How to REALLY Play Bar Chords - A Beginner Guitar Tutorial

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How to play a bar or barre chord on the guitar! In this beginner lesson, Philadelphia guitar instructor Rob Swift demonstrates how barre chords are developed from our common open chords. The proper technique is broken down into simple steps, as you also learn to quickly identify bar chords across the fret board. Let's get started!
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[@nickboopy]

E is for Easy F is for Forget about it

[@Lastrevio]

lmfao

[@kevinmira1372]

Lol

[@Eeeemomo]

F is for fuck the f chord

[@norwegiannignog2470]

Seal of Approval F sucks but it’s one of the easiest bar chords

[@berlayyoo9659]

Alea Matusse you must suck then

[@basitharajeev3646]

Me : great song,let me check the chords F chord : are you sure you want play the song

[@Charles-yi3mx]

You can play the F chord (XX3321) basically by eliminating the bar and starting from the 4th string. It doesn't sound as good as the real thing but it works

[@lisamatser5719]

What about B's? xD

[@halcy0n-585]

This is my exact feelings about Shinedown's Amaryllis, which is why I looked up this video.

[@pallaki021]

😂

[@PIKL_Creep]

Me too but 4 of the 5 chords were bar chords.

[@WhyForWhatNow]

Him: "all bar chords are based off the open position chords that you already know" Me: *Sweats in beginner*

[@stephentarpley8898]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 been at it 30 days and im like wtf is going on

[@MsIsis101]

“Sweats in beginner” 🤣😭

[@infallible_8343]

Don’t worry I’ve been playing for six years and realized today that my teacher taught me almost nothing, I learned TWO CHORDS and it was right before I stopped lessons. You’re doing a lot better than me.

[@rozwell2216]

this guy also made a vid abt how to do chords and how to switch between chords faster. i forgot the title but srsly its soo useful like hacks

[@lisamatser5719]

@@infallible_8343 Whahaahha that's (sorry) hilarious. I learned like about 5 chords and my teacher tried to teach me some theory of the more advanced stuff but I really suck at power and bar chords lmao

[@taryo_6]

The explanation on how the chords are named is one of the most useful things I’ve ever learnt about guitar. Thank you.

[@skintslots]

My thoughts exactly.

[@ksavva]

@@skintslots @swiftlessons and mine, i wish you put the scale of major chords you play on the amaj shape going down the neck like you did for the e if that makes sense lol

[@rapidresolves4642]

💯

[@alvinmalave8885]

I totally agree!

[@silentcry5788]

same

[@CaJoel]

My finger looks like a baguette with 6 lines on it

[@pieceofslushie154]

i never felt so relatable right now

[@denaenaeee]

CaJoel same

[@harmonybell-towers6090]

It hurts

[@frankthesausage]

I got the hang of it it’s that you have to practice the bar only to get the hang of it

[@sentientpotato9342]

My finger doesn’t have any feeling left

[@BadlanderConnor]

"I invite you here to join me on the 5th fret" you sir really know how to warm welcome me into this lesson

[@05mankr]

Bob Ross would be so proud...

[@zaynmaleekii6220]

Connor Ryan i would travel the world just to get to his birthday celebration 😂

[@evilherojain4412]

Bob Ross is proud

[@yabeahd953]

Max mamguitereat

[@prestigek1ngs]

The mans amazing 🤷‍♂️

[@jaymesl7360]

Barre chords are a huge reason i stopped practicing guitar last year. I got frustrated with not being able to learn any of the songs i liked bc all the ones i wanted to learn had barre chords. I know that a lot of these could be gotten around, but i didn’t WANT to get around them. I wanted to learn! And i’m hoping that finally I can learn from you and it’ll help me get back into the swing of things :)

[@skeetle6506]

Honestly it’s enough to make me through the whole damn guitar out the window

[@maybevih]

when I opened tabs for the song I liked my first question was: "how tf am I supposed to hold 6 strings if I have only 5 fingers and one of them is not doing anything?"

[@Levendo]

So have you managed to play barre chords by now?

