Hey Friend,

More barre chords... NOOO!!!

Yup, can't get enough of them. Major barres. Minor barres. And all the flavors in between...

Just like all the various chord positions and shapes, there are quite a few barre chords you can incorporate into your playing to cover the various inflections (major 7, minor 7, suspended, augmented, diminished, etc.).

I'm only concerned with you learning the basic barre chord shapes now. We'll eventually get to the others later, but you have to have your hands and fingers strong enough to be able to not only play  barre chord shapes, but alas hold them for extended times. 

That's why I keep drilling on these. Repetition and practice, that's the ticket!

The basic G# minor root 6 barre chord is played at the fourth position (or fret). Root 6 barre chords use the E shape, so use the E minor shape here.

Remember, the notes for a G#m chord are G#, B, D#.

Barre all six strings with your index finger across the fourth fret. To that, add your ring finger on the fifth string, sixth fret. Pinky goes on the fourth string, sixth fret. 

That supplies your 5 and 1 notes. The 3 note is minor in this case (3m), and your index finger is already providing that B note .

The root 5 barre chord version uses an Am shape. Barre the first five strings at the 11th fret. If you're on an acoustic guitar, this may be difficult. Don't worry about this one if that's the case - it's rare you'll ever use it.

Ring finger will be on the fourth string, 13th fret (this is the 5 note D#). Place your pinky on the third string, 13th fret (G# note) and your index will land on the second string, 12th fret (the B note). 

Give her a strum...

(Right-click and select "save to computer")

I know these are challenging, especially when you're starting out. By giving you a chance to practice them on a regular basis, eventually these will be easy for you. Your hand and finger muscles won't give them a second thought - they'll just go right into position and you'll produce beautiful barre chord sounds.

Keep at them - they're worth the investment in time and effort. Rock on!

Peace~

Dave