I've taken a break from playing guitar, unable to feel like I've progressed due to the fact I couldn't barre chords. I'm really trying now and so happy. thank you!
I have 4 fingers and 1 thumb and I can pick up a dinner plate by spanning my hand across it and my finger are big and suffer with arthritis. Now that is a challenge.
I know this is old - but I've looked at dozens of videos on barre chords and this is the best. You're the only one who focused on hand and wrist position and that helped me a lot
Barre chords are often taught on an acoustic guitar. Was your comment about Power Chords, since those are almost impossible to understand (discern from a hearing perspective) without an electric guitar with some distortion.
Notes: Roll index finger towards the thumb side - bony side works better Wrist out from the neck, unlocks fingers, which helps roll the finger Elbow close to the body - more flexibility also allows the finger roll Pressure should be balanced between thumb and index finger - pinching - not too hard Takes time before muscles aren't sore and a callus will develop - pain will reduce Can reinforce index finger with middle finger to practice getting the barre Practice higher on the neck (B rather than F) Listen to each string ring out to identify which one is buzzing - make adjustments Remember what it feels like when everything is right Pain is normal - take regular breaks to avoid frustrations and bad pain Start practicing songs where you know the chords well, but it also includes one infrequent barre chord Focus on mastering one barre chord and you'll find the others become easier (Includes barre chord exercises) Great lesson! You're an awesome instructor! 😁
Amazing how an 8 year old video has instantly fixed my problems with Barre Chords. Elbow and wrist position fixed it immediately and I’m now FINALLY playing them clearly. I’m so so grateful. Great job! Thank you so much!
This is the best tips video on RUclips..I have tried every single thing and i learned to play it in a month..Now im focusing on switching smoothly and faster ...There is one thing i like to mention .. position your guitar like almost like classical guitar ..so you won't get wrist pain..❤❤❤
OMG! I’m actually crying! My guitar tutor told me my fingers were not capable, I was born whit bent fingers so this has been a challenge for me. THANK YOU!😭♥️
It took me like a month, After I got that first clean sound I pretty much mastered it. For me I don't know about anyone else but barre chords are like riding a bike, Once you learn it comes very easy. Thanks keep practicing!
This is the best and most inspiring tutorial on learning and practicing barre chords I've seen on RUclips to date. Thanks so much, Ellen. Strength to you!
after three year's of thinking these little pig fingers was the result of the buzz, a simple tutorial from you telling me to bring the finger on edge has just reinvigorated my passion on the guitar. thank you xoxo
barre chords are actuallyy the biggest struggle for me thanks soo much for all of these tips, literally no one has ever shown me most of these and im so excited i can now tackle the bm chord!! THANK YOUUU
Thank you Ellen, this is really helpful information as I have struggled a lot with this chord and I am sure many others know that feeling so, its nice to come across a video where the poster tells you simply how to play the chord and doesn’t expect you to be a maestro in 5 seconds flat so, it will help so many people.keep posting please!
This tutorial finally helped me get over that hump of not being able to play barre chords and I couldn't be more thankful! Thank you so much for these fantastic videos; you are by far one of my favorite channels and an amazing guitarist!
Unbelievable........This is the best barre tutorial by far. Only been playing for 8 weeks now but am a fast learner. Everyday i try to learn something new and its time for the barre chord.
I play guitar for half or a year or more maybe and when i see a barre chords i just keep skipping it and don't play it. It's really hard for me. It confusses me. Hoping this time i'll learn. Wish me luck. Thank you for this ellen 😊
im so done weeping every time i see a barre chord. i have learnt many songs from your channel and i really hope to master barre chord one day. this is the only video i will follow and i have faith that i can do it!❤ thank you and i will let everyone know when i finally do it!!
I'm rooting for you!! 💪 I'm actually working on revamping the tips in this video and adding more examples for my barre chord mini series that I hope to get out soon!! 🎸🎶
Knowing how to do something is one thing; teaching it efficiently to others is a whole different story; and you've got this - big time. Thanks for the great tutorials, 40 days ago I couldn't hold a guitar and now I dare to try to mimic The Edge :P
You have no idea what you did. I have been trying it for a year and mostly giving up on it. Now im sitting here with eyes full of joy and tears bcz i did it, not just once and not just one chord, but all of them! My problem was the position of thumb. To be honest i watched huitarist men who really just tried to show off their skills and not to teach about all these. Thank you for this video. I cant express my gratitude more ❤
You are amazing, I have spent so many months trying to play a barre chord and I got frustrated cause I couldn't play a lot of songs. Then this video happened, I have gotten better and you are so amazing.
