are doing God's work, son. I have been STRUGGLING with barre chords for months. Some of us don't have those natural long willowy fingers. You just got a new subscriber, my brother.

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

+Shane Openo I'm glad to help :) Welcome to the channel 👍

[@Timbo6669]

Um 'long willowy fingers'? THats an excuse buddy....Bar chords require years of practice so i hope you keep trying....THese tips are great if you want to keep up with good players instantly...ALways recommend you play with ppl that are better than you anyway...It makes you better, quicker..

[@ShaneOpeno]

Timbosity Coming Yeah. Long willowy fingers. You really gonna try and tell me that some aren't more genetically advantaged than others with regard to the ability to play? Really?

[@mikewilliams8713]

Shane Openo Andreas Segovia who pretty much introduced the classical guitar to the modern world had fingers that have been compared to chipolata sausages. It's about practice, not about having long fingers.

[@ShaneOpeno]

Mike Williams I stand by my statement. Expect no apology or reaction.

[@notsogood6025]

"Hard work, Perseverance and dedication. Three words we will not be talking about today". This is my kind of video.

[@oldrrocr]

I knew I was doing it wrong... how is it I did not know these?

[@deusherbert-noel2424]

Hey, Darrell. I highly appreciate this, and can't wait to try those new chords out. I am extremely fortunate to have found your channel, and hope that it continues to grow. You are truly an inspiration for many guitarists!

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

+Déus Herbert-Noel Thanks so much! I really appreciate it!

[@deusherbert-noel2424]

Darrell Braun You're welcome. Thank you as well. 😉

[@chezz.1]

If anyone's interested, the actual chords he was playing instead of the barred triads are: Bm7bb5; Bm no5 7 add 11; Dsus2/B and Bm 2nd Inversion; Bm/F#; F# sus4 #5 Esus4/F#; F#m7no5add11 (you don't have to mute the open A string) and just a basic F#m triad! C#m7 and C#m 2nd Inversion; C#m/G#; C#sus4#5 Bsus4; Esus2/B and B 2nd Inversion; B/F#; F#6sus4no5 G#m7no5b13; G#m7#5 and another root position triad - G#m! There are many ways to name these chords depending on what system you like/ believe to be correct, that's why I have sometimes given more than one name to each (there are more ways than what's listed). By all means these chords are great alternatives to be lazy, and so are barre chords one could argue, but they aren't all the exact same chord you would be substituting for.

[@iangriffithsguitarist]

There's some great tips and some lovely chord voicings in this video. I know it's not the main thrust of the lesson but perhaps it's worth adding a note that some of these examples are producing extended chords? So in that F#m example you've got the open E and B strings which give you the 7th and 11th notes, making it an F#m11 (there's also the 5th omitted but that tends to be the first to go anyway). That Bm is a Bm11 (not just a 7th) too. As a general rule any of these would fit nicely in place of a more 'ordinary' un-extended chord. Obviously the video is about keeping things accessible, but I'd still say it's worth mentioning that they are technically slightly different chords. Plus it's always good to remember that there are plenty of complex-sounding chords that can be achieved with some clever use of open strings! Keep up the informative work!

[@jamesfrancisco3068]

Wow. That was excellent. I don't have too many problems with most barre chords on electric, but they can be killers on acoustic. And these versions SOUND so much better, too, IMO. Great stuff!

[@fluroflash2803]

Why am I watching this? I learnt to play bar chords ages ago

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

+Fluro Flash 😄 Thanks for watching anyway lol. Save these chords for when you're feeling lazy 😎

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

+quiksilver78 Thanks for subscribing :) I hope you enjoy the channel 👍

[@michaelcraig9449]

Flash, he is showing substitutes for bar chords.. not how to play bars..

[@fluroflash2803]

Just commented for a bit of a laugh, no need to call me out. Also eclipses are 3 dots not 2

[@jamiebales8394]

quiksilver78. I was only able to learn A-G#. How do I find the rest?

[@blakeneyadams4839]

At 63, I started playing guitar a year and a half ago. I practice barre chords but have a very hard time changing chords and nailing the barre. This way, I can play songs and change more quickly. Thank you sir for this chord "hack"!!