[@fairyland2657]

You have to be patient and continuous with bar chords. First, bar with index finger and play them how to be sound well. Next, add middle finger and so on. If paint, let change another bar chord.

[@LMacNeill]

How do you keep the joints in your index finger from muting the 2nd and 4th strings?! My finger bends right at those points and there's no way to make it press hard enough to get those two strings to sound out properly. I'm about ready to throw this stupid instrument off a damn cliff.

[@sallywengrover3131]

I'm almost 70. My left hand isn't strong, but I'm starting to master bar chords with your help and a lot of practice. Thanks so much for recording lessons like this one! You're a talented teacher. 🍎

[@ajfraties]

I can relate. I am 74 (you young puppy, you!) and am coming back to the guitar...which I never played well, btw,...after 40 years or so. I was never, ever able to play barre chords! What is helping me here is the focus on elbow down, pressing guitar into body, sliding thumb further down to enable me to get a flatter index finger. Another idea I picked up is to imagine you are pressing the middle of the index finger down...impossible by itself but helps to get the two top phalanges straight. Also I’m finding that I was trying to use WAY too much pressure and proper technique and position means more than strength to me...a good thing as I don’t have anywhere near as much hand=strength. Thanks so much for an excellent lesson and I’m gonna go off now and work on it some more!

[@peterpeter287]

keep going you two you can make it!!

[@eliteevildarkness5830]

I'm 10 and I wonder what being a 70 year old kid is like?

[@sallywengrover3131]

@@eliteevildarkness5830 It's very cool! Look forward to it, but enjoy being 10 and every age in between.

[@markanthonywilliams350]

@@sallywengrover3131 aw this conversation is so sweet! ppl from all ages! I'm learning barre chords as well, and I'm 15! God bless! and stay safe! ❤

[@kxena2913]

“i can easily slide up one fret” “okay cool cool” “and drop my first finger across all of the strings” “oh *n o* “

[@farfalles2665]

k xena 😂😂😂ikr

[@mei-jw4hy]

I can’t slide back down ohnoes

[@denaenaeee]

k xena LMAOOO

[@GravityGaming6000]

its just sounding all muted and bad for me lmao

[@clawhammer704]

To make this work for beginners is to have a good setup on your guitar. Low strings in the proper height makes this happen a lot easier.

[@brockboucher5847]

He says “I’m using arm strength, I’m pressing my chest into the guitar.” I didn’t know I had to be the freaking hulk to play barre chords

[@synthiamiller5990]

😂 playing barre chords can make you say: “Hulk smash guitar!!!”

[@brockboucher5847]

Synthia Miller I’ve been playing for nearly 3 months now, and I still can’t get them down perfectly

[@naritruwireve1381]

Be the hulk to play guitar XD guitarists must have freakin strong arms, wrists, and fingers

[@brockboucher5847]

Update: I’m 6 months into playing guitar, and I’m still terrible at barre chords...

[@naritruwireve1381]

o gosh...

[@alexheigher6756]

I'm at the point where I'm wondering if I have to push hard enough to snap this guitar just to not mute any strings

[@ryanrosssfringe26]

I don’t know how hard I’m supposed to push, it mutes if I don’t push hard enough but when I push really hard my finger hurts so bad 😭

[@alexheigher6756]

@@ryanrosssfringe26 i have gotten a little better at it, you dont have to keep your finger completely sideways, and the thumb thing really helped

[@bokutoboi5074]

This comment made me almost fall out of my chair

[@jordinn5544]

LMFAOOO SAME

[@alexheigher6756]

@@jordinn5544 wow five months since i was having so much trouble. It comes eventually, but im still not good at making the shape fast enough. Im gonna find a vid that really helped me and post the link here

[@ajilano7753]

“Mr. stark... I don’t feel my thumb”

[@tahafaruqi6651]

i have an exam and here i am practicing barre chords

[@binhaminluffy4887]

+Taha Faruqi This is so me right now.

[@kjeldzen6078]

Same goes for me lol

[@callmemaroua]

Meeee hahahah My final exam is Tomorrow n then I was like ,, Oh wait .. I need to practice barre chords lol

[@joashsoobramoney6818]

Is this like a common thing to do before exams?