Ellen you are a fantastic teacher and have helped so many people improve their skills. Can’t thank you enough for making these videos and explaining everything with such ease and style. Keep up the great work and know you are the best teacher out there by a landslide!!
Thankyou so much for getting right down to basics and showing the absolute necessities. You're the first person I've found who is talking about hand and arm position. That's reeeally helped - thankyou!
Finally managed to play it - twice, all strings clear, no buzzing. Tons of practise needed, but thanks for explaining to me how to do this, feel like at last I've made progress. Looking forward to working my way through the rest of the video. Best video around for how to do this...thanks
I’ve wanted to learn guitar for years but my wrist injury prevented me. I’m learning now but I have smaller hands and every other tutorial has someone with larger hands. This was the best tutorial I have found for this ^-^
Hi Ellen! This one really helps me a lot. Before, I was afraid of playing those BARRE CHORDS, but now I am confident of playing my favorite songs☺☺☺ Thanks Ellen☺
omg the turning my index finger and using my thumb more was SOOOO helpful! I had such a hard time with barre chords because although I could do them my hand/wrist would get so sore and hurt so much from squeezing. Now its so much easier! Thank you so freaking much you have no idea!
Yeah Ashley. I get so much pain. I cant even do what she says until the pain leaves me. I will take maybe a full 7 to 10 days to really recover. Then try a few minutes each day very light like she said. I squeeze so incredibly hard, that its causing injury. And not progress. Hopefully with the break, maybe my arm will respond with some new strength. And maybe begin to in a month or 2 somehow start to break through and finally reach some real progress. I need to get where even just barring 6 strings is super natural and not hard on my forearms. I pray i achieve this with patience, and that i can really do this. My guitar teacher said next step master bar chords (im self taught- just a friend guided me), and here i am. But impatient. And mybe putting too much effort too soon. Maybe i will focus mostly on regular playing. Until like a few months pass of continued trying until my arms are built up to handle it. I cant wait until i can do them like for a long time no worries. How long will that take???? Will that be like a guaranteed 2 year path??????? Guitar takes ALOT of patience and dedication. Its not like i want it. I want to obessess 12 hrs a day, and be pro in 2 years. But im hitting plateus.
one thing I love to learn from you that you always smile! That makes learners feel comfy and never frustrated :) Thanks for your videos, they are all very specific and you are very thoughtful
Why.. There are only 2 mains based on E and A and the minor and the 7 and really the only reason they. E and A are different is the major 3rd B string... Took like a day to grasp this.. Took me a few weeks to realize I preferred a smaller guitar... I got a 13/16 scale electric-acoustic and the lightest silk and steels for it.. Bam. Done.
Ellen,you are such a fine teacher & this is simply the best lesson on how to get good at playing barre' chords that I have encountered on youtube.Am subscribing right now!
Ellen, thank you so much for posting this video! Definitely the best one I've seen yet and you're so sweet explaining it all. :) So thank you, thank you.
The most accessible guitar video I've seen. So refreshing to have a female person of color represent guitar. Very clear, concise and direct. Explains small details about arm/finger positioning that I've heard nowhere else. Love the triangle suggestion and the bony side of the finger comment. And to start at the top of the neck down to the bottom. How with practice in the easier part of the neck will eventually take us to the challenging side. And how to have patience--take a break--if experiencing frustration as opposed to reaching a maximum pressure point and giving up all together. She is an excellent teacher whose optimistic yet realistic understanding of the learning process of the guitar is sensitive, intuitive of the human condition and the possibility of burn out.
Ellen, you really made learning and playing barre chords easy, I have been playing guitar for some time now but I stayed away from barre chords and just used open chords instead.. I followed your excellent instructions for couple of hours and now I can really play barre chords quite with ease. Next I need your help in learning the guitar finger picking technique and how to incorporate it into while singing a song. Please help! Thanks. Amar
THANK YOU!!!! I finally played barre chords!!!!!! I've never been able to and watched other tutorials and yours worked!! The most important part that helped me was the first 3 I think steps. I never realized that your thumb's pressure and correct wrist posture was the key!
Awesome!! Congrats for getting the technique down! 🙌 And yes, I think wrist posture is usually people's number 1 roadblock, so I'm really glad it was helpful and thanks for watching! 💕
Excellent tutorial! Many show how to make an F barre chord but don’t focus on transitioning to and from it in a song. Your excel sizes help to develop that skill. Thanks for sharing.
Everybody just says "Barre chords are hard, but you'll get it eventually..." Why doesn't anyone talk about turning your fingers to the bony side like you do. Thank you so much! I finally got it!
