Root 5 Bar Chords
As the term toot 5 suggests, the root (name) of these chords can be determined from the note on the fifth string, fretted with the first finger bar. Like all bar chords, the same shape can be moved up or down to any position on the fretboard. Below is the basic shape for the root Major bar chord shown in two positions. You will need to have patience with this chord shape, as the combination of the first finger bar and the partial bar with the third finger is particularly difficult at first. Make sure the third finger sounds the 4th, 3rd and 2nd strings, but note the 1st string.
It will be necessary to know the notes on the fifth string in order to know on which fret a root 5 chord must be fretted. The diagram below ilustrates all notes on the fifth string up to the 13th fret. Try naming a chord and moving to the correct fret. Practice this until you can do it instantly.
