Beginner Electric with Chris Liepe: Barre and Minor Chords Guitar Lesson
Beginner Electric with Chris Liepe: Barre and Minor Chords
In this lesson, Chris introduces minor chords and barre chords.
Taught by Chris Liepe in Basic Electric Guitar with Chris seriesLength: 25:23Difficulty: 1.0 of 5
In this lesson, you will learn the two basic minor chord forms: Em and Am. You will also learn two barre chord forms in addition to some exercises that will train your hands and brain for proper technique while playing barre chords.
Chapter 1: What is Covered
Here is a break down of what you will be working on today:
-Chords: Em and Am
-Discussion about the new backing track
-Chord progression demonstration - strumming examples
-E form and A form barre chords
Chapter 2: Basic Minor Chord Forms Em and Am
Tips to playing your first minor chords:
-You can experiment to find the fingering that works for you.Chapter 3: The Backing Track
-I prefer to play the Em with my 3rd and 4th fingers and the Am so that my 1st finger is free, but it is best to learn and be comfortable with a variety of fingerings.
-You do not play the low E string on the Am chord
-Chord push-ups
-Chord transitions: practice transitioning between the two minor chords and pay attention to how your finger moves positioning.
Some great pointers to successfully playing with the backing track:
-The chord progression: G, Am, C, D Em, C, D, GChapter 4: Introduction to Barre Chords
-Each chord is played for 2 measures.
-Refer to the note values, rhythm notes, and video from Lesson 5.
-Experiment with strumming in whole notes, half notes, quarter notes, eighth notes and sixteenth notes as you play through the track.
This is where you get to learn your first barre chords:
-Practice moving your E major chord fret-by-fret up and down the neck.
-Make sure you are fretting the notes so that your 1st finger is free.
-Practice the 1st finger barre exercise. Refer to the tablature in this lesson.
-Practice moving A major fret-by-fret up and down the neck.
-When playing A major up and down the neck, practice barring across the D, G, and B strings with either your 3rd or 4th finger. You will have to slightly hyper-extend the joint on your finger to allow for the "e" string to ring out.
-You may also practice using your 2nd, 3rd, and 4th fingers to fret the A chord and practice moving that around the neck. Remember that as you move into the higher frets, there is room for all three fingers.
Supplemental Learning Material
Basic Electric Guitar with Chris
Found in our Beginner Lesson SetsChris will guide you through the world of electric guitar in this series.
Lesson 1
Introduction to Your Electric Guitar
Chris Liepe talks about the absolute basics of the guitar, including tuning, the guitar parts, and proper technique.
Length: 23:21 Difficulty: 0.5 Members Only
Playing Your First Chords
Chris Liepe introduces you to your very first 2 chords, E and A. Since this is your first chord lesson, Chris also introduces a backing track for you to slowly play along with. Practicing in this manner...
Length: 28:54 Difficulty: 0.5 Members Only
3 New Chords: Complete the CAGED Method
Here in lesson 3, Chris teaches the C, G, and D chords. Once you have mastered the chords taught in this lesson and the previous lesson, you will have learned the CAGED method of remembering open chord...
Length: 12:22 Difficulty: 0.5 Members Only
The Basics to Tablature, Chord Charts, and Musical Notation
Chris is back with his most information packed lesson to date. In this lesson, you will learn how to read tablature, chord charts and musical notation. All of these tools will drastically help you in your...
Length: 25:38 Difficulty: 1.0 Members Only
Introduction to the Concept of Scales
Chris Liepe is back in lesson 5 with an introduction to scales. In this lesson, you will learn how to play up and down simple scale patterns.
Length: 21:07 Difficulty: 1.0 Members Only
Beginner Electric with Chris Liepe: Barre and Minor Chords
In this lesson, Chris introduces minor chords and barre chords.
Length: 25:23 Difficulty: 1.0 Members Only
Strum Patterns and Time Signatues
Chris Liepe lays down some grooves in this lesson! He provides instruction on rhythmic strumming patterns and time signatures such as 4/4, 3/4, and 6/8.
Length: 21:12 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
All About Intervals
Intervals, Intervals, Intervals! Chris Liepe explains what they are, where they are found, and how to play them in this lesson.