I'm not gonna lie i've gone to other guitar sites and u wernt lazy like them they give us like a small speech but i love the fact that u took your time to explain and n help us this really helped me allot thanks =-) keep making videos
I have been playing guitar for YEARS and have never been able to do this. Your first tip fixed my problem immediately. Thank you so much! Funny how something so simple could make such a difference. I feel quite foolish for going so long but now I can finally do it. Thanks a ton!
Omg, watching this video made me realize how really important practice is, along with perseverance and others. Thank you so very much for making these guitar tutorials!
I can make the shape of the F & Bm and play them, but when transitioning between other chords, its a slow process making the shape in 3 sometimes 2 moves then adding the barre. But you're quite right Ellen, that the key is just (a lot) of practise, especially incorporating into songs. Thanks for your encouragement - as a women, its great to see that despite that not having quite the strength of male guitarists, this can still be mastered.
This was like one of the must useful videos i've watch of guitar learning. Thank u so much for taking the time to do it, along with the tutorials :) You're amazing! Xx
Three perfect songs for barchord practice i'm using now: Comfortably numb: Bm A G-D-Em Supergirl: A E F#m D - very nice chord progression Have you ever seen the rain: F G C Em Am F G C
I've been struggling with this F chord especially the transition to and from other chords and these simple exercises and tips have got me playing it more confidently. Big thanks!!
really short. i always make sure they're cut down pretty much all the way. it's a habit i developed since playing violin, but it really will help you play most instruments the shorter your nails are. =]
I have looked at many F Barre chord videos and while a few are true and clever- I keep coming back to yours! The way you address the problems involved with such sweetness and inspirational encouragement; stops me from freaking out over failure and anxiety- to get down to 'smart' and intense practice. Slow going, but each time I lay the position on the neck, keeping the middle string as a guide my fingers fold into the shape. I figure, if I do this several hundred times, I will gradually get faster and more precise. Looking forward to the weeks ahead, LOL! You are my GO To Person for this F-Barre Chord. Thank you!
I just want to say you are so awesome I love you! I have been trying so hard to learn and your the best teacher ever. I have only been able to learn with you, thank you so much for helping us beginners
I'm glad that someone finally showed that!) I used to think that I'm never gonna manage to learn those barre chords, but luckily it happened, thanks a lot!
Ellen, these tips were great, I made so much progress today! The one where you do the F barre chord, then take your hand off, then do it again, was especially helpful. THANKS!
Today was my Ist time knowing the name of these chords since I only just started learning and I thought to myself Ellen would have a better explanation and wow here I am playing it,it started as buzzing but as I followed on ,no more buzz sounds.So excited right now.Thank you Ellen
I use all these tips and I do a pretty good job barring but then when I have to add my third finger or fourth I just can't reach it across far enough. And if I do then it sounds muted a little. My hands are quite small, what do I do?
peachywolfhard , get a 3/4 scale guitar. All guitar manufacturers make them. Examples are the Baby Taylor and the Little Martin. Guitars known as "parlor guitars" are these smaller scale guitars.
Goadiroth Be careful... that's true but only if you keep working on your technique. I went almost 20 years before I finally decided to re-learn my barre chords! (seriously) I just started but I'm finally getting chords that have always sounded like crap! My main issue was that I was not keeping my finger straight and usually the 3rd string would buzz... really have to keep it straight to get the pressure to that string...
If you use your fingertips and move your thumb down more the ringing will go away. Also see what string is ringing by hitting each string a couple times while you are on the chord shape.
Thank you soooooo much! It's the first time someone explained to use the side of my finger! I tried for a year and only made muted sounds. Although my hand is still weak, 10 minutes into your video and I actually played my first barre chord! You are amazing.
Thank you so much Ellen. I learnt my very first guitar chord song from you (we are never ever getting back together) and was so happy!! I ran into school and showed all my friends :D Now, after years of pain I've learnt my Barre chords from this video too! Words cannot explain how grateful I am for your videos, before I was just playing TAB and was getting no where! Thank you thank you thank you, please keep making videos!!! Zoe x
Ellen, thank you so much ;^; I tried playing bar chords before this and even though my whole hand was shaking I couldn't get anything- but then I tried the stuff here in the video and now playing bar chords feel as natural as playing the other chords, way less painful :,) They used to be such a huge problem for me and I really, really appreciate it that you're always here with a smile, listening to our requests and helping us practice basic technique. It means a lot, and your channel is hella inspirational :,) You're a super great teacher, thank you for everything!
