Why The Hardest Move on Guitar Is Actually Worthless

Introduction

When beginning to learn guitar, many players find themselves wrestling with the concepts around barre chords, particularly the A-shaped barre chord. This chord often leads to frustration because of the pressure required on the index finger while simultaneously trying to get the high E string to ring out clearly. Having played guitar for over 20 years, I've seen countless beginners struggle through this challenge.

Understanding the A-Shaped Barre Chord

To dive deeper into this topic, let’s focus on a D major chord rooted on the A string. Typically, when you play an open A major chord (with the notes open on A, 2nd fret on D, 2nd fret on G, 2nd fret on B, and open high E), the challenge comes in transitioning it into a movable shape. To play a D major chord using this shape, you simply shift the entire formation down to start at the 5th fret (5 A, 7 D, 7 G, 7 B, and 5 high E).

One of the most significant challenges with this chord is maintaining the high E string's clarity while applying pressure through the other strings with your fingers. The difficulty arises partly from needing to pop the finger up, thereby allowing the high E string to resonate. Many players find themselves unable to achieve this cleanly, leading to a sense of frustration.

Is it Worth the Effort?

After years of playing and performing, I’ve come to realize that focusing too hard on this aspect may not necessarily yield the musical results one is hoping for. In fact, it’s often completely acceptable to sacrifice some clarity of the high E string for a simple and effective chord voicing. For instance, using just a simplified version of the D major chord by omitting some of those higher notes will still yield a perfectly musical sound.

Moreover, when playing with a full band or in a certain musical context, adding too many unneeded notes can actually clutter the sound rather than enhance it. Understanding that chord shapes are merely guidelines can free a player from the constraints of trying to obtain a perfect sound. Instead, focusing on a basic version of the chord can often lead to more creativity and musical opportunities.

Alternative Approaches

Rather than getting lost in the intricacies of achieving the perfect barre chord, consider playing a simpler version of the chord. For their versatility in transitions between chords in a song, simpler shapes often pave the way for more interesting fingerings and combinations. You can explore double stops or other embellishments, allowing for a broader range of expressions without the physical strains of complicated shapes.

In summary, while practicing barre chords is an essential part of guitar development, it’s crucial to avoid fixating solely on getting them perfect, especially when simpler alternatives exist that can yield just as rich of a sound.

Keywords

• A-shaped barre chord
• D major chord
• High E string
• Simplified chord voicing
• Chord shapes as guidelines
• Double stops

FAQ

1. Why is the A-shaped barre chord considered challenging for beginners?
The A-shaped barre chord presents difficulty mainly due to the pressure required on the index finger and the need to keep the high E string ringing out clearly, which can be hard to achieve.

2. Is it necessary to always play the high E string in chords?
No, in many contexts, it's perfectly acceptable to omit or mute the high E string, allowing for a simpler and more effective chord sound.

3. What are some alternatives to the A-shaped barre chord?
Simpler chord voicings focusing on fewer strings can be used. This approach encourages creativity and exploration in your playing.

4. How can understanding chord shapes benefit a guitarist?
Recognizing that chord shapes are merely guidelines allows players to explore a range of sounds and expressions without the pressure of achieving perfect form, making playing more enjoyable and versatile.