Length: 14:07 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Intervals Pop Quiz
Sharpen your pencils and grab your guitar. It's pop quiz time. Chris Liepe adds to his beginner lesson series with a quiz on intervals. This is a hands-on lesson that will undoubtedly improve your ears....
Length: 15:39 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Triads: Everything You Need to Know
Chris Liepe breaks through his 10th lesson with a detailed discussion of triads. Dig in and take these triads for a ride!
Length: 24:14 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Effect Pedal Mini Series
This lesson begins a mini-series on effects pedals. Chris breaks down routing and how effects work with each other.
Length: 8:20 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
Effect Pedal: Compression
The compression effect pedal is one of the most misunderstood pedals around. Chris Liepe finally sheds some light on the subject. By explaining all the different options and sounds this pedal can create,...
Length: 14:12 Difficulty: 1.0 Members Only
Gain Stacking with Overdrive and Distortion
Chris Liepe is back with the 3rd installment in his Effects Pedal mini-series. He explains the concept of "gain stacking" by combining an Ibanez Tube Screamer and a Boss DS-1 Distortion pedal.
Length: 7:54 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
Effect Pedal: Delay
Chris Liepe adds yet another lesson to his effect pedal-mini series. Here he covers the delay pedal. This effect that operates on the principles of time and rhythm. Use this pedal to add depth to your...
Length: 19:52 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
Effect Pedal: Chorus
Chris Liepe quickly demonstrates the chorus pedal with some 80's style licks. This pedal can create a deep and rich addition to solos or add the illusion of multiple guitars.
Length: 3:28 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
Understanding Key Signatures
Key Signatures! How do they relate to one another? Chris Liepe explains them in lesson 16 of his beginner series. Getting familiar with your key signatures will help pull everything together that has been...
Length: 15:21 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Chord Harmony Basics
Chris Liepe demonstrates how to take a key signature (the set notes within a key) and stack 3rds on top of a root note to form chords. With the help of a modulating backing track, this should be a fun...
Length: 30:02 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Technique Basics: Alternate Picking
Chris explains and demonstrates the very basics of alternate picking. He also provides simple exercises to develop the technique in your own playing.
Length: 16:03 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Technique Basics: Legato Playing
Chris details and demonstrates the fundamental movements and suggested left hand position for legato playing -- specifically hammer-ons and pull-offs. He also provides exercises for developing the technique.
Length: 16:11 Difficulty: 2.0 Members OnlyLesson 20
Technique Basics: Palm Muting
Chris talks about proper palm muting and discusses potential snags when first attempting the technique. He offers a number of exercises and patterns to help palm muting become a part of your rhythm playing.
Length: 9:22 Difficulty: 1.0 FREE
Technique Basics: Hybrid Picking
Hybrid Picking can add a fresh dimension to your chord and rhythm playing. In this lesson, Chris briefly covers how to get started with Hybrid Picking and offers two exercises that you can use to apply...
Length: 6:27 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
Major Scale Positions in G (Part 1)
Chris talks about what it means to play in position and teaches three of the five "CAGED" major scale positions in the key of G.
Length: 12:44 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Major Scale Positions in G (Part 2)
Chris continues in his teaching of the five basic "CAGED" major scale positions in the key of G.
Length: 11:39 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
About Chris Liepe
View Full Biography
Chris Liepe was born on September 17th, 1981 in Portland OR. His first instrument was piano which he pursued until discovering his love for the electric guitar in high school. He became fans of such groups as Soundgarden, Collective Soul and U2 inspiring him to start singing, songwriting and helping others in their musical endeavors with teaching, co-writing and album production.
Having moved to Colorado with his family, he began gigging, recording and teaching in a number of music stores as well as out of his apartment until deciding to pursue music full time. He moved to Denver, CO to complete a Bachelors in Music Technology and was then hired on by Sweetwater Productions, a division of Sweetwater Sound and one of the largest, most successful recording studios in the Midwest.
Chris spent nearly 4 years at Sweetwater as a producer, recording engineer, studio musician and writer. During this time he had the privilege of working with many artists including Augustana, Landon Pigg, Jars of Clay, and Mercy Me. He also wrote for and played on numerous independent albums and hundreds of radio/TV commercials.