I'm smashing that like button, hitting subscribe and turning on that notification bell bc BEETCH! YOU'RE THE ONLY ONE WHO SPENT TIME TO TALK ABOUT POSTURE AND PROPER WRIST POSITION!! thank you so much :')
Sai Harish That's a Taylor Swift guitar made by Taylor, a guitar company. That is indeed not a classical guitar and I have to agree with *****. I would suggest that you do not call others "retarded" unless you know for a certain what you're saying.
come one guy's.... just try to understand my plea....... I learnt guitar on a hard steel stringed acoustic and I am having a very tough time playing barr chords. now people who can play those, just show up on youtube and tell you its easy,on an electric or classic but not on a steel string gibson....... I just want people to know :)
YOU ARE AWESOME. been stuck with those barre chords for a long time, but because of your Kick-ass tutorial I've finally moved on... now I can play more songs! =)))
Seriously, after about ten minutes watching I was able to get my pesky middle finger perpendicular to the fret board so I could press firmly on the string. Your tips on position helped so much. Also, so many of your other vids have been so clear and helpful, great work thanks.
![BLACK BAG - Official Trailer [HD] - Only in Theaters March 14](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Du0Xp8WX_7I/mqdefault.jpg)
My tip is to never give up: it took me a half year, but hey, now I can do it :)
http.rachel thanks, no seriously! :)
pinky endebrain awh you're welcome :D
+http.rachel woah that made me feel good ;'D i thought i sucked even after trying hard for like last 5 days
Raza mehmood this comment made my day!! good luck :-)
http.rachel aww man same here, yours made mine too ;)
I've taken a break from playing guitar, unable to feel like I've progressed due to the fact I couldn't barre chords. I'm really trying now and so happy. thank you!
can you play now?
Can you play now?
CAN U PLAY NOW???
CAN YOU???
C A N Y O U P L A Y N O W??
It's really encouraging watching a tutorial from someone who has hands more like mine. Makes it all seem possible!
even i have 4 fingers 1 thumb and a palm, totally relatable.
@@neenadubey8865 I meant tiny hands that can barely reach everything, but yes the consistent number of fingers is also helpful.
@@alanalin7778 hey alana it was a joke just to be clear didn't mean to hurt. Have a great day ❤
I have 4 fingers and 1 thumb and I can pick up a dinner plate by spanning my hand across it and my finger are big and suffer with arthritis. Now that is a challenge.
This is, hands down, THE best instructional video out there for learning and practicing barre chords. Thank you, Ellen.
this is the best tutorial I have found... and I still can't play a barre chord...
***** Thanks ^.^ I'll keep trying
***** means to make ur finger strong you need to work out it xD
Shania Dawson how about now?
@@cloey8048 I actually did learn how, it took awhile but I got it... though I havent played guitar lately so im not sure if I still can play it
@@Your4Beautiful so what ultimately made you get it, or what changed when you finally got it?
I know this is old - but I've looked at dozens of videos on barre chords and this is the best. You're the only one who focused on hand and wrist position and that helped me a lot
Been avoiding Barre Chords for years, but no longer! Thanks Ellen!
I couldn't play a barre chord for the life of me, 5 minutes of watching this video and I suddenly can! Brilliant. Thank you.
Probably the best barre chords video. You actually use an acoustic guitar, unlike other people who use electric guitars.
Barre chords are often taught on an acoustic guitar. Was your comment about Power Chords, since those are almost impossible to understand (discern from a hearing perspective) without an electric guitar with some distortion.
Notes:
Roll index finger towards the thumb side - bony side works better
Wrist out from the neck, unlocks fingers, which helps roll the finger
Elbow close to the body - more flexibility also allows the finger roll
Pressure should be balanced between thumb and index finger - pinching - not too hard
Takes time before muscles aren't sore and a callus will develop - pain will reduce
Can reinforce index finger with middle finger to practice getting the barre
Practice higher on the neck (B rather than F)
Listen to each string ring out to identify which one is buzzing - make adjustments
Remember what it feels like when everything is right
Pain is normal - take regular breaks to avoid frustrations and bad pain
Start practicing songs where you know the chords well, but it also includes one infrequent barre chord
Focus on mastering one barre chord and you'll find the others become easier
(Includes barre chord exercises)
Great lesson! You're an awesome instructor! 😁
Amazing how an 8 year old video has instantly fixed my problems with Barre Chords. Elbow and wrist position fixed it immediately and I’m now FINALLY playing them clearly. I’m so so grateful. Great job! Thank you so much!