[@kelseypray6329]

Great cheats! Barre chords are always so difficult for my students! I teach mostly beginners, but I love giving them some songs they know to get them excited about playing! There are always barre chords in them though! Now I can show them these cheats and they will LOVE playing songs they actually listen to!😀

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

+Kelsey Pray 👍 Absolutely!

[@Kane6676]

Kelsey Pray bar chords should not exsist. Most people physically cannot play them

[@handyboy2000]

Kane6676 Hahahahahah. It takes time, but virtually every intermediate player uses them ever day.

[@ricstormwolf]

Interesting. Barre chords always came easy to me.

[@ModernGolfer]

Kelsey Pray - You know what that makes YOU, right? An excellent guitar teacher. I don't know you, but thanks for ADDING something truly positive to the world of music. You are what an "Instructor" is supposed to be. 👍

[@vibhatulsyan9586]

God! You really is guitar guru for my daughter from now. my daughter is a beginner and she learnt guitar by watching you tube lessons and kept saying that moma i cant play barre chords. But don't know that you will help her this easy way. Thank you so much. You got two new subscribers one me n another my daughter.

[@simrantulsyan2730]

Yup!! Momaaa😘

[@DavidTaubner]

I've had all the barre chords for decades, but I'm always looking for different sounding alternatives to give some variety. Great ideas. I notice for the B chord, you're easily managing the standard fingering 2,3,4 on strings 4-3-2. I find it easier to use fingers 3,2,4. Mind you, I also use that configuration on the open A chord, using fingers 2,1,3 but also 3,2,4.

[@officialmrgeekygamer]

Hey Darrell, I think this is a great way to teach this lesson. So many tutorials show learners how to cheat chords and change tuning but this video gives them a proper stepping stone so they can progress. Great work!

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

+Arran Black Thanks! I'm glad you liked the lesson 😀👍

[@Prreinke]

Hi Darrell. I've been playing barre chords for about 40 years now, but the "cheats" can be very, very helpful in fingerpicking or playing solo. thanks.

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

+Paul Reinke 👍 I definitely use them all the time still too :)

[@Frankyz84]

Having played for over 30 years and barres for 28 of those years, i found these voicings of basic simple barres interesting, and will try them out in my song writing, as well as pass them on to those students who are struggling.

[@rsiddharth5646]

These open sounding chords actually sound better than the mainstream ones! They make even regular songs so interesting! Thanks Darrell sir!

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

+R Siddharth Glad to help 😀

[@raywideman7157]

R Siddharth Nancy Wilson of Heart has a tutorial of sorts on utube where she talks about opening up the chord, and uses a lot of these kind of inversions. Why people call them " cheats" I don't really know because with the open strings ringing they sound beautiful, especially on an acoustic (Which is what she is known for) check it out, its good stuff

[@JodyJam_OG]

Great stuff Eric. I am a seasoned R&B Guitarist and I really enjoy the way you break down the chords, riffs and changes to the songs on your channel. I am a new subscriber but I will be on this channel on a regular basis. Thank you so much

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

+Jay Marx Welcome to the channel! I'm glad you are enjoying the content ☺

[@natepopodi4770]

I've been playing bar (or is it barre?) chords since I started playing because of my relatively strong hands, but lately I've been looking at more open voicings just to change it up. Thanks for the video, Darrell! Keep it up!

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

+Nate Popodi 👍😀

[@beastmaster6946]

i'm having a guitar lesson in my summer class and i've been struggling on every barre chords for a week now, you really helped a lot. you are godsend man, haha

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

+Ronan Kerby C. Suyom 👍 Glad to help!

[@jamesknox3107]

The Bm and B shapes have changed my life.

[@guisteh11]

I have been playing guitar for a lot of years, but I learn something new in each of your videos! Thank you!

[@ivhmusicdept3084]

Seriously!! You just saved my life!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you!! I subbed and I'm so grateful to have found your channel!!! You're a God-send!

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

+Nikki Stevenson That is great to hear! 😀 Welcome to the channel!

[@wheezyjefferson9136]

Thank you!! I'm a new player, at 44yrs old. I swear my middle and ring finger are webbed, not much stretch at all. But, I'm having fun and loving the guitar. Again, thanks for helping me so much!