[@callmemaroua]

hahaha To run away from revising .. yeah

[@sydlawson3181]

his voice makes me wanna hear him say "bruh" or "duuuuude"

[@angryrabidfoxes7380]

radical.

[@swiftlessons]

Well, I am from a surfing community, so I get it and am willing to say duuuuude, radical or knarley if it makes you happy. haha!

[@TheDriverEarist]

swiftlessons aww that's amazing! You kinda sound like duff man from the Simpsons which I love!

[@filizozmen6459]

LMAOO.

[@exadien3991]

asmr skater/surfer

[@meowcow21]

For people struggling with playing a B, the thing that was holding me back was placement of the thumb. Your thumb should be parallel with your middle finger and not your pointer finger in order to allow you to reach further. Hope this helps any other people struggling.

[@cyrrean7373]

Damn you read my mind, thanks for solving my problem single-handedly lmao

[@Dude-cf8hb]

thank you. you are helping me learn b major.

[@eyalbar6092]

What a legend thanks for the tip helped me out

[@user-WizOfficial]

Thanks alottt

[@felixputz5190]

Just feels like my thumb is too long idk. I cant have it on the lower half behind the neck without it feeling super uncomfortable

[@ferozlam2260]

I have tried everything but when I try to play a bar chord, all the strings become mute.

[@petrasurminova3999]

It might be because you are not pressing your strings hard enough Try add some force into it, find your inner Hulk!

[@monishraval]

Maybe also because of the action on the guitar is too high, try lowering it down its helps with the finger pain.

[@pokire8962]

lower your thumb

[@TorontoPopulistConservative]

Move your thumb below half way on the back of the neck. Practice like this until you get it

[@timepassrockstars7018]

@@petrasurminova3999 my inner Hulk would say "guitar smash!"

[@erikapuhakka2534]

My… fingers… don't… reach

[@caseydaniel9875]

Try lowering your thumb on the back of the neck of the guitar

[@swiftlessons]

+Casey Daniel Thanks Casey!

[@swiftlessons]

+Erika Puhakka Whats the update? Have you made progress?! -Rob

[@erikapuhakka2534]

I have quite a bit yes

[@cher4057]

+Casey Daniel I don't even touch the neck anymore atm...

[@vrrtvrrt5700]

How does it look like you aren’t even pressing. I have to press so hard with my index and it still sounds muffled

[@jdun1]

This is my problem too and why I'm here.

[@dinamohanty5620]

Me2

[@FabyArtz]

@@jdun1 Just practice. I thought it was impossible. I started playing guitar 2 months ago and I can pretty much play any barre chord easily no problem and quickly change between them. It will feel really good when you can do them just don't give up lol.

[@abdulwahab-qm4cs]

maybe your string gauge is big

[@raiNjErs]

@@FabyArtz have you tried major 7th chords? I can do the simple barre ones but I'm finding its hard to be smooth with the 7th chords. Dudes be doing it effortlessly smh

[@TorontoPopulistConservative]

The thumb position trick brought this into the realm of possibility for me. I'm going to need to practice this one a lot. Edit: you're the first one I've watched who mentioned that you can get every major chord with this shape and where the root note is.

[@thetincan3170]

The worst part is the strings that you need to play after the chord are exactly the ones that get muted.

[@thewolf8660]

whenever I try to play a cord it gets muted...

[@zhiyarali557]

The Wolf Practice. every guitar player must do.

[@nikhilshrestha206]

same

[@tweeds1113]

me too :'(

[@SicHeadshotzGaming]

Put your fingers closer to the higher fret. so like | ^| this is the fret board. The Vertical lines are the metal frets and the arrow is your finger at a top down first person view. This is basic but helped me out so much

[@bluevelvet772]

You will get it but it takes strengthening your grip between the thumb and index finger, that tip of placing your thumb lower on the neck worked really well for me, but the wrist hurts after a while.

[@jsvkia1]

My thumb was THE problem, thanks for the video extremely helpful!

