Bar chords
I'm a beginner and cannot bar across fret board while using other fingers. I have short fingers and am getting really disheartened. Any feedback, advice etc welcome.
# 1
"Short fingers" are rarely the real problem. Chances are, you can reach but because its new to you, you're probably contorting your hand in weird ways that make it feel impossible.
First things first, don't worry about not being able to play barre chords... they don't get used as much as you might think, so for now, just relax and let go of any sense of urgency in trying to master them.
Next, approach learning barre chords as a completely separate part of your practice. Put a time limit on it, like 2 minutes. Spend 2 minutes of each practice session on it, and when the 2 minutes are up, stop and play something you can play & enjoy playing.
Start your approach by putting your guitar in your lap as if you are going to play. Now, stretch your left hand out in front of you (assuming you're fretting with your left hand) palm up. Keeping your hand relaxed, spread your fingers a bit. Now, holding your hand in that position, just bring it towards you & the guitar, and place your fingers over the fretboard. Notice how your fingers can reach across the fretboard.
You'll have to remember this relaxed position as you attempt to actually fret the barre chord. Its not particularly easy, so when you start to mess up, take your hand away and start over. Start with your index finger, place it, and play the notes you are barring. As you add each new finger, play through the notes and make sure you're fretting cleanly. Only add one new finger at a time, and check every time to see how that new finger affects the other notes. If you're getting buzzing or dead notes, look carefully to see what the problem is. Fix it, then move on to adding the next finger until you have the complete chord.
This method will work, but it takes time. Keep your practice time short on barre chords, don't get frustrated. Your body & muscle memory need time to catch up to what your brain is asking for... you'll get there, and eventually it will seem way easier than it is now.
First things first, don't worry about not being able to play barre chords... they don't get used as much as you might think, so for now, just relax and let go of any sense of urgency in trying to master them.
Next, approach learning barre chords as a completely separate part of your practice. Put a time limit on it, like 2 minutes. Spend 2 minutes of each practice session on it, and when the 2 minutes are up, stop and play something you can play & enjoy playing.
Start your approach by putting your guitar in your lap as if you are going to play. Now, stretch your left hand out in front of you (assuming you're fretting with your left hand) palm up. Keeping your hand relaxed, spread your fingers a bit. Now, holding your hand in that position, just bring it towards you & the guitar, and place your fingers over the fretboard. Notice how your fingers can reach across the fretboard.
You'll have to remember this relaxed position as you attempt to actually fret the barre chord. Its not particularly easy, so when you start to mess up, take your hand away and start over. Start with your index finger, place it, and play the notes you are barring. As you add each new finger, play through the notes and make sure you're fretting cleanly. Only add one new finger at a time, and check every time to see how that new finger affects the other notes. If you're getting buzzing or dead notes, look carefully to see what the problem is. Fix it, then move on to adding the next finger until you have the complete chord.
This method will work, but it takes time. Keep your practice time short on barre chords, don't get frustrated. Your body & muscle memory need time to catch up to what your brain is asking for... you'll get there, and eventually it will seem way easier than it is now.
# 2
Thank you. That sounds like good advice. I will definitely incorporate it into my practice.
# 3
I cannot actually remember learning how but I assure you that you will get it! I don't think having short fingers will be a problem at all. Practice and using the great advice Slipin Lizard gave you will get it in no time :)
# 4
I like Slippin_Lizard's advice. This way you won't let this get you down.
A suggestion I read somewhere was to put a capo on the first fret. This will limit you to barre chords from the 2nd fret up, but it will help you develop the strength and mechanics. Putting the capo on the first fret will lower the action and make it easier.
Also, you could try praticing barre chords on an electric guitar if you have access to one. It is much easier to do barre chords on an electric rather then acoustic guitar.
Be patient...it will come. Everybody goes through this at some point.
A suggestion I read somewhere was to put a capo on the first fret. This will limit you to barre chords from the 2nd fret up, but it will help you develop the strength and mechanics. Putting the capo on the first fret will lower the action and make it easier.
Also, you could try praticing barre chords on an electric guitar if you have access to one. It is much easier to do barre chords on an electric rather then acoustic guitar.
Be patient...it will come. Everybody goes through this at some point.
# 5
Mare ear, first off and most importantly, how did you get your user name?!?!
But to your topic, barre chords are undoubtedly the most asked about, complained about, posted about subject from us beginners on forums, not just this one.
And the very tedious answer is "it will come". It has nothing to do with short fingers. I have short fingers and am starting to get barre chords down. Like everyone I struggled with the F Major barre chord at first. And posted and griped about it (primarily on another forum). But now I am hitting it probably 60% of the time cleanly.
My problem du jour is the F7 barre chord. At first I absolutely could not get it no matter how I adjusted my fingers or no matter what faces I made. All of a sudden I went to fret it one day and it sounded ok. I don't know why.
I think it is a combination of finger memory, adjusting until you get the position correct, and finger strength. The latter has to be developed over time.
I'm not sure I agree with Slipin Lizard's limit of two minutes. But he is far more knowledgeable than I. But his point is very well taken. Practice barre chords for a limited amount of time and then go to something fun. Don't get discouraged. Barre chords are also very strenuous and your hand will tire very quickly. I started out working them 10 minutes AT MOST before my hand got sore and tired. I am now where I will work them 15 -20 minutes a day.
They will come! Good luck.
But to your topic, barre chords are undoubtedly the most asked about, complained about, posted about subject from us beginners on forums, not just this one.
And the very tedious answer is "it will come". It has nothing to do with short fingers. I have short fingers and am starting to get barre chords down. Like everyone I struggled with the F Major barre chord at first. And posted and griped about it (primarily on another forum). But now I am hitting it probably 60% of the time cleanly.
My problem du jour is the F7 barre chord. At first I absolutely could not get it no matter how I adjusted my fingers or no matter what faces I made. All of a sudden I went to fret it one day and it sounded ok. I don't know why.
I think it is a combination of finger memory, adjusting until you get the position correct, and finger strength. The latter has to be developed over time.
I'm not sure I agree with Slipin Lizard's limit of two minutes. But he is far more knowledgeable than I. But his point is very well taken. Practice barre chords for a limited amount of time and then go to something fun. Don't get discouraged. Barre chords are also very strenuous and your hand will tire very quickly. I started out working them 10 minutes AT MOST before my hand got sore and tired. I am now where I will work them 15 -20 minutes a day.
They will come! Good luck.
Guitars: 2014 PRS Santana, 2013 PRS Paul's, 2009 PRS Hollowbody I, 1972 Gibson ES-325, 2012 Fender American Standard Stratocaster, 2020 Fender Telecaster, 2001 PRS Santana SE, 2021 Martin M-36, 2021 Martin 000-15M, Seagull S6 Classic, 2012 Yamaha Pacifica Amps: Fender Blues Junior III, Boss Eband JS-10, Line 6 POD HD500X, Quilter Microblock 45 w/homemade 12" cab.
# 6