The Bar Chord
Up to this point, all the chords you have studied are referred to as "open chords" i.e., they contain at least one open string. A bar chord, however, has no open strings, due to the fact that the first finger "bars" across all six stings. This is illustrated with the F major chord:
F
In playing this chord, the first finger holds down all six strings, while the second, third and fourth fingers hold an E major chord shape (see photo). Strum the F chord, and concentrate on producing a clear sound from all six strings. As with the open chords, bar chords will be difficult in the early stages and will need much practice.
Root 6 Bar Chord
In the previous photo, you can see that the F major chord is actually an open E major chord moved up one fret, with the first finger replacing the nut. The root note (the note after which the chord is named, i.e., F), can be found on the sixth string; hence the name "Root 6 bar chord" *.
When this chord shape is moved up and down the fretboard its name changes but the basic shape does not. The chord’s name is taken from the note on the sixth string, (i.e., the root note) so you must become thoroughly familiar with all of these notes.
* Root 6 bar chords can also be called E formation bar chords, because they are based upon an E chord shape.
At the third fret, the root 6 bar chord shape becomes a G chord.
At the fifth fret, the root 6 bar chord shape becomes an A chord.
By following through this procedure, the root 6 bar chord gives you at least 8 major chords, some of which are completely new to you (e.g., F# on the second fret, Ab on the fourth fret, etc.)*. The actual number of bar chords you can play will depend on the type of guitar you have. If you have a classical guitar, you may only be able to bar up to the eighth fret, whereas on an electric guitar you should be able to play up to the 12th fret.
Root 6 Bar Chord Progression
Rhythm Pattern
In this example a slide technique is used when changing from one chord to the next. This technique involves the fingers releasing pressure, but not losing contact with the strings during the changes. While changing, the fingers should maintain the basic chord shape. For ease of playing, the open E chord is played using the second, third and fourth fingers. This will enable the slide technique to be used from F to E and E back to A.
* In learning these chords, relate their fret locations to the position marker dots on your guitar.