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

+Joy Benko That great to hear! I'm glad it helped :)

[@GeorgePossley]

Very cool video, Darrel. Fortunately, I learned to play barre chords by forcing myself to just do them. I still don't play them cleanly as I'd like but I get by. My personal opinion is that unless I was obsessed with a certain song (and that has happened) I'd be less likely to learn any of these "power chord" alternatives since they are all unique shapes whereas learning to barre allows a portable figure that doesn't require new muscle memory only a new position. I've been strumming for about 50 years now and that's still all I can do but the guitar is not a solo instrument for me and never will be. Using a capo and easy to play keys like A, C, D and G, I can play just about any song I desire to sing.

[@tedc6694]

This channel is really growing. I like it. Long way from guitar reviews. I started playing about 45 years ago and have played in several gigging bands and recorded on several albums but still learn new things here... and it's fun to watch sometimes even if it's something I already know

[@jgrossma]

I like what you did here, but unless your first initials are "BB" and your last name is "King" I think you're probably going to need to play some barre chords sooner or later. Even BB King (who often claimed not to know chords) still could play barre chords. . .I know because I've seen him. . .he just didn't do it often. And even if you don't play 5-6 string chords, you'll still want to know how to put down a barre so that you can sustain a bass note or chord fragment and play single notes on top. IE, barres are useful for more than just standard barre chord shapes. On making barres easier, I'd just add that SETUP matters a good bit. Low action and low tension strings both help. More radius on fretboard can help too. In terms of technique, try not to barre unnecessary strings. IE, if you can get away with just a 1/2 bar on three, then use the half bar. If you need only four strings then barre only four, etc. Sometimes you can get away with a bar where you only maintain pressure on the lowest string and a few higher ones. If that's the case, its OK to do that instead of trying to crunch down all six. Lastly (and this is important) try to let the weight of your arm pull your finger down into the barre, rather than relying on pure grip strength. That's extra helpful if you need to sustain a barre for more than a measure or two (eg you're running single notes off a fixed barre position, etc). Keep up the good work. . always enjoy seeing your vids.

[@olderendirt]

I can play barre chords without too much trouble, but sometimes they start getting to my hands. Learning these will be very helpful to switching up. And one can never learn too much. Thanks for this. I just subscribed.

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

+olderendirt Welcome to the channel! ☺

[@rayross997]

Nice to get a break from "hard work" & "perseverance", these chords give a different sound and are great to know even if one is good at barre chords. They are like a easy chord vacation to a warm place in a rough Canadian winter, thanks Darrell. :) lol

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

+Ray Ross 😄👍

[@GilAraya]

Darrell, you're a great teacher. I enjoy your gear review videos, but when you shoot a video teaching technique like this one, they are really gold. I can do bar chords (have been playing guitar for a while after all), but even so, the information in this video will certainly be put to use. Those "easy shape" chords you taught are interesting because they are really very jazzy sounding chords that can add color to many progressions. For example, your Bm chord is really a Bm7 add 11 if I'm not mistaken (or a D6add9, I love how this chords can be different things), and it actually sounds better in some contexts than plain old Bm, specially if I'm writing my own music. So thanks again for this. Stellar job, and I hope you keep them coming.

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

+Gilberto Araya Thanks for the kind words! I appreciate it! Yes, that is the correct Bm chord 👍 (R b3 b7 b3 4)

[@kentamplin]

Nice Tips, Darrell!

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

+Ken Tamplin Vocal Academy Thanks so much Ken!😀

[@shineyt1835]

@@DarrellBraunGuitar hey why does the riff in the beginning sound like metallica

[@raywideman7157]

Man, I swear, I've been playing with my church praise band , and while I'm reasonably comfortable with bar chords, it seems that almost every other song we do has F#m, or its an F#m7, and G#m, and B or Bm7, and when your playing the bar inversions of those chords, with reasonably quick changes, by the time you get through a 3 or 4. Minute song you feel arthritic!! Your hand is so cramped up you can't get it off the neck!! Lol! Its a major chop killer, so those open Inversions are a major life saver

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

+Ray Wideman I hear ya! ☺

[@PILOSOPAUL]

replace C#m with 0 - E 2 - C# 1 - G# 2 - E x - mute x or 0 - mute or E

[@stephencorfield7720]

I am getting very stiff finger due to arthritis , some chords are difficult for me now so i am always looking for new ways to play what i want. I have found that open tunings can be easier on the fingers and opens up a new world that is great fun.