Wanting to get back to his favorite State in the world (Colorado) and feeling the urge to 'go freelance', Chris moved to Greeley, CO and opened his own recording and teaching studio. He continues to write and produce music for artists and agencies and is happy to be among the proud JamPlay.com instructors.
Acoustic Guitar Lessons
Our acoustic guitar lessons are taught by qualified instructors with various backgrounds with the instrument.
Randall Williams
In this lesson Randall introduces the partial capo (using a short-cut capo by Kyser) and talks about how it can make the...
Free LessonSeries Details
Erik Mongrain
Erik expounds on the many possibilities of open tunings and the new harmonics that you can use in them. He explains what...
Free LessonSeries Details
Jim Deeming
Jim Deeming discusses how to use a metronome for practice, skill building, and speed building.
Free LessonSeries Details
Jessica Baron
Jessica kindly introduces herself, her background, and her approach to this series.
Free LessonSeries Details
Mark Kailana Nelson
Mark Nelson introduces "'Ulupalakua," a song he will be using to teach different skills and techniques. In this lesson, he...
Free LessonSeries Details
Mark Lincoln
Time to unlock your creativity because in this information packed lesson. Mark dives deep into how to deconstruct the process...
Free LessonSeries Details
Orville Johnson
Orville Johnson introduces turnarounds and provides great ideas and techniques.
Free LessonSeries Details
Hawkeye Herman
Hawkeye teaches several Robert Johnson licks in this lesson. These licks are played with a slide in open G tuning.
Free LessonSeries Details
Pamela Goldsmith
Pamela brings a cap to her first 13 JamPlay lessons with another original etude inspired by the great Leo Brouwer. This is...
Free LessonSeries Details
Danny Voris
Lesson 7 is all about arpeggios. Danny provides discussion and exercises designed to build your right hand skills.
Free LessonSeries DetailsElectric Guitar Lesson Samples
Our electric guitar lessons are taught by instructors with an incredible amount of teaching experience.
Lisa Pursell
Lisa breaks into the very basics of the electric guitar. She starts by explaining the parts of the guitar. Then, she dives...
Free LessonSeries Details
Tosin Abasi
Tosin explains some of the intricacies of the 8 string guitar such as his personal setup and approach to playing.
Free LessonSeries Details
Kris Norris
Kris analyzes different pick sizes and their effect on his playing. Using a slow motion camera, he is able to point out the...
Free LessonSeries Details
Dennis Hodges
Learn a variety of essential techniques commonly used in the metal genre, including palm muting, string slides, and chord...
Free LessonSeries Details
Lauren Passarelli
Lauren Passarelli offers up her wisdom on purchasing a guitar. She also includes information regarding proper setup and care....
Free LessonSeries Details
David Wallimann
This is a crucial lesson that explains tablature, how to read it, and why it's important.
Free LessonSeries Details
Nick Greathouse
Nick starts his series with Alternate Picking part 1. Improve your timing, speed, and execution with this important lesson.
Free LessonSeries Details
DJ Phillips
Learn a handful of new blues techniques while learning to play Stevie Ray Vaughn's "The House Is Rockin'".
Free LessonSeries Details
Eric Madis
In this lesson Eric talks about playing basic lead in the Memphis Blues style.
Free LessonSeries Details
Mark Brennan
Mark Brennan teaches this classic rock song by Jethro Tull. Released on the album of the same name in 1971, this song features...
Free LessonSeries DetailsAdditional Lesson Features Available to Members
While we have attempted to provide you with an accurate rendition of our video lesson experience, there are some features which
require a membership with us!
Custom Progress Reporting
At JamPlay, we give you the ability to monitor your own progress for any lesson! If you watch one of our lessons and feel as though you understand around half of it, mark your progress at 50%. This adds the lesson to your customized Progress Report, and gives you an incredible ability to document what you need to work on, and where you left off.
Progressive Bookmarking
With thousands of lessons at your fingertips, JamPlay can be a touch intimidating to a first-time user. With Progressive Bookmarking, we give you the ability to systematically bookmark sections of any lessons you are working on to quickly access later. After all, what is the point of all this content if it isn't easy to use?
Save Your Notes
JamPlay also gives you the ability to leave notes for yourself on any lesson. Just like in any educational system, taking your own notes while learning gives you the ability to highlight the instruction that is important to you. Leave your notes, and we store them in our database for you to reference each and everytime you come back to the lesson.
