Major Chords Barred

E Shape Barre Chord

Which Chord Is It?

Depending on the fret your 1st finger barres determines what chord you are playing. For example, in an open E chord the open E string is the root. The E chord barre on the 1st fret is an F chord and so on. This is where learning the names of the frets comes in handy!

Exercise

Play the E major barre chord on the 1st fret, then the 2nd, and continue up the fret board all the way up to the 12th fret. Then go all the way back down to the open position. The exercise is performed in the audio example below.

A Shape Barre Chord

Fret/Chord Chart

You can determine the name of the chord when the root (lowest) note is played on the frets in the chart below.

Alternate Fingering

Here is a popular alternative way of playing the A style barre chord. It’s the same form with the exception of the missing note on the high E string. It used a lot because it’s an easier fingering than the full barre chord.

Exercise

Play the A style barre chord on the first 12 frets starting on the 1st fret. Listen to this exercise in the audio example below. You may want to say the names of the chords as you travel up and down the fretboard to help you remember them.