[@Ian10111]

Great video these are some sneaky and clever trick! Thanks Darrell! Your the best😄👍

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

+Ian Gonzalez Glad it was helpful 👍😀

[@paulukulilie533]

WOW - been playing for 50 years and then you learn something so cool and simple.. now I also know the names for some of those funny chords I've been playing LOL. AWESOME STUFF...

[@LuizdeCastro06]

Thom Yorke plays this F#m on High n' Dry! Nice choise, I have to say.

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

+Luiz de Castro 06 Sweet! 👍😎

[@danielliu8802]

Darrell, I really love your videos and reviews about guitars and tricks. From your videos, I guess you started playing guitar with acoustic guitars and enjoyed it for quite a long time then went to electric guitars. Your style is not very heavy and strong, and your licks always come with inner beauty. Best of luck!

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

+daniel Liu Thanks for the kind words!

[@goosups6609]

I love barre chords tho

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

+Suede Maid 👍😎

[@stevef4010]

I find barre chords pretty easy to play for the most part, but It it can be more difficult switching between open/barre and I guess that's where this could come in handy. Nice info for sure.

[@goosups6609]

Steve F I dont have that issue because practice makes perfect but everyone is different

[@croja07]

Dante Disaster because of all the things that you can do around them

[@stephendurrant5790]

I agree. Barre chords are so so so neccessary. If you disagree people please don't call me a wanker cause you can't play barre chords and I can. Just simply disagree it makes the world a better place Fukkaz

[@rickybgoode9078]

I agree barre chords are awesome; if, you can do them. I'm a 65yo beginner with arthritis and carpal tunnel in my fretting hand. My fingertips all curl together when I reach for the E, A and D strings. I'm practicing guitar for myself not to become a band member. I still keep trying for barre chords. Thanks for all of the help Darrell. Happy New Year all!

[@DavidRoadilla]

yay! the carbon fiber guitar, one of my fav guitar of yours :) great tutorial! :) thanks :)

[@morbanjo2503]

This is real good info even for people like myself who have been playing barre chords for a long, long time. Different voicings add subtle nuances to your sound. Also, when I'm playing a 5 hour gig and my left hand starts to cramp up from barre chords, it's nice to have different ways to get those chords.

[@Mmoose74]

Short stubby fingers are happy again.

[@captainkangaroo4301]

I love my Rainsong CO-WS1000N2T. It sounds great. It stays in tune better than any guitar I've owned. Living in Minnesota I don't have to worry about it checking due to rapid temperature changes. No humidification issues. Nice to see you playing one Darrell.

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

+Jeff Johansen Nice to find another RainSong owner :)

[@landonbailey]

cool man. always love your lesson videos!

[@cherrypickerguitars]

Excellent lesson. I prefer the sound of the full barre in all examples......but the alternate, simplified chord shapes DO make certain chord progressions easier! Thanks for sharing.

[@rendyandrian7149]

Wow those open chords are nice sounding and easy to play chord. I wish I knew it decades ago when I started learning guitar. Before learning full barre chord, my guitar teacher taught me 4 strings pattern. Without long, I changed to full barre chord. I did it on a acoustic guitar with 0.12 gauge strings. That guitar never had proper setup so the action was high. The strings was rusty and wasn't replaced if not broken.So playing barre chord was quite painful. In the end my barre chord never ring properly especially on 1st and 2nd strings. I kept playing the same way with same guitar for years. Because of that bad habit, I always feel uncomfortable playing barre chord. And nowadays I play an electric guitar with 0.09 gauge strings with proper setup. So, for any beginner guitar player, don't do what I've been done.

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

+Rendy Andrian Oh man, that sounds painful!

[@DanzoSrife]

DUDE! your description of the pain kept ramping up. Step 1: .12 gauge, ouch.. step 2: HIgh action> OUCH! > Step 3: rusty strings. OUCHHHH! really funny man and damn that sounded painful! I hope u theres some diagrams of that 4 strings pattern somewhere?

