Our Little & Often series looks at a variety of subjects with the objective of providing ideas for warm-ups and general daily practice.
This session (#5) looks at the basics for playing barre chords and some easier-to-play, movable chords which can act as alternatives to barre chords.
FOR BEGINNERS AND STRUGGLERS who have difficulties playing barre chords.
The basic idea behind these sessions is to review technical aspects and recommend exercises that you can build into a daily routine. This current series of four sessions covers:
#5 Barre chords and Alternatives
#6 Staying on a chord
#7 Learn a fingerpicking tune
#8 Basic chord theory and naming chords
In this session (#5) we’ll be looking at:
Barre chords are an essential facility to master in order to improve on the guitar. They will elevate your level from beginner to intermediate. But they can be tough to crack and, as with most other things on guitar, will take a while to bed in. Patience, perseverence and proper practice are required.
To play barre chords you’ll need to learn the notes on the two lowest strings. The barre chord is a massive bang-for-buck chord in that one shape in front of the barre instantly gives you 12 chords! e.g. the open E chord shape gives you all the chords from F to D# major chords with the roots on the low E string. This allows total freedom on the fretboard.
This session should help if you have tried barre chords but struggled to place them on the neck; perhaps because of a wrong technique or maybe a medical impairment, etc. Having other approaches to playing easier shapes to achieve the same degree of mobility on the guitar is invaluable; we’ll explore some options.
The overall objective(s) of the sessions is to spell out practical exercises for you to build into your daily practice.
And maybe even some bonus materials for live attendees only.
These sessions will be layered so that they’re of interest to, as well as push/stretch, beginner and struggling intermediate players.
These sessions are short so don’t expect to master everything during the session. Pick up what you can during the session and we can look at going over things later.
When you book you’ll have two options:
1. You want to join this live Zoom session.
You’ll receive the joining instructions on the day. Being live, you’ll be able to put your own questions directly to the tutor during the session. Choose option 1, This live lesson and materials.
2. Maybe you’d like to attend but can’t make it on this occasion?
You can buy the materials and receive them after the session (i.e. lesson PDF(s) and access to a Zoom recording of the live session). Choose option 2, Materials only.
3. Buy all four sessions up-front for a 20% discount (RECOMMENDED)
As with option 1, you’ll receive the joining instructions on the day.