In this video lesson you’ll learn how you can cut your bar chords down to size, and still get a great result.
The cool thing about this is that it takes a lot less finger strength to make the chord (you’re not actually barring it), and in addition, you’re getting a totally different and unique sound now from the something you already knew!
The basic idea here is that you take the exact same notes you were playing in whatever bar chords you’re using, but now you just hack the chord in half and only play the top 3 or 4 strings on your guitar.
This really gives the chord a higher sound, which can really help cut through the rest of the band, and it can stand out very nicely from another guitar player who is using the same chords, but perhaps is playing them as open chords instead.
Practice these two patterns – the major pattern and the minor pattern, and get used to thinking about the root note being on the first string instead of on the 6th string.
The other pattern in there that I realized I didn’t show too clearly is just an open D form, but moved up. The root note for that one comes off the second string.
Video Problems? Watch it on YouTube
Related Lessons
Bar chords – in case you need to brush up on your bar chords.
D Form Triads – for more info on those D form chords, like the F# I used in the video
Major Diatonic Scale – a refresher in case you’ve forgotten!
Hey John, I did not know that. Very helpful stuff bro! Thank’s.
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Hi, I’m finding it hard to hear you speak. When i turn my sound up to hear you then the guitar is too loud. Maybe you should mic your voice. That said, great information otherwise!
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Hey Jonathan, love to watch your videos
Since you are not perfect yourself but authentic, encourages me much much more on my own guitar journey, rather than following some guitar-guru-god……
Respect, and greetings from Austria
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Jonathan Reply:
September 17th, 2010 at 8:47 am
Ah! You noticed my secret! Haha… yes, I’m FAR from perfect, and I don’t mind people knowing I make a LOT of mistakes on the guitar.
In fact, I believe if you’re not making mistakes, then you’re probably sitting squarely in your comfort zone and aren’t progressing at that point as a player…
Greetings to you from Canada
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ozzy Reply:
November 18th, 2011 at 2:15 am
Its all good John. Greetings to you all from Mississippi,United States ( home of the delta blues–dontcha just love Robert Johnson–)
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Great little videos you have here, very helpful dude!
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Many thanks,Gr8 lesson!(i have so much 2 learn…;)
Bless you,good sir!
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Hi, Thanks for the lessons. God Bless, I think it;s Red Hot Chilli Peppers? Maybe Peace and happy new year. thanks again Ian
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Liked the lesson on the small chords and theory behind it. Should prove to be very useful and improve my play (been at it for 5 or so years )
Can the same idea be used for A string major and minor bar chords?
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Jonathan Reply:
January 10th, 2011 at 10:06 am
Hi Ken, you can definitely use the same idea on the other strings; however the pattern used changes a bit.
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I just had a moment to watch this particular video. Learn another great simple trick. Thanks.
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Awesome!! Thank you, my friend. I’ve been seeking a new way to play. A couple hours of practice and I will won this. You are great.
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Great video! I liked your shirt too
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Exacly what I needed. I gave up on Barre Chords due small hands. This video gives me hope Tks again
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Jonathon,
I KNEW there was an easier way…most good players I watch don’t use a full bar. This is a breakthrough lesson for me. Going to settle in with 1-V-IV brainpower and start soloing on top. Can’t wait… Thanks!
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So I can just take notes from the major scale pattern to create major chords and notes from the minor scale (or pentatonic minor scale) to get minor chords?
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Jonathan Reply:
October 31st, 2011 at 8:21 am
Hi Justin – you can find the minor chords out of the major scale as well…. II, III, and VI are minor, while I, IV and V are major…
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