[@swiftlessons]

9 times out of 10, that's the quick fix. So glad this was helpful!

[@yowhatup9547]

ME TOOO !!!

[@unike26]

open.spotify.com/album/3L0BfH8o9gzbWLBu7ssIjN?si=DlPsh8YJScaspE3dEph7tA&nd=1

[@pyb6]

Same here!

[@sojoslim1618]

That thumb trick was IT!!!

[@melessiabates814]

Thank you so much! I was in shock when I actually played a clean bar chord! It was such a pleasant surprise! I had just avoided them completely after failing at every attempt. I look forward to learning much more from your videos. BTW, I am a 61 year old beginner. The more I learn, the more I want to learn!

[@kyramack7329]

So I been struggling This whole time because I had my thumb in the wrong place🤦‍♀️ thank you so much

[@bentoby2123]

Omfg moving my thumb down was all I had to do

[@praveenanookala4457]

😂😂

[@jeremycorbyn9725]

Litterally, I’ve been trying for so long hahah

[@samjensen1513]

No way me too literally rang out F like a charm once I moved my thumb

[@deedoodeedoodee4946]

...Imma try this

[@frankthesausage]

Finally I learned the F chord

[@Boosterisanicecat]

YOu're kinda like the Bob Ross for guitar. Kudos mate!

[@swiftlessons]

That is the ultimate compliment haha. Thank you!

[@FreakofNature147]

I was thinking the same thing lol.

[@goobienoob3589]

I've always played in open tuning because I just didn't understand how anything worked passed the open chords in standard, you explained it perfectly and I can't thank you enough. Excellent lesson, earned a sub.

[@skelly1004]

Between moving my thumb down the neck and pressing it to my chest has helped IMMENSELY in creating a better sound. Still hurts cause I’m new, but holy crap, that helps so much!

[@ClosetHeadCase]

I have been playing guitar off and on for years and NO ONE has ever just said that the F chord, which is the bane of my existence, is just an E chord scooted down. I just played an F chord successfully for the first time. No shame. I’m excited about it! 😅🥳

[@rainbowstarks]

Same!!

[@teeuppzay]

Yeah barring is basically a capo

[@tman111195]

This guy is BY FAR the best guitar instructor on KZbin. The way he patiently explains is easy and concise. Been with him for years now, his lessons are STILL rock solid and helpful for people trying to learn!!

[@okay3941]

This guy explained the power of the position of the thumb. I think this makes sense. I thought I couldn't get Barr chords because my fingers were not long enough. Thank you

[@rallitas11q]

Thank you so much!! For the life of me, I couldn't play a barre chord and when I tried to bring it up to my guitar teacher, they just said I had to practice on my own time, now because of your video I know my thumb position was all out of whack and I can play them now like magic! Thank you thank you thank you, you saved my life! 😊 I literally spent hours of practicing and thought my finger was just shaped weird and I thought I would never get it but you proved otherwise I could kiss you 😭😭

[@chrispycrunch9172]

THANK YOU. I’ve been struggling with bar chords for a while. For some reason, no one ever told me thumb placement was important. I think that was what I was missing.

[@CampfireGuitarHero]

I struggled with barre chords in the early days also. A great tip I received was to use a capo on (say) 3rd fret and play the chords as you would with no capo…there is less tension on the strings with a capo so they are easier to push down. Try the F chord with a capo on 3rd or 5th fret, it will be easier and will keep you motivated to keep trying.

[@swiftlessons]

Hello friends, thanks so much for making this one of the KZbin's most popular bar chord tutorials. I have some great lessons and resources planned for 2016, and can't wait to unveil them. If you have enjoy my work thus far, and want to help me expand into creating gear reviews, backing tracks, DVD's and more comprehensive lessons, please consider contributing $1 a month at Patreon.com/Swiftlessons. This will provide you access to exclusive lessons, corresponding tabs, and worksheets. I look forward to another great year of progress together. Thanks so much! -Rob

[@officialmahimshikder]

+swiftlessons MAN U MADE MY DAY BY TEACHING ME BAR

[@ruffaobispadoofficial]

Thank you so much for the Advices. :) Lovelots! Godbless

[@swiftlessons]

+Ruffa Obispado it's a pleasure, so glad to help so many getting pass one of the toughest task for every beginner. Thanks for reaching out.

