Barre chords
in all the scales

Now that you have learned how to construct the barrč chords, we can proceed by analyzing the fingerings in all the scales and positions. As you can see in the graph below, we have built six models of barrč chords, two major, two minor and two seventh. You will also notice the presence of the letter t, which indicates the lowest tonic, or key, of the chord. The term tonic identifies the note that gives the name to the chord. In fact, in every chord there can be more than one tonic present; usually, this refers to the lowest (on the sixth, fifth or fourth string depending on the type of chord).
The groups of chords are divided into two categories: those with the key on the sixth string and those with the key on the fifth string. This system is only used for educational purposes. After you have studied this entire section well, you will see that the barrč chords will be more familiar and, above all, useful in a variety of situations. The examples of the fingerings are only some of the many that are possible. Once you have learned the procedure you can work on the others. It is necessary however to go in order.

The presence of the tonic note serves to understand where to find the reference note on the fretboard. Lets see how to do this using a practical example.
Set the fingering for the major chord with tonic on the sixth string (the first graph above on the left). Unlike the chords seen in the previous page, notice in the graphs that there is not the presence of the capo, and not even an indication of a fret on which to play the chord. This is highly desireable, because it serves to give freedom of movement for the fingerings. Shortly we will see why.
In fact, if you have positioned the fingers perfectly of the major chord with the tonic on the sixth string in the first position, you will have the following set up:
- the index finger presses all six strings at the first fret;
- the middle finger presses the third string at the second fret;
- the ring finger presses the fifth string at the third fret;
- the pinky presses the fourth string at the third fret;
Knowing that the tonic note is present on the sixth string (the letter t), all you need to know is what note the index finger is pressing on the sixth string. Being in the first position, the index finger is found on the first fret. The note on the sixth string of the first fret is F, therefore the chord is F major.
Lets use another example. Set up a minor chord with tonic on the fifth string (second to last graph in the series above) in the third position. Verify that the note (pressed by the index finger of the fifth string) is C, which will be the tonic of this minor chord, called Cm.
This is how to find the scale of the barrč chords on the entire fretboard of the guitar. I suggest that you continue with the following section dedicated to exercises with barrč chords.