That's so awesome that just those little adjustments made the difference! 🙌 Thanks for watching my video and I'm glad these tips helped! 🤗
This is the best tips video on RUclips..I have tried every single thing and i learned to play it in a month..Now im focusing on switching smoothly and faster ...There is one thing i like to mention .. position your guitar like almost like classical guitar ..so you won't get wrist pain..❤❤❤
This is so great to read! 🤗 Thanks so much for watching my videos and I totally agree with your tip! 💪🎸🎶
OMG! I’m actually crying! My guitar tutor told me my fingers were not capable, I was born whit bent fingers so this has been a challenge for me. THANK YOU!😭♥️
Helena Ronvik can you do them now?
How 'bout now?
Can u do it now? Its been 2 years
What 'bout now?
You get it yet?
It took me like a month, After I got that first clean sound I pretty much mastered it. For me I don't know about anyone else but barre chords are like riding a bike, Once you learn it comes very easy. Thanks keep practicing!
This is the best and most inspiring tutorial on learning and practicing barre chords I've seen on RUclips to date. Thanks so much, Ellen. Strength to you!
i am struggling to play Barr chords since forever. and you just made me learn so easily and beautifully
after three year's of thinking these little pig fingers was the result of the buzz, a simple tutorial from you telling me to bring the finger on edge has just reinvigorated my passion on the guitar. thank you xoxo
barre chords are actuallyy the biggest struggle for me thanks soo much for all of these tips, literally no one has ever shown me most of these and im so excited i can now tackle the bm chord!! THANK YOUUU
Thank you Ellen, this is really helpful information as I have struggled a lot with this chord and I am sure many others know that feeling so, its nice to come across a video where the poster tells you simply how to play the chord and doesn’t expect you to be a maestro in 5 seconds flat so, it will help so many people.keep posting please!
I've tried everything and all I do is mute the strings
same here
You can try to place your middle finger over your index finger to get a feel how it should feel when playing barre chords
Try nylon strings they're so much easier to use...
Daisy Sever same😭
People know the fact that it takes a bit of time. It will come around. Patience is the next tip
This tutorial finally helped me get over that hump of not being able to play barre chords and I couldn't be more thankful! Thank you so much for these fantastic videos; you are by far one of my favorite channels and an amazing guitarist!
Unbelievable........This is the best barre tutorial by far.
Only been playing for 8 weeks now but am a fast learner. Everyday i try to learn something new and its time for the barre chord.
I play guitar for half or a year or more maybe and when i see a barre chords i just keep skipping it and don't play it. It's really hard for me. It confusses me. Hoping this time i'll learn. Wish me luck. Thank you for this ellen 😊
Zixian Ramos
did you mastered it now?
have you learned it yet? :)
Did u learn it yet
im so done weeping every time i see a barre chord. i have learnt many songs from your channel and i really hope to master barre chord one day. this is the only video i will follow and i have faith that i can do it!❤ thank you and i will let everyone know when i finally do it!!
I'm rooting for you!! 💪 I'm actually working on revamping the tips in this video and adding more examples for my barre chord mini series that I hope to get out soon!! 🎸🎶
Knowing how to do something is one thing; teaching it efficiently to others is a whole different story; and you've got this - big time.
Thanks for the great tutorials, 40 days ago I couldn't hold a guitar and now I dare to try to mimic The Edge :P
You have no idea what you did. I have been trying it for a year and mostly giving up on it. Now im sitting here with eyes full of joy and tears bcz i did it, not just once and not just one chord, but all of them! My problem was the position of thumb. To be honest i watched huitarist men who really just tried to show off their skills and not to teach about all these. Thank you for this video. I cant express my gratitude more ❤
You are amazing, I have spent so many months trying to play a barre chord and I got frustrated cause I couldn't play a lot of songs. Then this video happened, I have gotten better and you are so amazing.
Ellen you are a fantastic teacher and have helped so many people improve their skills. Can’t thank you enough for making these videos and explaining everything with such ease and style. Keep up the great work and know you are the best teacher out there by a landslide!!
Thankyou so much for getting right down to basics and showing the absolute necessities. You're the first person I've found who is talking about hand and arm position. That's reeeally helped - thankyou!
Finally managed to play it - twice, all strings clear, no buzzing. Tons of practise needed, but thanks for explaining to me how to do this, feel like at last I've made progress. Looking forward to working my way through the rest of the video. Best video around for how to do this...thanks
wow, you look so happy and positive! great advice, thank you very much.
I’ve wanted to learn guitar for years but my wrist injury prevented me. I’m learning now but I have smaller hands and every other tutorial has someone with larger hands. This was the best tutorial I have found for this ^-^
I have trouble with Barre chords and this video makes me want to give it another try! I love how you did it and explained it
I have learned more from this instructor in 2 weeks than I have with numerous other instructors for the past 3 months! She is wonderful!
