A bar is a special guitar playing technique that involves clamping a few strings. The guitar bar is divided into several groups: full - all strings are clamped, half bar - four strings, and a small bar - three strings. This technique is used with any game technique and is a component of a huge number of chords of both minor and major groups. The bar is used in all musical styles and is a fundamental technique for playing the guitar.
Problems setting a bar
Many beginner guitarists are faced with the fact that they can not take the bar on the guitar. And since without this technique complex melodies cannot be played in any way, often a person who has encountered difficulties using this element simply throws the instrument and does not return to the music. In order to prevent this, you need to know how to take the guitar bar correctly. After all, if everything is done as experts recommend, there should not be any difficulties, and you can easily master this necessary technique.
How to take a bar?
Actually, it’s quite simple to do this, you just need to follow a few rules below.
So, let's find out how to clamp the bar on the guitar correctly.
To begin, relax your hand, shake it, hold it in a hanging position for a few seconds. Naturally, this procedure is only needed when you are still studying.
Try to press the index finger, which clamps several strings, as close as possible to the nut of the fret on which you want to play the technique we know. This will not only facilitate your task, but also make the sound cleaner, without unnecessary rattle and other interference. If for a certain chord all 4 fingers of the left hand are not needed, you can put the middle finger on top of the index finger, but you should not get used to doing so, because in this way you can limit yourself in using the bar.
Bend the left hand around the wrist so that its minimum tension is created. Find this convenient position for yourself and remember it. First bring your hand into it yourself, and after a while it will be obtained automatically from you.
Also, some musicians advise to start learning this technique with staging a small bar, then switch to a half-bar and only then take the full one on six strings. However, this technique is not always justified: little is used mainly in classical melodies, which many beginner guitarists for some reason pass by. Most chords contain a full six-string bar.
Useful Tips
When you learn to put the bar, make sure that the ring finger and little finger do not go under the neck of the guitar. This sometimes happens involuntarily due to intense stress when trying to strike a chord. Do not be too zealous, otherwise you can ruin all your efforts.
Also, gradually try to put the bar on the guitar along with the necessary chord, this will help you not only work out the necessary technique, but also improve your playing skills in general.
Practice, practice and practice again!
In fact, the only really effective way to teach a bar is practice. Only by training a lot, you can easily master this technique. Practice, practice and practice again - that’s what will help you become a real guitar player.
In no case do not despair, do not give up your attempts to put the bar on the guitar. Do not think that you physically can not take it, this in principle does not happen. Do not look for excuses for yourself, but take it and do it! This is much more useful not only for improving your guitar skills, but also for willpower and spirit. Always finish what you started, no matter how difficult it may seem.
I hope you enjoyed this article and you understood how to properly clamp the bar on the guitar. I wish you new creative success!