I'm having real trouble with the A shape barre chord, seems like my hands are too small and not enough flexability in my ring finger to press all 3 strings of the a shape. I was wondering if there is a suitable substitute chord i could use in songs that require this barre chord?
Can you finger it ok using just four strings?
Best,
A :-)
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That depends on what 4 strings you mean?
I find when making barre chords I do better if my thumb is behind the neck and the the tip is pointing towards the headstock.
another way of making a barre chord is throwing the thumb over the top of the neck.
basically, you are forming an open F chord. the thumb over the top pressing the E string. but you are up on the fifth fret.
you get the sound of the barre A .
it takes time to build muscle in your hands. continue in making proper barre chords. that way your hand will get the strength it needs.
I understand what your saying dogbite, but i want to be able to use that chord shape up and down the neck.
you can play that shape up and down th neck...the shape I mean is the one wth th thumb over the top of the neck. make an F with the thumb over the top.
maybe I am misunderstanding what you mean.
the open A chord ismade with three fingers using strings 2,3,4 at the second fret.
another way to make that A chord is to simplt use your index finger.
palce it right over those strings at that fret and you got it.
just dont play the high E, because your finger is probablyy muting it.
well, I hope this helps.
yes slight misunderstanding dogbite, i can play the E shape barre that your talking about fine, its the A shape barre i'm having trouble with.
Barre 5 strings with first finger, then press the A shape two frets down with ring finger. Thats what i'm having trouble with.
gotcha. alot of new players have trouble making barre chords. one thing they do is really press hard on the strings.
try watching the position of your thumb. it should be pointing towards the headstock in the middle of the back of the neck.
from that position I find I have more control over what is going on on the front of the neck.
I find I can get away with less fret pressure.
Ive got fat fingers. they always get in the way.
hang in there. when your hand gets tired take a break. why include a negative in your experience of learning.
forming barres will happen for you. then it will be so easy. believe me.