Hi Ellen! This one really helps me a lot. Before, I was afraid of playing those BARRE CHORDS, but now I am confident of playing my favorite songs☺☺☺ Thanks Ellen☺
Ellen, this was the best tutorial ever, thank you:)
thank YOU for watching and commenting! i appreciate the support! :)
omg the turning my index finger and using my thumb more was SOOOO helpful! I had such a hard time with barre chords because although I could do them my hand/wrist would get so sore and hurt so much from squeezing. Now its so much easier! Thank you so freaking much you have no idea!
Yeah Ashley. I get so much pain. I cant even do what she says until the pain leaves me. I will take maybe a full 7 to 10 days to really recover. Then try a few minutes each day very light like she said. I squeeze so incredibly hard, that its causing injury. And not progress. Hopefully with the break, maybe my arm will respond with some new strength. And maybe begin to in a month or 2 somehow start to break through and finally reach some real progress. I need to get where even just barring 6 strings is super natural and not hard on my forearms. I pray i achieve this with patience, and that i can really do this. My guitar teacher said next step master bar chords (im self taught- just a friend guided me), and here i am. But impatient. And mybe putting too much effort too soon. Maybe i will focus mostly on regular playing. Until like a few months pass of continued trying until my arms are built up to handle it. I cant wait until i can do them like for a long time no worries. How long will that take???? Will that be like a guaranteed 2 year path??????? Guitar takes ALOT of patience and dedication. Its not like i want it. I want to obessess 12 hrs a day, and be pro in 2 years. But im hitting plateus.
one thing I love to learn from you that you always smile! That makes learners feel comfy and never frustrated :) Thanks for your videos, they are all very specific and you are very thoughtful
awesome! thanks for watching and i'm glad i could help you out! =D
I really like how you get in depth with your teaching you don't leave people hanging you describe thing really well. Thank you
yes i can play bar chords wooohooo
but after that i cant change to any chords
I have the same problem :(
AshuPirateKing same
sameeeeee
Why.. There are only 2 mains based on E and A and the minor and the 7 and really the only reason they. E and A are different is the major 3rd B string... Took like a day to grasp this.. Took me a few weeks to realize I preferred a smaller guitar... I got a 13/16 scale electric-acoustic and the lightest silk and steels for it.. Bam. Done.
Good luck to so your New year's resolution and for New guitar lessons
Ellen,you are such a fine teacher & this is simply the best lesson on how to get good at playing barre' chords that I have encountered on youtube.Am subscribing right now!
Ellen, thank you so much for posting this video! Definitely the best one I've seen yet and you're so sweet explaining it all. :) So thank you, thank you.
The most accessible guitar video I've seen. So refreshing to have a female person of color represent guitar. Very clear, concise and direct. Explains small details about arm/finger positioning that I've heard nowhere else. Love the triangle suggestion and the bony side of the finger comment. And to start at the top of the neck down to the bottom. How with practice in the easier part of the neck will eventually take us to the challenging side. And how to have patience--take a break--if experiencing frustration as opposed to reaching a maximum pressure point and giving up all together. She is an excellent teacher whose optimistic yet realistic understanding of the learning process of the guitar is sensitive, intuitive of the human condition and the possibility of burn out.
Ellen, you really made learning and playing barre chords easy, I have been playing guitar for some time now but I stayed away from barre chords and just used open chords instead.. I followed your excellent instructions for couple of hours and now I can really play barre chords quite with ease.
Next I need your help in learning the guitar finger picking technique and how to incorporate it into while singing a song. Please help!
Thanks.
Amar
THANK YOU!!!! I finally played barre chords!!!!!! I've never been able to and watched other tutorials and yours worked!! The most important part that helped me was the first 3 I think steps. I never realized that your thumb's pressure and correct wrist posture was the key!
Awesome!! Congrats for getting the technique down! 🙌 And yes, I think wrist posture is usually people's number 1 roadblock, so I'm really glad it was helpful and thanks for watching! 💕
aww
Excellent tutorial! Many show how to make an F barre chord but don’t focus on transitioning to and from it in a song. Your excel sizes help to develop that skill. Thanks for sharing.
So glad you found it helpful! 🤗 Thanks so much for watching and good luck with those barre chords! 💪
Nice Ellen, good job. I like your teaching style. :)
Face it! She's cute ;-)
Everybody just says "Barre chords are hard, but you'll get it eventually..."
