Why Guitarists Fail at Barre Chords (And How You Don’t Have to Be One of Them!)

Playing barre chords can be challenging for most guitarists, especially beginners. Here are five common reasons why someone might struggle with barre chords, and some tips for how to finally get over that barre chord mountain!

Guitar Setup and Action:

The setup of the guitar, including the string action (the distance between the strings and the fretboard), can affect the ease with which barre chords can be played. If the action is too high or too low, it may make barre chords more difficult to execute. A properly set up guitar can make a significant difference. Take your guitar to a luthier for a fret dress and a setup, or maybe consider working on your barre chords using an electric guitar, which is easier on the hands, while you’re getting started.

Hand Strength and Endurance:

Barre chords require a good amount of hand strength, particularly in the fingers and the wrist. If a guitarist is relatively new to playing or hasn't developed sufficient hand strength, holding down all the strings with a single finger across the fretboard can be physically demanding. Make sure that you’re able to play all of your root position chords WITH EASE and for the duration of an entire song (3-4 minutes) before you push yourself to master barre chords.

Finger Dexterity and Independence:

Barre chords often involve intricate finger movements and the ability to position fingers independently. If a guitarist has not yet developed sufficient finger dexterity and independence, they may find it challenging to press down on the strings with the required precision. Work in finger stretches and finger dexterity exercises in between practice sessions to ensure that your fingers are strong, flexible, and independent.

Proper Finger Placement:

Achieving the correct finger placement for a barre chord is crucial. If the finger isn't positioned correctly or if it's not pressing down hard enough, some strings may not ring out clearly, resulting in a muted or buzzing sound. This requires a good sense of finger placement and pressure. Another tip is to consider the barre chord as a full body experience—rather than thinking that you’re squeezing, imagine you’re pressing your hand against the fretboard, which will draw the guitar neck backward toward you. Secure the body of the guitar with your arm and elbow. Create a full body barre chord, rather than putting all the stress on your hands!

Fingerboard Width and Neck Shape:

The physical characteristics of the guitar itself can impact a guitarist's ability to play barre chords. For instance, guitars with wider necks may require more finger stretching, while the shape of the neck can influence the comfort and ease of playing barre chords. Again, you can opt for a smaller sized guitar or an electric guitar so that you can get used to barre chords without stressing yourself out too much!

It's important to note that overcoming these challenges often comes with practice, patience, and consistent effort. As a guitarist continues to play and develops strength, dexterity, and muscle memory, playing barre chords becomes more manageable.

Have you been struggling with barre chords? Have you found a way to practice them that helps? Let me know in the comments!