Hey Friend,

We talked about forming the root 6, E shaped barre chord. I gave you the tabs for it (here they are again). But we haven't dug into the root 5, A shaped barre chord in depth. 

Like the E shape chord, the A shape is a second inversion chord as well. The note order in the chord is 5 1 3, which means as you work through each bar in the exercise showing the F major barre chord, the 5 and 1 notes form the power chord. It isn't until the last bar that you add the 3 note in to get the full major chord. Let's go through it...

First, reach across the neck with your index finger to the fifth string, eighth fret. This is an F note. Obviously the root note of an F chord, and the point you would begin the barre for a root 5, F barre chord.

Next, place your ring finger on the tenth fret, fourth string. This note is the C note and the 5 note from the F major scale. In fact, before I go any further, let's list out the notes for the key of F major:

Did you notice anything there? Yup, that's a B flat note. Don't get freaked out about it. The chord shape doesn't change - it's just a note. Don't let it be a distraction.

So you have the basic two note power chord with the F and C notes. Now place your pinky finger on the third string, tenth fret. This is the doubling of the F note (the 1 note from the scale), which fills out the power chord making it sound bigger.

Up to this point, your fingertips should be the only parts pressing the strings down. But in order to get the 3 note added to the chord, we have to change the fingering significantly. Here's where "the pinch" pays for itself. 

Using your index finger, lay it down across all five strings from the fifth up. Don't be concerned about getting a clean sound out of any string but the fifth (your root note). 

Your ring finger is already in place to form the rest of the chord. Here's the tricky part - lay it down across the fourth, third and second strings. 

You'll probably need to bend your ring finger back at the first joint to prevent it from muting the first string, but don't worry about that for now. Fortunately with Rock music, as long as you have the power chords sounding good, you can rely on them for many songs you'll play.

You can work on this finger positioning by forming the A triad with just your ring finger - play the open, first position A major chord with your ring finger, barring across the fourth, third and second strings. It's awkward and uncomfortable, but it is what it is. 

As your fingers get used to the strange chord configurations, they will adapt. You have to work the shapes and get them imprinted into your muscle memory. There really is no other option than to practice each chord shape that gives you trouble a little every day. 

It won't take long for the fingers to get used to the shapes - if you work at it. They are stubborn children that will fight you all the way, but they will tow the line eventually. Teach them who's boss - your will or theirs. Don't let them get the best of you! 

Peace~

Dave