Why doesn't anyone talk about turning your fingers to the bony side like you do. Thank you so much! I finally got it!
I'm not gonna lie i've gone to other guitar sites and u wernt lazy like them they give us like a small speech but i love the fact that u took your time to explain and n help us this really helped me allot thanks =-) keep making videos
Best tutorial I have seen on barre chords. Nobody else talks about the callous on your index finger! Makes a lot of sense.
Amazing tutorial. Especially the part with starting at the higher end of the neck.
This is the most encouraging tutorial I've ever seen about anything! Thank u, seeing u so enthusiastic and happy and positive is really inspiring
aww thanks so much for the sweet comment! 🤗 i'm glad you found the video inspiring and hope you'll be nailing those barre chords in no time! 😉
I have been playing guitar for YEARS and have never been able to do this. Your first tip fixed my problem immediately. Thank you so much! Funny how something so simple could make such a difference. I feel quite foolish for going so long but now I can finally do it. Thanks a ton!
Best Barre chord tutorial I've seen.. Thanks.
Omg, watching this video made me realize how really important practice is, along with perseverance and others. Thank you so very much for making these guitar tutorials!
excellent! isn't it awesome how one little change can make such a difference? ;D
I can make the shape of the F & Bm and play them, but when transitioning between other chords, its a slow process making the shape in 3 sometimes 2 moves then adding the barre. But you're quite right Ellen, that the key is just (a lot) of practise, especially incorporating into songs. Thanks for your encouragement - as a women, its great to see that despite that not having quite the strength of male guitarists, this can still be mastered.
I'm a beginner and this video was extremely helpful. Thank you.
This was like one of the must useful videos i've watch of guitar learning. Thank u so much for taking the time to do it, along with the tutorials :)
You're amazing!
Xx
Three perfect songs for barchord practice i'm using now:
Comfortably numb: Bm A G-D-Em
Supergirl: A E F#m D - very nice chord progression
Have you ever seen the rain: F G C Em Am F G C
I've been struggling with this F chord especially the transition to and from other chords and these simple exercises and tips have got me playing it more confidently. Big thanks!!
Awesome tutorial! Finally getting a hang of barre chords :)
I've tried a lot of barre chord tricks and videos and this was the most beneficial!! You have such a gift please don't stop!
really short. i always make sure they're cut down pretty much all the way. it's a habit i developed since playing violin, but it really will help you play most instruments the shorter your nails are. =]
But long nails 💅 helps in playing tanpura, which is an Indian Instrument 😁😁
Thanks! I’ve been struggling for the past few months until you mentioned the bonier part of the finger!
It's like an instant improvement in most cases! 💯
That was a great tutorial. Learned really useful stuff. Thanks Ellen :-)
The most effective barre chord lesson I've seen so far. Thank you!
OMGGG IT WAS MY WRIST!!!
Your wrist was the problem?
I have looked at many F Barre chord videos and while a few are true and clever- I keep coming back to yours! The way you address the problems involved with such sweetness and inspirational encouragement; stops me from freaking out over failure and anxiety- to get down to 'smart' and intense practice. Slow going, but each time I lay the position on the neck, keeping the middle string as a guide my fingers fold into the shape. I figure, if I do this several hundred times, I will gradually get faster and more precise. Looking forward to the weeks ahead, LOL! You are my GO To Person for this F-Barre Chord. Thank you!
Pretty much learning so I can play Northern Downpour
Jsol2345 same
update: have learned nd now i'm playing that green gentleman
NO MATTER WHERE I GO. THE PHANDOM FOLLOWS.
daddy satan omg that album is the reason I got into guitar
I just want to say you are so awesome I love you! I have been trying so hard to learn and your the best teacher ever. I have only been able to learn with you, thank you so much for helping us beginners
this was really helpful, thank you!
I'm glad that someone finally showed that!) I used to think that I'm never gonna manage to learn those barre chords, but luckily it happened, thanks a lot!
I learned something new today Ellen
Ellen, these tips were great, I made so much progress today! The one where you do the F barre chord, then take your hand off, then do it again, was especially helpful. THANKS!
how many years it took to master guitar
Thank you I was struggling with those chords for ages and now with seconds I finally learned them :D
Today was my Ist time knowing the name of these chords since I only just started learning and I thought to myself Ellen would have a better explanation and wow here I am playing it,it started as buzzing but as I followed on ,no more buzz sounds.So excited right now.Thank you Ellen
I use all these tips and I do a pretty good job barring but then when I have to add my third finger or fourth I just can't reach it across far enough. And if I do then it sounds muted a little. My hands are quite small, what do I do?