[@robjoy1515]

Rendy Andrian I learned back in the 70's. I know used 12s also. my teacher strung my guitar. the action was terrible and hand pain all the time. I have short fingers to. my teacher used nylon stings. 2 years later he told me I'd never play because my fingers were to short, no hand strength and he wanted to cut the skin between my fingers as I could not stretch my fingers open enough. was he joking I don't know, but I quit at 18. 40 years later I play my Taylor's and finger pick and use my thumb which was a no no back then. Thanks for the lesson and learning new voicings.

[@JuStme1696ZM]

Love you man!!! I'm always looking for new ways to improve my playing. I'll use it for my next cover for sure. Thank you so much! Keep doing these kind of videos.

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

+Zahira Mancebo Thanks! Glad you are enjoying the videos :)

[@陳嘉明-u4y]

omg he helps students to cheat on guitars that sounds so cool

[@normanbyrne9868]

I'm not worthy! I'm not worthy! Thanks so much for this lesson. As you mentioned, I have avoided trying certain favorite songs thanks to barre chords for so long. I'll give this a try, for sure! Thanks again.

[@michaelcraig9449]

Why dont others like Bar Chords? I dont like them because they sound so generic, and everyone plays them, and also carpal tunnel issues make them painful, and detrimental to play them..especially on acoustic guitar.. so, I will want to learn as many odd ways to use chords as possible, instead of using bar chords..so yeah, that would be awesome if you post up as many non - bar chords as possible..that would be cool if you posted up a bunch of substitute chords instead, for those of us that have over practiced and got injured....Thanks.

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

+Michael Craig Stay tuned to the channel :) I plan to do some more chord lessons in the future 👍

[@petemclinc]

I've recently improved playing barre chords but my wrist may be permanently damaged due to carpal tunnel syndrome. I realize some barre chords can be played using your thumb like Hendrix and your method could avoid further injury. Do you know of any wrist exercises or anything else short of surgery I could do to alleviate my discomfort? Look forward to more of your vids. Cheers! ;-]

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

+petemclinc I would recommend playing with the guitar neck elevated in a classical guitar position, with the guitar between your legs. If you are not used to this, consider using a foot stool if you prefer the guitar on your lap. This will put your wrist in the most comfortable position :)

[@michaelcraig9449]

Yeah Darrel, I had the carpal tunnel surgery in 2008, and had to wait like a year or 2 after that before I could even play a bar chord on the acoustic. I had to totally just start with the electric for a long time and stick wit that instead. I was practicing a lot in Dec. and January, adding some new technique exercises, finger stretches, ball and gripper squeezes, etc..kind of overdid it, again, now I am coming back from it, again, and yeah, I could use any practical advice you have about it..I am seeing a chiropractor about it, but he has never treated a guitarist recovering form carpal tunnel.. so, if you have some specific info, that would be cool.. thanks..

[@michaelcraig9449]

I did subscribe to your channel on here. So, I will look for it, when you post it up. Thanks.

[@esegoldberg]

Thanks for this great video. As a older person who started learning guitar barre chords are a bit difficult. This video opened my eyes to some options. I also liked your other videos on guitar tone comparisons. Keep up the good work...:) (And yes I just subscribed).

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

+Franklin Garza Glad you enjoyed the video! Welcome to the channel ☺

[@domb0]

Those chords sound totally different and I wouldn't consider them substitutes. Sure are pretty though so thanks.

[@leehanson1416]

Good stuff. I've been divorcing myself from barre chords over several years now, for a few reasons: I don't need to play the root of the chord in a band with a bass player, unless it's part of a riff- why muddy up the bass register. The other reason is that, as you have pointed out, the more interesting sounding chords are often easier to play. Many times, hitting 3 or 4 strings with an interesting voicing helps the flow of the song.

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

+Lee Hanson Good points!

[@trojanforce6112]

Hey Darrell, ur videos are really amazing and very helpful. Am a begineer and I find it difficult to play bar chords! But thanks to YOU. Hope ur channel grows well and U may reach 1M subscribes very soon

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

Thanks for the kind words, I really appreciate it! ☺

[@MichaelHarvill98]

Thanks for putting this out there for those that need it. I mastered bar chords about thirty years ago.

