Hey Friend,

Today is a refresher on the C major barre chord. I've put together the basic exercises that will help you strengthen your index finger and position your remaining fingers to do their jobs.

The first version is the root 5. Barre the first five strings at the third fret and hold it. Strum through that a few times making sure that each string can be heard clearly.

Yes, I know it's a challenge. Do it! Your guitar playing self will thank you later.

Now work through each barre in the exercise adding a finger for every two measures. Your index finger is straightforward - fifth string, third fret. That is your root note C. 

Next, add your ring finger to the fourth string, fifth fret. This is the five note of the chord, the G note. Now you have a C5 power chord. 

Placing your pinky finger in the third string, fifth fret doubles up our C note, making the power chord a bit richer. 

Lastly, pick your pinky finger back up and lay your ring finger down across the fourth, third and second strings. Strum through. That's the full root 5, C major barre chord using an A shape fingering.

The other location for C major is at the sixth string, eighth fret. Again, your index finger lays across all six strings and the root note C is on the sixth string. Just like with the root 5 barre chord, adding your ring finger to the fifth string, tenth fret gives you a C5 power chord.

Your pinky finger on the fourth string, tenth fret adds another C note to the mix. Finish up the E shape chord with your middle finger on the third string, ninth fret. 

There you have it - the two primary C major barre chord shapes. You should be getting somewhat familiar with barre chords (and maybe even a little comfortable?). If you play electric, you'll have an easier time. The strings aren't as thick as acoustic guitar strings, and the string tension is less than that on an acoustic. 

On the other hand, if you're learning these chords on an acoustic guitar, you'll have a very strong fretting hand! 

See you tomorrow...

Peace~

Dave