[@nikki20242]

brother o have just a single question that what is bar chord and what do we need to use it

[@jesseberry7521]

question how do you do pull offs

[@cdw3759]

Wrist and forearm strength is key. I've taken many breaks from playing guitar these past few years but recently I have been improving at barre chords rapidly since I worked a job stacking rocks all summer!

[@niamhmoore4141]

This was sooo helpful I’m a beginner and I know a most open chords and I didn’t understand what a bar chord was. Most helpful video I’ve seen 😊

[@modernmusicstudio303]

Back when I was just starting to learn guitar, I struggled with bar chords so much, and this video was what helped me figure it out, this was so helpful!

[@CampfireGuitarHero]

I feel your pain. I struggled with barre chords in the early days also. A great tip I received was to use a capo on (say) 3rd fret and play the chords as you would with no capo…there is less tension on the strings with a capo so they are easier to push down. Try the F chord with a capo on 3rd or 5th fret, it will be easier and will keep you motivated to keep trying.

[@omkarpotdar2850]

So after surfing hundreds of KZbin videos and several hours of fruitless attempts to play barre chords, here you are! This is a great lesson and my barre chords finally ring sweetly. Thank you so much!

[@mochimochi6357]

OMG THIS IS MY FIRST TIME EVER GETTING A BAR CHORD! I've watched so many videos and this is the first one that allowed me to play one cleanly! Thank you so much!

[@TatianeCamposs]

Thanks for this lesson, you're a very good teacher! Sometimes I get a little disappointed and discouraged after trying a lot to play any bar chord and these happen: a) I can't play them clearly no matter what b) a few times I can play them clearly and most of the times I can't c) I get fatigued easily I guess :/ but I'm really trying to master those chords!! My favorite songs have bar chords and I want to learn to play the guitar for fun at least, so this is my motivation!

[@2Albrecht]

This was such a help. I majored in piano performance and have ALWAYS wanted to learn to play guitar bc so much of what I saw when guitarists played made sense to me... but translating what I saw and adding in my own knowledge was tricky! This made all the difference for me. Thanks!

[@natasamiticradulovi]

I'm expecting my bones to start cracking any minute.

[@chrispotter3190]

It feels like my wrist is twisting the wrong way when I do this. It leaves me in great pain. I have my thumb about halfway down the neck

[@pas3436]

Excellent explanation for beginners! Easy to understand. You've answered questions I didn't even know to ask! Thank you!

[@pauljackson9359]

I have given guitar lessons the majority of my life. I love your clear and concise approach. I have shared your videos with my new students. Nice work!

[@swiftlessons]

Hey friends, Check out my new video on the 8 most essential bar chord shapes: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m3XRemCml7djnM0

[@dpa103304]

You are a great teacher and you also have a fabulous groove in your performances. I wish you all the best. Thanks for the great vids.

[@michaelkozenczak7667]

Read some material and watched other videos on Barre chords. As mentioned in other comments this instruction allowed me to finally play a Barre chord....excellent instruction...thanks for taking the time...

[@westcoastbrotha]

Such an easy video to understand. I always learn so much from your videos compared to watching other people who talk for 20 minutes before playing anything or simply don’t know effective ways to break down their class. Cheers friend. Thanks for helping us all out.

[@petercummins1097]

Struggled for weeks and your one tip to move the thumb down below 50% straightening out the forefinger completely solved my problems. Thank you! Excellent vid

[@MrPhish21]

"...is playing the A newooot" 2:48

[@tommybear4458]

MrPhish21 node

[@sykea111]

Nude

[@SideEffectsmusic]

Lol

[@Lucas-fs2wf]

Hahahahahaha

[@allenkyonosukecruz7567]

Damn Canadians

[@ColdCanadian911]

I know this is a super old video but dude this was a great great for me. I appreciate the shots from the back of the guitar with the thumb position. So helpful. Awesome job.