[@jimleffler7976]

Thanks Darrell, yourself and Steve Stine have been a great help

[@stdermeister1]

well done, i used barre chords all the time but it is always nice to see alternate voicing options for common chords. Its especially nice when looking for fun little variations in arpeggios. Not a novice but still it was a very nice presentation useful for any level.

[@JoseMiguel-yi5ur]

Man, your videos are so useful! Keep up the good work, greetings from Mexico :)

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

+José Miguel Thanks José! I'm glad you are enjoying the channel :)

[@noah-gdesign9570]

I play barre chords just fine, but it's always great to learn new voicings. Excellent video.

[@lisacole850]

Thank you so very for this due to some permanent nerve damage I have a problem feeling my hands and it has taken me bout three years just to get to where I can play some basic cowboy chords. I’ve tried and tried to do the barring but I just can’t seem to manage it. So thank you again you just don’t realize how much this video is going to help me.

[@curtzblues]

Nice alternate choices/voices, thanks. The C#m and B alternates having same shapes threw me till I saw they come out of the barre chord.

[@Morgan423Z]

There are also cheater chords for common open chords too, for those that struggle with them at first. G: Not as common to struggle with, but some do. There's an easy G chord at 3X0003 (fret the high and low E at the third fret. Use your finger (or thumb) that you fretted the low E string with to mute the A string). If you don't need the bass, just play the highest 4 strings, E string fretted at 3rd fret. C: A struggle for new players, especially those with small hands. An easy four-string C can be found at XX2010, and just strum the top 4 strings only like you would for a D chord.

[@mike1967sam]

Hey Darrell I've been playing for 30 yrs and BTW that says very little about my playing if I had had more dedication I could be so much better than I am but I love your vids and there's always something new I can pick up by watching... there's always something that either I've forgotten or that I don't know. Thanks a lot. Mike.

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

+Purple Haze Thanks Mike! I'm glad you're enjoying the channel 😀

[@eloann]

I didn't expect much of this video since I *can* play barres quite decently but a couple voicings I didn't know may actually come in handy. I've had tendons issues and should avoid overly physical playing which obviously includes barres on an acoustic. So I kinda gave up acoustic altogether for the time being.

[@nickjonas9222]

really helpful... glad to see how much your channel has grown :)

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

+Nick Jonas Thanks! Yeah, it's been great to see everyone subscribing and interacting on the channel 😀

[@thomasgrahamdavies3593]

I'm about to make my third attempt at learning to play the guitar. I don't have the fingers for barre chords and it's driven me mad before. I've been out today and bought a better sounding guitar than my old beast hoping it will inspire me to stick at it. I have arthritis in my hands, but I'm hoping that coming across this video may give me a playable alternative. Thanks for posting this.

[@jonnyfatlegs]

Hi Darrell, Brilliant! I've played guitar all my life and struggled with Bar chords, this looks so much easier, im'e a volunteer for a Charity that teaches people how to play guitar and am also in a Charity Band called "Rock of Ages" so after watching this i am going to get stuck in & learn to play a lot more songs! Cheers!!!

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

+Mission to Mars - Rock & Blues Band That makes me so happy! Thanks for sharing and good luck 😀

[@bellachi9575]

Another helpful vid. Thanks! And nice tone on that beautiful Rainsong!

[@MrWillcapone]

I learned to play by myself and learned the barre. I can do it no problem. But on some songs I can hear those open voicings and I couldn't figure out what the hell the chords were, and the barre chords I attempted don't give the same feel and I found it so frustrating. So thank you so much for this. This one instance is like backward learning on this subject for me but it is so much appreciated since it gave me a larger perspective. Thank you so much :D

[@yvetimms59]

Thank you so much for sharing these cheats. I've not picked the guitar up for many years now. I treated myself to a 3/4 acoustic guitar and its much easier to play with small hands but barre chords are still really hard to master. I do hand stretching exercises and I play the Uke too so my hands are quite used to quick chord changes on a small fret board and 4 strings. The new way of playing some of these barre chords have opened up my song goody bag. Again my friend, thank you, you're a legend. xxx

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

+yve timms Always glad to help! ☺

[@gabrielgumbe7120]

Thanks so much I struggled with barre cords now you taught me how to play without using them may God bless you thanks and keep up the good work

[@philc1402]

There's no doubt that barre chords take a while to master. But I like this tutorial because Darrell provides interesting alternative voicings which are worth learning in themselves and not just as a way of escaping from playing barre chords.

