Hey Friend,

Deja vu... Hey, weren't we just talking about these?

Yeah, well, that's going to happen as we work through all the chords in every key. 

Here's the thing. 

You cannot get too much practice. The more often you see each chord and play it, the easier it becomes and the better it will sound. Like most things, repetition is a key ingredient to becoming a master.

As you become comfortable with playing each of these chord forms, they'll become automatic. You won't have think about them, you won't hesitate. Your fingers memorize the exact shape they need to be in to produce the chord your brain is directing them to. 

At that point, if you had any question about whether you're a beginner or intermediate guitar player, you're solidly in the intermediate realm. 

What's beautiful (and frustrating) about music is, you're never done learning. As soon as you understand one thing, another secret reveals itself and draws you in deeper. It might not be something technical or mechanical. It could be an insight as to why two notes sound good together, but two others played together don't.

The point is, make sure you play through the exercises at least once, even though we've talked about D major before. Make it your mission to master this one - you're gonna see it a lot!

This particular barre chord (and/or power chord, if you're so inclined) is in so many popular Rock songs it would be impossible to list them all in one place (there's a challenge if I ever heard one).

As with D major in the open position, the notes don't change - just the locations and shapes. Instead of the D shape, you'll use either the A shape or the E shape depending on where you happen to be playing on the neck. 

The notes are still D, F# and A, but you'll have some notes (the D and A) doubled up. This thickens up the sound and makes the chords more big and bold. This is because you are adding octave notes and covering more of the sound spectrum by utilizing notes of different frequencies.

In both instances of the barre chord, the F# not only occurs on one string in the barre chord, but that one note defines what the emotional output of the chord is - how that particular sound makes us feel. Major barre chords have a happy sound.

It's Friday, the weekend is almost here. Let's get 'er done so we can enjoy that time off. Y'all have a great one, ya hear!

Peace~

Dave