hello guys I'm new in this forum and a beginner guitarist.. I'm learning since past one and half month without any teacher.... I learnt 8 or 9 chords and can play on a couple of songs... but now im struck in learning new songs as whenever I try to learn new song through a video, it uses barre chords.. and all I know is 8-9 open chords.. so I need your advice that what should I do now... shall I keep practicing open chords or should I shift my focus on learning barre chords??? please help.. looking for your suggestions eagerly..
Barre chords are the easiest in the sense that a mastering a single shape can open the possibility of utilizing all the chords there are on the scale.(Theoretically, at least) For instance, If you can play a single barre chord, say E shaped, Then you an play all the chords! (A,A#,B,C,C#,D,D#,E,F,F#,G and G# along with their respective minors.) by moving your hand up and down the fret and keeping the shape the same. Same goes with the A shape. If you can play A shape barre Chord, you will be able to play all the chords and their respective minors. Besides, Barre chords sound great. You get controlled, smooth and compact sound because almost all strings are either pressed or muted. Open chords can never generate the same effect, unless used with a capo, but then you are changing the key. With Barre chords, you can also experiment and master such strumming patterns which , on the open, would have been impossible. Most Muting patterns can only be played on barre chords. So, to conclude, if you want to progress as a player, learn the E shape and A shape Barr chords, at least. You will be very limited as a guitar player without these two.
Yes you need to focus on barre chords. They are easy to play and shift. And if you are learning by watching videos then you will find almost all the lessons in barre chords. You learnt the open chords now its time to move on, A guitarist must know all the techniques. So keep practcing Open chords and try to learn barre chords. And if you are interested in learning Tabs then you can visit my blog. Good Luck
i will suggest to have dexterity exercises rather than chord playing. dexterity wud make ur hand flexible for chord changes even barred / open.
