Guitar Barre Chords Summary
The easiest way to remember which barre chord is which is to relate them to the open position chords from which they are based.
The major barre chord root on the 6th string is based on an open position E chord. E is sometimes referred to as the parent chord. | ![]() |
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The major barre chord root on the 5th strings is based on an open position A chord. | ![]() |
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The minor barre chord root on the 6th string is based on an open position Em chord. | ![]() |
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The minor barre chord root on the 5th string is based on an open position Am chord. | ![]() |
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As you practice barre chords, be careful. This guitar chords take a lot of pressure to get a good sound. You need to build up your muscles to play them successfully, and actually practicing them too much at first can cause injury.
Guitar Lesson Navigation
<<< Page 1, Barre Chord Basics – Root on the 6th String Barre Chords
<<< Page 2, Root on the 5th String Barre Chords
<<< Page 3, Root on the 5th String Barre Chords Extra Help