Fundamental Principles for Playing the Barre

• The placement of the fingers behind the fret creates a good barre, not how hard you press
• Use gravity to help pull the strings down against the fret board
• The tip and middle joints of the left hand must be hyperextended

Example

Example Explained

Notice the arrows and how the weight(gravity) helps pull the arm to create downward pressure on the fret board.

Example

Example Explained

Hyperextension of the tip and middle joints creates a flat surface to get a clean tone with all the strings.

The left photo shows a straight finger while the right photo illustrates hyperextension Think of hyperextension as a back bow of the finger 1 of the left hand.

Example

Example Explained

This is a common exercise to practice the barre.
Begin at fret VII and continue to fret I.

If you are not clearly playing a string, then slightly move or roll your finger to get a clear sound. Everyone's fingers are different and sit differently on the neck of the guitar.

Note: Remember it is about placement and not how hard you squeeze your hand!