[@MaxLohMusic]

Not JUST easier. These voicings are richer, more emotional, and just better-sounding overall if you're going for a professional pop/acoustic vibe. Good eye-opening video.

[@tomcolt3]

Great Video. Good production quality too. You're a good teacher.

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

+Tom M Thanks Tom! Glad you enjoyed the video 👍

[@Killerjay117]

Damn I knew my barres and opens and even caged chords. But man this opens a new world of chords I never thought of. New voicing to old chords!!! Thank you sir!

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

+Reconᴴᴰ Glad to hear it! 👍

[@deliriousrobinnails300]

Nice! Been playing for 3 months and my barre chords are inconsistent. I know that in time I'll improve, but for right now, it sure is great to have some substitutions that I can use. It's also helpful to see how different chord shapes can be used on the neck--another concept I'm learning that definitely deserves reinforcement. Thank you. Subscribing!

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

+Robin Kegg Welcome to the channel! ☺

[@drktch]

Those open strings sound great, especially tying similar chords together! No barre chord aversion is required to enjoy this video. :) ...Request: full chord names on screen. (E.g. 4x4400 = G#m7#5)

[@riloh58]

Plused and subscribed for the intro alone. Please keep up the good work, some great material in your videos.

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

+riloh58 Thanks! I hope you enjoy the channel 😀👍

[@charliefoxtrotthe3rd335]

I had a teacher once who was one of the old school "learn it, master it before moving on" and if you got stuck, he would not go any further until you figured it out. We were doing the changes with the I, IV, & V progressions. The key of A was not bad at all, just A, D & E. Then we went to the key of B, which is B (barre chord) E, then F# (barre chord). I thought "well, don't look like I am going past the key of B for a while! And his test to move on was getting the changes right to a metronome set at 90 bpm. May not sound fast at all, but it is brutal.

[@ddelboccio]

That last chord progression in the video was Rush's Spirit of Radio. No wonder I love this channel! :)

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

+Dave Del Boccio Good spot! 😁👍

[@tomaaron6187]

Thanks for some new tools for the chord chest. Being left handed but playing like a rightie, I don't find making bar chords difficult. However, your shapes help to transition quicker and add some variety. I'll still use the full bars in a song like 'Hotel California' but really like these new shapes for a bit more bluesy sound.

[@jasonjohnson4170]

this popped up when I was searching for something else and I was intrigued and decided to check it out. Been playing for 40 years now and feel that I need to tell new learners that learning how to fret bar chords correctly is an important part of progressing as a guitar player. Use these, but understand that some of the inherent notes included with these voicings aren't notes that are typically included in the original minor chords. No, you do not always have to use bar chords, but understand that once you have bar chords tackled, your hands are then strong enough to handle most anything on the guitar. I do like this idea though and the voicings here. But new students....keep practicing the bar chords till you get them. Important.

[@karlanm925]

One of my favorite non-barre voicings of the Em. Same as the barre with only three fingers. Em is 7.7.9.9.8.7, alt voicing is 0.7.9.0.7.0 I think Incubus - Drive uses this chord. I also use a lot of "ukulele style" barre chords on guitar by leaving out the Bass strings(E & A), then playing barred versions of the A, Am, C, D, Gm, Gm & F uke shapes. You can start at the 5th fret to get same notes as uke, but it also can start from the nut

[@spacep0d]

You had me at 'Never Play a Barre Chord Again.' :D Nice instruction, thanks!

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

+spacep0d 😄👍👍👍

[@mischak65]

Arrgh! You're telling all my secrets to the world ;) . No - I do a lot of these voicings, not to avoid bar chords... but to add this wavering effect to some songs... like leaving high e and b string always open. Great video, would recommend it to my pupils.

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

+mischak65 😄 Thanks! Yeah, these voicings are just great stand - alone colour chords 👍

[@mischak65]

Good work, mate!