[@beezzzzbuuzzzz]

Thanks. This is a very thorough lesson. It's a lot of info very quickly but the beauty of it is that the viewer can pause when needed, back up, play it over and over, and... it's free!

[@ceciliaelhaddad7609]

I have been trying to learn bar chords for SO long and could not get a good sound. This video was so helpful-I can’t wait to learn new songs. Thank you so much!!!

[@dylanjuneau2394]

My thumb and index are dying how do you do this so effortlessly😂

[@paulankolo6348]

the trick, you see, is to make it look easy.

[@aristonaragao3171]

Its practice man, no magic, he’s used to it, just practice every day, you’ll get stronger

[@linatilija1753]

Same here

[@dylanjuneau2394]

Lina Tilija update after a year I can now do them pretty well lol

[@linatilija1753]

@@dylanjuneau2394 thank you 🤗🤗. I will work hard.

[@Anthony-vy4ss]

8 minutes and 48 seconds just changed my entire guitar learning world. Thanks. Also...this is the first video I have ever watched from you.

[@ole-ol1ok]

Wow I understand more about barre chords from this short video that I have in years of playing. Thanks. I’m a subscriber!

[@i0.0t]

2:48 made me cry with laughter

[@mattfielding1992]

+TheKekening me too hahahahahah

[@NosajKnows]

Ma ayy noot

[@hellsbells288]

Lol noot

[@RyanxDunn]

only now that you mentioned it xD

[@fragwagon]

I'll be honest I rewound that twice

[@TheOldBlackShuckyDog]

I really struggle to get a clear sound, any tips u could give?? (Plus I think ur accent is great)

[@jorge201120112011]

thank you so fucking much dude you just made my life easier by like a thousand

[@mmccartney6579]

For example...on the fifth fret, instead if trying to make the entire barre chord, start with just placing your index finger down across all the strings on the fifth fret, and pick/pluck each string one at a time. If any are muting, then re-adjust your index finger up or down. Also, place your index finger ON the fifth fret, and roll it back so that the meaty edge of your index finger is across all six strings, and pick/pluck each string, and if any are muting, adjust your index finger up, or down accordingly until there are no strings muting. When you have success with that, THEN start placing your other fingers down to make the entire barre chord. Just keep practicing, it will happen eventually. Hope this helps. Cheers! :)

[@PatriciaTheSweetest]

Just change instrument 😂

[@perpetualvision394]

1) use both hands 2) grab the guitar on the upper frets right around the nut area 3) lift the guitar high above your head 4) proceed to slam it on ground with full force 5) repeat step four as many times as you like thank me later

[@AshenSpark]

@@mmccartney6579 Ok I know this comment was not addressed to me and is a year old but JESUS CHRIST THANK YOU SO MUCH the advice to put your finger on the fret and to roll it back was more or less all I was missing besides practice.

[@Travelingman812]

Great lesson Rob. Thumb placement makes all the difference in the world. More than the half way point behind the neck. Huge help. Thanks

[@n6vcw]

Don't you just love it when the light bulb above your head finally comes on? I just received this video suggestion from YT and glad I did. Although it's been around for almost six years, it's exactly what I needed to figure out what has been a complete mystery since I began trying to play barre chords a couple of years ago. It finally all came together because of this one video. Thank you!

[@cosmicchat6109]

You are an amazing instructor! I swear i wanted to throw my guitar in the garbage. Thank you!

[@nunyabusiness6533]

Lol send it here xD

[@aris1499]

you are sooooooo helpful, i seriously thought i wasnt going to be able to learn bar chords untill i found your video, thank you sooooooo much! keep up the good work! \m/

[@HylianKilljoy]

The tip about thumb placement helps a lot! I've always struggled with bar chords and it's really prohibited my ability to learn chord based songs compared to power chord based

[@dovrob]

DUDE THANKS SO MUCH! I've seen so many KZbin tutorials and still failed I was about to give up. Yours is way better than all of them!

[@TheAtheistFreak]

Just started playing guitar and I was having a bit of trouble with barre chords, this is super helpful. Thank you!

