minorkey
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Post by minorkey on Jun 21, 2023 19:39:15 GMT
I need to practise barre chords, it should make playing certain chords a lot easier (F for example) but whenever I do a barre I get a lot of buzzing strings. I assume that to function the index finger must be pressed firmly, as if it were a capo. Should I be pressing with the side of the finger? If so I need to toughen that finger up as well as my fingertips!
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ocarolan
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Post by ocarolan on Jun 21, 2023 21:01:20 GMT
You don't need to regard your first finger as a capo when it comes to applying pressure. With a barre chord there are several strings fretted by other fingers higher up from the first finger. Taking a first postion barre F chord, your first finger needs to press the bass E at the first fret, then concentrate on making sure it firmly contacts the B and top E strings at the first fret. It doesn't matter what the first finger does in between those first fret contact points. On the rare occasions I play this chord (I'm more of a thumbover chap) my first finger is probably curved just a little more than the fingerboard - not in itself purposely, but because I'm concentrating on applying pressure to strings 6,2 and 1. And yes, slightly rotating the first finger may often help in eliminating "dead spots".
Try playing an open E major chord, but switching your left hand fingers so that your first finger is free. Move this shape up one fret and place the end of your first finger on the bass E at fret one. Check you have a good sound on that string, and then on the three notes fretted by your other fingers. Then move your elbow back towards you, pivoting at the first fingertip so that your first finger frets the remaining two top strings. Keep your thumb behind the neck to exert counterpressure to your barre finger. Check for a good sound on the top two strings and adjust if nec by more of the pivoting thing. Don't press any harder than is necessary to get a good sound.
I always found it easier to get a decent barre further up the neck - try the same method I've described, but move the open E up eg five frets and apply the first finger barre at fret 5 - an A major chord. Try other frets too. You don't even need to maintain the pressure all the time - releasing slightly and reapplying it can add to a strum by dampening or shortening some strokes.
Keith
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Post by scorpiodog on Jul 3, 2023 9:10:40 GMT
Everything Keith says is spot on. I have a very small thing to add:
Thumb position is vital in barre chords, Larry. It's not always quite the same place, but the positioning changes in very small amounts. So if you're holding down a barre chord (and please don't start with F or Bb or anything on the first fret) and you're not getting clear notes all across the fingerboard, just try moving your thumba tiny bit. After a while the positioning gets lodged in your muscle memory and you won't need to think about it.
Also, remember that if you're not playing all the notes across the fingerboard, you don't need to fret the ones that aren't being played (although it can be convenient to fret some of them). A bit of lateral thinking can often make barre chords unnecessary.
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Post by fatfingerjohn on Jul 3, 2023 15:00:24 GMT
I gave up on barre chords many years ago. My wrist and other jonts are just too stiff and it isn't through want of trying. Plus I don't have the benefit of long digits (now, now Leo ...). So I 'get by' with cheat chords and, particularly in fingerstyle, just use the strings I need. One thing I found which overcame my stiff wrist, elbow etc was to hold the guitar in a more classical position, including resting it on on left knee (normally I used right) and with the headstock at 45 degree angle. This took lots of the strain out of the joints and allowed me some success. But I didn't like the position for the rest of the time so stopped doing it. But if you can try the classical pose then it might help?
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Post by borborygmus on Jul 3, 2023 16:33:10 GMT
But if you can try the classical pose then it might help? Or use a little footstool to raise the guitar body. Classical guys put it under their left foot and rest the guitar on the left knee, but I find it useful under my right foot. This sort of thing: www.amazon.co.uk/CASCHA-Guitar-footrest-non-slip-adjustable/dp/B07GSJB7Y1I am sure we have all heard Martin Simpson say "I know why they call it the "F" chord", as he explains how the use of open and alternative tunings means he never has to use a barre chord. Peter
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Post by jonnymosco on Jul 11, 2023 10:28:29 GMT
This video from my 'How to play the guitar' series may help. But generally I'd avoid barré chords and opt for alternative fingerings.
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minorkey
C.O.G.
Too many instruments, too little time
Posts: 2,992
My main instrument is: hurting my fingers!
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Post by minorkey on Sept 21, 2023 10:38:29 GMT
I remember my brother once saying "You need to learn barre chords, otherwise you're missing out on half the guitar's range"
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Post by Gregg Hermetech on Oct 9, 2023 10:44:07 GMT
They are pretty hardcore on an acoustic with 12s or something. I still struggle with 9s and a super low action on my electric!
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