Hey Friend,

Here we go - the barre version of the dread (pirate) F major chord. Maybe not so scary and painful as you thought, prior to this week. Yesterday you got nearly a dozen ways to play the F triad, most of which are very easy to play. Why don't more guitar teachers show those versions instead of the two string barre version?

As always, the barre versions incorporate the E and A chord shapes, albeit with the index finger doing the barre and the rest of your fingers fleshing out the remainder of the chord. Nothing new here...

For the root six E shape, we find ourselves in the first fret position. The barre goes across all six strings on the first fret, which can be tough. There is a lot of tension on the strings, and being so close to the nut makes it extra challenging to press those strings down so they make contact with the first fret. I don't know what the physics terminology is for the pressure and resistance of the string, but I'm sure it's real sciency...

The first system in the tabs gives you that barre on the first fret so you can practice it without the distraction of forming the chord with the rest of your fingers. Remember, over time, this will get easier, so don't be bummed if it doesn't sound crystal clear right now.

The second system sets you up for the root five barre chord at the eighth fret. Should be relatively easy compared to the first fret!

Then we work through constructing the F major barre chord note by note so each finger has a role. As always, start with your index finger to play the root note. With the first power chords shown, the chord charts show using your pinky finger, but you can also use your ring finger if that's more comfortable for you.

Personally, I'm more inclined to use my ring finger for the 5 note (fifth string, third fret for the root six power chord), as that is where it will go with the full E shape barre chord. But you decide what works best for you. You will need to change strings to play the regular barre chord version.

For the root five A shape barre chord, the chord chart shows using your pinky across the second, third and fourth strings. Again, your discretion, but I've always used my ring finger in this barre chord shape. The ring finger is a lot stringer than the pinky for a lot of us, and I find that the first joint in my pinky doesn't like to bend back very easily. That may just be me, but you decide for yourself.

That ought to keep you out of trouble for a few minutes! Practice fingering these barre chords five times each day, and before long, all barre chords will be a walk in the park. Just bite the bullet and do it - barre chords aren't going practice themselves for you!

Peace~

Dave