Join the Thousands of Members at JamPlay
Signup today to enjoy access to our entire database of video lessons, along with our exclusive set of learning tools and features.
Unlimited Lesson Viewing
A JamPlay membership gives you access to every lesson, from every teacher on our staff. Additionally, there is no restriction on how many times you watch a lesson. Watch as many times as you need.Live Lessons
Exclusive only to JamPlay, we currently broadcast 8-10 hours of steaming lesson services directly to you! Enjoy the benefits of in-person instructors and the conveniences of our community.Interactive Community
Create your own profile, manage your friends list, and contact users with your own JamPlay Mailbox. JamPlay also features live chat with teachers and members, and an active Forum.Chord Library
Each chord in our library contains a full chart, related tablature, and a photograph of how the chord is played. A comprehensive learning resource for any guitarist.Scale Library
Our software allows you to document your progress for any lesson, including notes and percent of the lesson completed. This gives you the ability to document what you need to work on, and where you left off.Custom Chord Sheets
At JamPlay, not only can you reference our Chord Library, but you can also select any variety of chords you need to work on, and generate your own printable chord sheet.Backing Tracks
Jam-along backing tracks give the guitarist a platform for improvising and soloing. Our backing tracks provide a wide variety of tracks from different genres of music, and serves as a great learning tool.Interactive Games
We have teachers covering beginner lessons, rock, classic rock, jazz, bluegrass, fingerstyle, slack key and more. Learn how to play the guitar from experienced players, in a casual environment.Beginners Welcome.. and Up
Unlike a lot of guitar websites and DVDs, we start our Beginner Lessons at the VERY start of the learning process, as if you just picked up a guitar for the first time.Our teaching is structured for all players.
Member Comments about this Lesson
Discussions with our instructors are just one of the many benefits of becoming a member of JamPlay.Hallo from Luxembourg to Chris Liepe Great lesson :-) Personnaly, I think about finger strength on a semi accoustic guitar (in this case Hagstrom Viking II). As an absolute beginner I am thinking about to acquire a new guitar because in one way strength misses,(whitch I do not have in fingers especially in barre chords)and seccond way because the neck is so heavy that it falls always down, even if I have a larger belt to support. (I tried about everything to solve the problem that the neck does not stay in rigth position). What would you do? Then I have another problem (at least in guitar play) :-), I am about 6'9" tall, so that's the reason why my hands are quit big. This is another point to pay attention of choising a new e guitar. What would you recommend? With kind regards Raym
I find it a lot easier to play the double bar with 1st and 3rd finger. Maybe I have a big hand to be able to pull it off on the lower neck positions as well. Is it bad to learn it like that? I mean that, is it going to hurt in the future or is it ok?
won't hurt a thing. It's always good to learn multiple ways of doing things and then kinda settle in to what works best for you.
Is the notation PDF up? I can't seem to download from the link. Thx!
hi chris,i am really enjoying your teaching ! but the barre chords are somewhat challaging for me as i have broken my pinky many years ago playing football and it does not bend now what should i do and is there aby way around it ? cheers Andy
oh and ps are you an ocotopus in real life ? :)
I never see the pinky trick before!! It's really painful :D
when I put my index fingers on all the strings to barre I just mute all the strings >.
hey chris. when u place your index finger on the stings you do it with such ease. but when put my index finger on the all the strings when playing the bare chord its really painful. iv been practicing but it doesnt feel any beter. got any suggestions? ps wats your favorite band/ thx
look at the angle of your finger. Make sure that you are using the outside middle side of your index finger. Your muscles work best when your hand is aligned that way. Also, remember, it just takes time. Do the "chord pushups" to strengthen your hand, and though it feels awkward for awhile, it will come. That "ease" didn't come for me with barre chords until I'd been playing for a few years.
Hey Chris, I am a complete beginner following your lessons for about a month now. Thx for the good job ! I find this one the trickiest by far! I just can't get the A-Barre right. I have rather small hands and fingers (which is a disadvantage for the guitare I assume) and the 3rd "phalange" of my pinky seems to be too small to cover properly the 3 strings. Would it be ok to execute this chord with the 3rd finger instead of the pinky ?
yep! that pinky trick doesn't work for everyone. If you're feeling efficient with your 3rd, go for it!
