Barre chord positions

Click on the links to the left to have a look at the easiest barre chords, keeping in mind that any chord shape on the fretboard can move up or down. I have divided them into two "forms", the E and the A. All 'E form' chords are derived from the plain old E shape, all 'A form' chords from the plain old A shape. It's a good idea to really get to know the plain old majors, and then compare all the others to them.

I've used a text template (example below) to make it quick loading. It should look OK on all browsers. I hope it does. For those who don't know, the six dotted lines are the strings of the guitar, the vertical divisions are the frets. You're looking at the fretboard as you are when playing, with the tuning pegs on the left, body on the right. I've indicated the fretboard dots at the bottom. The '0''s are where your fingers go -- you barre the '0's that line up on the left with your index finger. I've made some strange little graphics of hands to indicate which fingers do what.

You'll see the way the same shape simply moves up one fret space to form the next chord. Try to associate each chord with its fret number. I have always relied on the fretboard dots to do this. I've also shown, where applicable, the next octave position.