subject: Guitar Lesson -- The Grand Barre Bb Chord [print this page] The grand barre (bar) Bb chord is actually easier to play that the open position Bb chord. At least it seems that way to many of us.
Here's the Bb chord played in the open position:
[ X X 3 3 3 1 ]
Before we get into the bar chord version of this despised chord, let's take a look at the A chord:
[ X 0 2 2 2 0 ]
One of the standard fingerings for this chord is to put your first finger on the third string second fret, your second finger on the fourth string second fret, and your third finger on the second string second fret.
However, there is more than one way to skin a cat, so to speak, so let's try it a different way.
Take your third finger and create a mini, or baby bar across the three fingered strings. When you do this, don't worry about getting the open first string clear.
[ X X 2 2 2 X ]
Of course, if you can get the first string clear, that's all the better. I'm just saying don't lose too much sleep over it for now.
Now move this baby bar up one fret to the third fret.
[ X X 3 3 3 X]
Do you see the difference between this and the Bb chord above? All that's missing is the first finger. But instead of just putting that finger on the first string first fret, bar your finger all the way across the first fret with the side of your finger:
[ 1 1 3 3 3 1 ]
Voila! This is the grand bar Bb chord.
Again, make sure that all of the notes are clear -- but don't fret (so to speak) over the first string. It's OK if that note comes out as a "thud". You're still making music.