Thanks for the video series, Chris. How often do you recommend going over these exercises? How fast do you think that one should move onto the next lesson? I've played for 2 years so some of this stuff is pretty easy, but I've always struggled making those bar chords nice and clean so this is something I will pick up for sure. I take it you're supposed to make your hand as relaxed as possible meanwhile making sure you get the nice, clean tone? Thanks!
Yes, don't be too tense or your muscles will tire easily. Honestly, I still do these exercises now and then... especially when I'm getting used to a new guitar. They are great strengthening exercises even if you already play the chords.
I noticed that my middle finger wants to shoot up when I do the pinky exercise. Is this a problem?
Chris, is it normal for the area between my thumb and index finger to feel sore after playing barre chords for a while? Will it go away as my hand start to build up strength? Also, do you have any tips as to how make my pinky more bendy? Appreciate the help.
Yes, it is perfectly normal. You will find that over time, your technique will improve so you don't feel like you have to use quite so much muscle to get a clean sound. Right now, you are really focusing on correct position so you're probably using more force than you will need to in the near future. As far as making the pinky more bendy... don't know if you really can. BUT, think about where you are putting your pressure as you are fretting the chord. Focus the pressure or energy on your pinky's last joing as opposed to the whole finger. This will help you correctly bend it. Hope this helps!
Chris - I'm following the lessons from scratch since I was self taught before, and I know i have some bad habits. I like the idea of barring the "A" with the pinkie, but I've been barring it with my third finger for years - that leaves my pinkie free for sevenths etc. I'm guessing that's okay? Loving the lessons and having fun with them - thanks! :)
sure, that is fine! It is great to be able to do it as many ways as possible so that you can add things to the chords.
Wow, i'm self taught and have been playing for 6 years, i can't do the A chord with the pinky. Looking through these videos was a good idea in general as there are several things i havent picked up on.
some people's hands are more bendy than others :) i know a fantastic guitarist with double jointed fingers. Its freaky, but he can do a lot that not many guitarists could ever dream of doing because of it!
Thanks, very good set! Unfortunately my pinky will never bend that way :-)
Another great lesson! Look forward to #7. With re: practice. How did you go about "learning" to play? Hard line music theory? Endless scales and chords? Learning songs? Been playing off and on for years and have done a little of everything. What was your technique? Thanks
As I started to dive in to the endless sea of chord and scale books and possibilities, I came to the realization that it is good to pick up a new idea from a book now and then, but even better to have the tools to figure things out yourself. For example, once you know what makes up a major scale, instead of looking up 10 different ways to play a G major scale, pick up your guitar and start figuring them out without first looking at a scale guide. Then check your work later. Using this method, you will learn so much along the way, and pick up so many ideas. Another example is with chords. You can go buy 10 books full of chords, or start making up your own and then as you continue to take lessons and study, you'll figure out exactly what your chords are called and how to better use them. With regards to songs... start with the simple stuff, but I would start trying to write your own as soon as you have a handle on the basic chords covered in these first 6 lessons. So here's my take: Whenever you have a chance to create something unique AND learn in the process, it's a double win and I believe you come out learning more in the end.
Thanks so much for the advise! Time to create...
Chris, I have been playing for almost a year, and feel like I am moving forward, but I also feel like there is a gap between Phase 1 and Phase 2 that needs to be brought together. I hope that you add to your lessons the things that are needed to continue making progress. I have felt stuck after doing some of the other lessons. I do like your syle of teaching very much. Please try to include things that are going to make us progress. I think that many instructors fail to go back to basics and build from there. Thank you for you lessons. Robert.
Thank you! This is good feedback to keep in mind as the lesson set continues. In later basic lessons, we'll be looking at building different types of chords, studying the note layout on the neck, and crafting melodies. With each lesson, I will continue to release a backing track that will help you apply what you are learning right then and there in a musical context. I'm glad your enjoying the journey! Any questions... please feel free to ask!
Chris, I am enjoying your lessons I have been playing for about ten months but this begging stuff is a ggod refresher. Also it shows that you can get sloppy if you don't practice practice practice... Michael
Thanks Michael! Be sure to let me know if you have any questions!