[@swiftlessons]

+HannahIsRad so glad this did the trick, thanks for checking in!

[@user-hb9dy4jf2k]

How's your progress sir?

[@kylewhitehead1684]

I've tried for weeks and there's no way I can do it. y fingers are just too short, I can't effectively cover all the strings and apply enough pressure for them to all to ring out.

[@j.d.leslie8458]

Kyle Whitehead Every single guitar player has struggled with Barre chords. And one day, you got it. If you are struggling with the A form barre chord, with root on fifth string, use your ring finger to barre across the 2nd, 3rd and 4th string instead of using middle, ring, pinky as he shows in the video.

[@tonybates7870]

My left hand, from tip of thumb to tip of pinky barely stretches across the screen of this tablet I'm using (7 inches). I couldn't hold down a barre chord for ages, at least two years, but I did get there in the end. Keep going - practice works, honest!

[@jaybuzz4071]

Kyle Whitehead There are also finger stretching and strength exercises that help I bought a little Fender hand exerciser it helps and practice it does work be patient and keep trying don't let it defeat you adversity makes us stringer...

[@alexakemmann88]

I am still learning but found that lowering the action on the strings and getting a smaller guitar has helped a TON. I can play barre chords, but not every string rings out yet. Before getting a better set up, though, all strings were muted.

[@Pluvillion]

The height of the strings plays a role with barre chords, as well. The lower the height is, the easier it is to execute a barre chord. The higher it is, the more difficult it gets. I just noticed it after playing my Davis and Fender guitar respectively. I was able to execute a good barre chord with the Fender, yet it sounds muffled on my Davis one. So long story short, try and pick a guitar where doing chords don't need extra effort to perform. :)

[@MerseyBlood]

That thumb info has just changed my life. Thank you so much!

[@cerealkiller2259]

thank you so much for this video, i've been playing barre chords for two years and the muting of the last 2 strings always confused me AND YOUR TIP WITH THE 50% LOWER HELPED SO MUCH thanks :)

[@joesan3597]

I was watching some other videos to learn about the Pentatonic scales and I was mostly confused as to why they are called E Minor or A Minor Pentatonic, but it is after watching this video especially at 2:12, things cleared up for me! Thanks for the names of the notes on the low E String!

[@girishkanikeg7918]

This is a perfect explanation of bar chords. I really recommend this to others all

[@nocturnalmadness9517]

These lessons are fantastic! Great explanation, and I'm not trying to play catch-up because the speed is just right. Great for someone like me in their late fifties trying to learn something new. Thanks Rob! Cool to hear you say your from Philadelphia. I'm here in South Philly.

[@carriegibson2202]

What a great tutorial for beginner barre chords! Thank you so much!

[@aakankshayadav695]

And this, my friends, is exactly why I love my capo. Lol. 😂 But this was really helpful. I've been trying to learn barre chords. Thank you Rob.❤

[@jamiedude1050]

This guy has the craziest American accents, he pronounces his "o"s like a Scandinavian.

[@purpledino5048]

Canadian*

[@CreateWRick]

Omg thanks so much! I have been struggling with a bar chord so much. But that pushing your chest a bit in the guitar made it so easy! Great tip 👍👌

[@CampfireGuitarHero]

I struggled with barre chords in the early days also. Another great tip I received was to use a capo on (say) 3rd fret and play the chords as you would with no capo…there is less tension on the strings with a capo so they are easier to push down. Try the F chord with a capo on 3rd or 5th fret, it will be easier and will keep you motivated to keep trying.

[@pigsarehairy]

I'm almost 5000 years old and ive been playing guitar for 2000 years, this is the only video that has helped me to improve

[@geralynpalacol9295]

WOW!!! This was a PERFECT LESSON!!!!! Perfectly EXPLAINED😂😂😂. love it!!!! Thank you sooo much Rob!!!!!!

[@BlackDrip]

You are the Bob Ross of Guitar 🙏🏼 just subscribed 🤘🏽😈🤘🏽 nice tutorial !!!

