Barre Chords for Beginners: Chart, Shapes and Fixes
Quick answer
Learn two shapes (E-shape and A-shape) and you can play every major and minor chord. Start the barre at fret 5, roll your index onto its bony edge, and pull with your arm instead of squeezing with your thumb. Chart, exercises and buzz fixes below.
A barre chord is one finger (usually the index) pressing several strings at once, with the other fingers making a chord shape in front of it. Two shapes, E-shape and A-shape, let you play every major and minor chord anywhere on the neck. They are hard at first for everyone; most players need a few weeks of short daily practice.
The 6 barre chord shapes you actually need
Numbers are fingers (1 = index). The bar shows the barre. × = don't play that string.
Barre chord chart: where to put the barre
Move the shape until the barre sits at the fret in the table. The lowest note under your index finger names the chord.
| Chord | E-shape (6th string root): barre at fret | A-shape (5th string root): barre at fret |
|---|---|---|
| F / Fm | 1 | 8 |
| F# / F#m | 2 | 9 |
| G / Gm | 3 | 10 |
| Ab / Abm | 4 | 11 |
| A / Am | 5 | open A |
| Bb / Bbm | 6 | 1 |
| B / Bm | 7 | 2 |
| C / Cm | 8 | 3 |
| C# / C#m | 9 | 4 |
| D / Dm | 10 | 5 |
| Eb / Ebm | 11 | 6 |
| E / Em | - | 7 |
Common barre chords (chart)
Also see the F chord step-by-step and the chord finder.
How to learn barre chords: 6 steps
- Find the barre point. Lay the index finger flat across all six strings right behind the 5th fret, where the neck is narrower and tension is lower.
- Roll the finger. Rotate the index slightly onto its bony edge toward the headstock.
- Check one string at a time. Pick each string slowly. Adjust until all six ring with the barre alone.
- Add the shape. Add fingers 2, 3 and 4 in the E-shape major (like an open E chord moved up).
- Move toward fret 1. Each day, slide the shape one fret closer to the nut until F at fret 1 rings.
- Use arm weight. Relax the thumb and pull back gently with the arm instead of squeezing.
Barre chord exercises (5 minutes a day)
- Barre-only ring test (1 min): barre at fret 5, pick each string. Release, relax, repeat 5 times.
- Squeeze-release (1 min): hold the full shape for 4 beats, release to touching-only for 4 beats. Builds the minimum-pressure habit.
- Shape slides (1 min): E-shape at fret 5 → 7 → 5 → 3 (A, B, A, G).
- Open-to-barre changes (2 min): C → F (fret 1) and G → Bm, slowly with a metronome at 60 bpm, one change per bar.
Why your barre chord buzzes (and the fix)
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| Buzz on the B or high E string | Roll your index finger slightly onto its bony side, toward the headstock. The soft fleshy side and the finger creases let thin strings buzz. |
| Buzz on the G string | The G string often falls in the crease of your index finger joint. Slide the barre up or down a few millimetres so the crease misses it. |
| Thumb aches | Squeezing with the thumb is the most common mistake. Drop the thumb behind the neck (roughly behind your middle finger) and pull back gently with your arm instead: let arm weight do the work. |
| One note is dead | Arch the fretting fingers so their tips land on the string ends, not lying across the next string. Check each string one at a time. |
| It all buzzes | Move the barre right behind the fret wire, not mid-fret. If it still buzzes on every chord, your action may be high: see high action fix. |
| Wrist hurts | Lower the guitar neck a little and keep the wrist closer to straight. Short sessions; stop if it aches. See guitar wrist pain. |
Easier versions while you build strength
Use these in songs now, and keep practising the full shape separately. Nobody will notice the difference in a strummed song.
Make the guitar easier
High action at the first fret makes barre chords much harder. A setup or lowering the action helps more than any exercise. Lighter strings help too: see what gauge strings for beginners. A capo also lets you dodge barre chords in many songs: try the capo transposer.
Want a teacher to check your barre?
Barre chords are where most self-taught players stall. Guitar Tricks has a step-by-step barre chord series inside its beginner path, with a free trial.
FAQ
How long does it take to learn barre chords?
Most beginners get a clean F within a few weeks of 5 to 10 minutes a day. Changing to it in time takes longer. It is normal for it to feel impossible in week one.
Why do barre chords hurt my thumb?
You are squeezing. Let the thumb rest lightly behind the neck and use a gentle backward pull of the arm instead.
Should I learn barre chords on acoustic or electric?
Electric guitars have lighter strings and lower action, so barres are easier there. On acoustic, start at fret 5 and work down.
What is the easiest barre chord?
An A-shape minor or E-shape minor at fret 5 to 7, where the strings need less pressure. F at fret 1 is the hardest place to start.
Can I skip barre chords?
For a while, yes: use Fmaj7, mini F, and a capo. Long term, barres open up every key, so keep a few minutes a day on them.
Print the guitar chord chart (24 chords + blank sheet).
Sources checked
- BAPAM guitar ergonomics factsheet (checked Oct 23, 2026): www.jamesonline.org.uk/resources/Wellbeing/GuitarErgonomics.pdf
FretCompare explains standard technique and setup practice in its own words. Specs are starting points; adjust to feel.
How this page was made
An editorial guide by Andrew from standard technique, manufacturer setup specs and the sources listed above. Not hands-on product testing. How we rate.