Me to plz help us someone
Well - the only advice is maybe try to push your wrist far out? Idk I'm just trying to help
Stampypal vi , get a 3/4 scale guitar. All the guitar manufacturers make them.
peachywolfhard , get a 3/4 scale guitar. All guitar manufacturers make them. Examples are the Baby Taylor and the Little Martin. Guitars known as "parlor guitars" are these smaller scale guitars.
wow this is the best tutorial of barre chords I have ever watched. It's so clear and practical, thank you!
It's just s annoying how when I play a bar chord, it always makes a buzzing sound.
Keep practicing, that buzzing sound will eventually go away :)
Goadiroth Be careful... that's true but only if you keep working on your technique. I went almost 20 years before I finally decided to re-learn my barre chords! (seriously) I just started but I'm finally getting chords that have always sounded like crap! My main issue was that I was not keeping my finger straight and usually the 3rd string would buzz... really have to keep it straight to get the pressure to that string...
If you use your fingertips and move your thumb down more the ringing will go away. Also see what string is ringing by hitting each string a couple times while you are on the chord shape.
Thank you soooooo much! It's the first time someone explained to use the side of my finger! I tried for a year and only made muted sounds. Although my hand is still weak, 10 minutes into your video and I actually played my first barre chord! You are amazing.
I can't do that SOO hard all I do is mute the strings😭💔
Very good lesson, thanks. I have been avoiding barre chords for years. I will give it a new try.
Thanks so much!!! But my index has a row of red lines 😆😆😆
Thank you so much Ellen. I learnt my very first guitar chord song from you (we are never ever getting back together) and was so happy!! I ran into school and showed all my friends :D Now, after years of pain I've learnt my Barre chords from this video too! Words cannot explain how grateful I am for your videos, before I was just playing TAB and was getting no where! Thank you thank you thank you, please keep making videos!!! Zoe x
Is this the prettiest girl ever !? i'm not gonna subscribe just bcuz she's adorable, .. awww *clicks subscribe*
Ellen, thank you so much ;^; I tried playing bar chords before this and even though my whole hand was shaking I couldn't get anything- but then I tried the stuff here in the video and now playing bar chords feel as natural as playing the other chords, way less painful :,) They used to be such a huge problem for me and I really, really appreciate it that you're always here with a smile, listening to our requests and helping us practice basic technique. It means a lot, and your channel is hella inspirational :,) You're a super great teacher, thank you for everything!
u r a beauteeful lady.
This was SO HELPFUL. Bar chords are the bane of my existence, and you helped make it more bearable for me :)
She's wifey materiel 😂😂😂
I'm smashing that like button, hitting subscribe and turning on that notification bell bc BEETCH! YOU'RE THE ONLY ONE WHO SPENT TIME TO TALK ABOUT POSTURE AND PROPER WRIST POSITION!! thank you so much :')
easy considering it is a classical guitar. Try doing this on a steel string guitar!
Thats what she explained. Keep playing even if u get hurt.. because this is gonna make your skin more harder..
Imtiyaz Shaikh it wise to have a break when it starts hurting, your skin is going to get harder anyway, a guitar should not cause pain.
Sai Harish That's a Taylor Swift guitar made by Taylor, a guitar company. That is indeed not a classical guitar and I have to agree with *****. I would suggest that you do not call others "retarded" unless you know for a certain what you're saying.
come one guy's.... just try to understand my plea....... I learnt guitar on a hard steel stringed acoustic and I am having a very tough time playing barr chords. now people who can play those, just show up on youtube and tell you its easy,on an electric or classic but not on a steel string gibson....... I just want people to know
:)
If it was easy everyone would do it. Stick to, keep practicing. If you can't handle it then shut up or get a Classical guitar to. :)
YOU ARE AWESOME. been stuck with those barre chords for a long time, but because of your Kick-ass tutorial I've finally moved on... now I can play more songs! =)))
It's pain in the ass on a classical guitar
silver storm Shouldn't barre chords be easier on a classical guitar?
silver storm Shouldn't barre chords be easier on a classical guitar?
No cuz it has a wider neck
silver storm But it has lighter strings
Even if so if you can't have a good grip it can still be difficult especially if you have short fingers like mine
I have to say that your tutorials are always most helpful to me. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us.
Best Barr chord tutorial available on RUclips. Really well explained. Love you Ellen :)
Seriously, after about ten minutes watching I was able to get my pesky middle finger perpendicular to the fret board so I could press firmly on the string. Your tips on position helped so much. Also, so many of your other vids have been so clear and helpful, great work thanks.