Who’s excited to learn more about E barre chord? Well, you definitely should be, because when you know about barre chords, you automatically have an advantage! So today we will learn the e barre chord, and the steps you need to know to be able to play the E major barre chord.
E Barre Chord: The 3 Simple Steps
Step 1: Bar that finger!
To begin with playing the e barre chord, first of all, we must bar the first finger on across all six strings on the 12th fret. When you have done this, pick each string individually so that you can test if all of the notes are ringing out clearly.
Common Problem/s: One problem you might encounter with the e barre chord is that when you bar, one or more notes may be muted. Another common problem is that your index finger will hurt after some time of barring.
Tips/Solutions: Yes, every seasoned guitarist will tell you, playing barre chords will really hurt at first. So you should keep practicing until you get the hang of it. But here’s a secret: roll your index finger in such a way that the outer edge is pressing onto the strings and not the soft part of your finger. That ought to lessen the pain in your finger.
Step 2: Back to the basic E shape
It goes without saying that the e barre chord uses the basic E chord shape. Quick review: the basic E chord is played using the first finger positioned on the third string, second fret, while the second and third fingers are on the third fret on the fifth and fourth strings. We will still use this basic E chord shape, except that we will now use the second, third, and fourth fingers. We will move the E shape to the 13th and 14th fret – the second finger will be on the third string in the 13th fret, while the third and fourth fingers are on the fifth and fourth strings on the 14th fret.
Common Problem: Sometimes, when playing the E chord, some notes may sound muted because the fourth finger can overlap with other strings.
Tip/Solution: The muting sound can be avoided by positioning your wrist in such a way that your fourth finger is slightly lifted up so that it does not press down on other strings and mute their sound.
Step 3: Put it together
You are almost ready to play the e barre chord! You just have to put the first two steps together. Now that you have barred your finger across all the strings on the 12th fret, position the rest of your fingers to form the E chord shape in the 13th and 14th fret. Once you have done so, pick each string and listen if all the notes sound clear.
Common Problem: The technique of barring is already quite a task to begin with, but sometimes, when combines with other steps, especially one that will cause the fourth finger to overlap with other strings, it can be even more challenging.
Tips/Solutions: It will help you a lot if you can separate the “parts” of the barre chord and practice each part on its own. Take the time to practice barring everyday so that your finger can get used to the action. Also, get to know the basic chord shapes, as these will prove to be the foundation of almost every other barre chord you will study in the future, not just the e barre chord.
The E Barre Chord – Alternative Ways of Playing the Chord
Alternative to Steps 1, 2, and 3:
There is another way of playing the e barre chord, and it involves using the basic A chord shape! Instead of barring your first finger on the 12th fret, you can choose to bar your finger across strings one to five on the seventh fret. When you have done this, form the basic A chord shape on the ninth fret. There are two ways of forming the basic A chord shape – one is to press down your second, third, and fourth fingers on the second, third, and fourth strings on the ninth fret; another way is to bar your third finger on these three strings. Remember that when you are using the A shape, the sixth string is not to be played.
Play the E Barre Chord – Put it into action
You now know the basic steps involved in playing the e barre chord, so all you have to do now is get your guitar and practice!