[@denisamoza798]

Thank so much for the video and this so called cheats, Barre chords were my biggest weakness in playing guitar I could never do them right only few of them because of that I quit playing guitar regularly and now I play rarely but finding your video accidentally I'm looking forward to play again like old times. I'm looking forward for your channel and videos! :)

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

+denisa moza That's so great to hear! I'm glad you're playing guitar again! 😀

[@christopher0310]

I took lessons from a guy who taught the alternate E scale as he showed it. E, A, B, C#, F#, G#, D# with a power cord shape. later I heard someone call them Railroad Tracks. I prefer that alternate Bm7 you showed that I often use in a D scale.

[@Omar_52]

Although I have very little problem with barre chords, I do like the variations you have shown here - especially the transitions in the chord patterns. I sub'd your channel, ya'all gots good stuff. Dale

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

+Dale H Thanks Dale! Welcome to the channel 😀

[@peadarmurphy1375]

Cheers Darrell, I have always hated playing B's, mainly because Im lazy and they are difficult..and maybe now my own Rainsong that I have about 10 years can be played properly!!! Subscribed..

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

+Peadar Lamb Murphy 😄 Nice! Welcome to the channel 👍

[@sebastiansteiner1546]

Very good Video. In my opinion the open chords often sound better than the original barre chords. The C#m also sounds nice with open E, A 11th fret, D 11th fret, G 9th fret and the two bottom strings open.

[@ThePhilmcgeehan]

I haved used that middle C#m voicing for a long time..Love to slide it down to the B with the same ringing strings...Sounds amazing!

[@Tabsit_Academy]

hi Darell big fan from Morocco... can you tell me plz what type of guitar you played with in the video?

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

+Hafid Elkhaddar Sure, it's a RainSong guitar :)

[@irwinfc]

i have my barre chords nailed down, so i the shapes would feel very weird to me. however, they do sound "different" and would likely "confuse" some guitarists. i'm going to learn those forms to give my acoustic playing a different spice. too bad i have already subscribed to your channel. i would sub again in a heartbeat! keep the vids coming!

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

+irwinfc Thanks!

[@Elluvis72]

It is a very usefull video to me. Altough I play barre cords well, sometimes they don't sound as well as the open chords in a song.

[@blackfender100]

I'm glad I found this Darrell thanks for sharing with us.

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

+Joe Dov Anytime 😀👍

[@saigebrugmann7945]

For barre chords, i use my thumb for the low E, ring finger for the A, pinky for the D string, and index for the G. I leave the B and high e open unless it doesnt sound good with the chord. It is a much more free sounding way to play the chord instead of the tight sound of barring every string.

[@rkbarry]

I can whip on a solid barre chord faster than squat, but I plan to study these beautiful voicings. Simplicity aside, they just have a different feel that may work for some of my tunes. Thanks!

[@KevinDean001]

I sometimes play inverted chords, for example for D I will play just the lower four strings, basically D/F# let the bass hit the D root note. I use that same shape up and down the neck for different chords. Love the sound.....

[@KerryProchaska]

Thanks for this video, dude. I've been wanting to learn more shortcut ways of doing barre chords. I'm so used to doing full barre chords that I find it difficult to break the habit. However a few years ago I learned to play Cat Stevens 'Don't Be Shy' using barre chord shortcuts and I can attest to the fact that full barre chords makes the song sound very different from the way he plays it so I learned to play it the way he does. But I didn't continue to learn more songs using barre chord shortcuts. So I purchased your pdf downloads to get back into learning shortcut shapes. Mahalo.

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

+Kerry Prochaska Nice! There are definitely some really beautiful alternatives to barre chords 👍 Enjoy the worksheet!

[@donniesasser6143]

Thanks Darrell. I really struggle with bar chords so I avoid them. Thanks for this video.

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

+Donnie Sasser Glad you found it helpful :) 👍

[@derpderpson8796]

Man Darell..I envious of your students. You are a great online teacher already, I can't even imagine how great you most be in person. Also what do the different Keys mean? Are those chords that suit to each other? Thanks for the good work, keep it going!

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

+Derp Derpson Thanks! Yes, chords are grouped in keys in such a way that they sound good together ☺

[@derpderpson8796]

Darrell Braun Guitar is there a worksheet on your etsy account? Thanks for the quick anwer too!

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

+Derp Derpson Not at the moment, but I'll add it to my list :)