[@wanderinq05]

the advice about bringing the thumb towards the bottom half of the neck is an absolute game changer! tysm!

[@maiorana6]

Your tip about the placement of the thumb is SO helpful!! Thanks so much!!

[@ThePowerpointMaster]

I started playing acoustic for the first time January 2020 I just recently in April can do bar chords, still will need a couple more months of practice to do seamless transitions with all these chords, if you're a beginner and can't reach or can't get it to ring out, try it out everyday, it'll work.

[@gemmafink5922]

Kamilla Kandaharian dude i started 3 weeks ago and i’m already on bar chords it’s the quarantine that’s giving me the time to practice

[@mphogift8726]

It is my second week,I almost give up, now you gave me hope

[@ThePowerpointMaster]

@@gemmafink5922 Same, if you want to do bar chords the finger you use to bar should be on it's side, that's the one thing I realized that got me to do it.

[@anarchohannibalism]

Omg. Here I was thinking I could never play barre chords, it was literally just my thumb. Thank you so much!

[@tinyarmadillo]

The thumb placment is exactly what I needed! You are a legend, keep up the amazing work 👍

[@alexvillanueva9080]

I used to be on the circuit playing gigs. Had a couple of injuries (to left hand and right shoulder, of course) and it really demoralized me as far as my progress as a musician. COVID hampered my ability to play out further. Mid-"what am I gonna do with my life now??", I found these videos and it clicked to me. Of course! Guitar lessons. Taking it back to basics. And your videos have helped me get my hand PT in, Barre chords, finger stretches... and changed my outlook from stagnant to "just bringing it back to fundamentals and learning again." and thank you for that.

[@confirmationbias8136]

That thumb trick is godly

[@saifzone429]

Why does always sound like shit no matter what I do and I can't get my thumb to be below the 50% thing

[@maurocosta3827]

I was randomly checking for some tips on barre chords and your vid came up! I like the way you explain things and the camera is finally at the right place

[@spadds]

This is great - I didn't know how to progress from my cowboy chords into bar chords..... thanks for showing! The video is nice and clear and simples! Great production and allows people like me, a drummer learning guitar who can't count past 4, that 6 isn't that far away!

[@Blanxyness]

Thank god I finally found out whats wrong with my barre. Its actually my thumb placement

[@babarinloadedotun8332]

You're awesome🥰 I could literally play Bar chords on my first trial

[@kaitlyngriffin4681]

This was so helpful. Especially with you showing me where to place my thumb. I was really struggling before ❤

[@tammieschiller397]

Awesome as always Rob!

[@drewroy9105]

You sound like Mordecai from the Regular Show

[@swiftlessons]

+Drew Sneed I've never seen this show, pretty funny!

[@lucasshaffer3324]

It's so true

[@littlenobody9999]

Drew Sneed LMAO

[@otfhuncho7795]

Lmao i couldnt hear it until i seen this comment... now i cant unhear it😂

[@thecreatoralqxx]

Ooooooh xD

[@apexwindowcleaningservices4457]

It's an excellent lesson and it sounds like I'm being taught guitar by that turtle out of finding Nemo :)

[@nunyabusiness6533]

Apex Window Cleaning Services Dude, totally!

[@papireyes7968]

I cannot stress how much you’ve made my life easier by helping me play that one f chord on Post Malone’s song stay. You sir are truly a blessing:)

[@AcceleratedHoops]

Wow that was so peaceful and helpful to watch. Thank you 💗

[@Nick_DG]

This was a light-bulb moment. Most teach barre cords with the thumb in the center of the neck (the vice-grip.) Moving my thumb to the bottom of the neck I can now finally make the cords ring out. Thank you!

[@Darkwolf_347]

I've tried all of these tricks and still comes out mute. 😭 I can only play like for cords cause all the other ones sound mute

[@MunkeyMakes]

Had a guitar for a couple years now, I would pick it up and attempt to learn it every now and then but would always get stuck on the bar chords. This video helped me push past that, so thank you!

[@thesacredwild1020]

Been trying all day, and watching your video i could do it it seconds!! Thankyou