The Major Barre Chord (E) Shape

The Formula of the Chord

The major barre chord in the E shape is a versatile and essential chord shape for guitarists. This shape allows you to play major chords in various keys simply by moving the shape up and down the neck of the guitar. The formula for a major chord consists of three intervals: the root (R), the major third (3), and the perfect fifth (5).

For the G major chord using the E shape, the specific notes involved are:

• Root (R): G
• Major Third (3): B
• Perfect Fifth (5): D

When you move this shape up and down the fretboard, the root note changes, enabling you to play major chords in any key.

How to Play the Chord

To play the G major barre chord using the E shape, follow these step-by-step instructions:

1. Index Finger: Place your index finger across all six strings at the 3rd fret. This forms the “barre” and acts as a movable nut, pressing down all strings at this fret. This position sets the root (R) on the 3rd fret of the 6th string (E string), which is G.
2. Ring Finger: Place your ring finger on the 5th fret of the 5th string (A string). This will produce the note D (5).
3. Little Finger: Place your little finger on the 5th fret of the 4th string (D string). This will produce the note G (R).
4. Middle Finger: Place your middle finger on the 4th fret of the 3rd string (G string). This will produce the note B (3).
5. Barre the Strings: Ensure your index finger is pressing down firmly across all six strings at the 3rd fret. This will produce the following notes:
   • 6th string (E): G (R)
   • 5th string (A): D (5)
   • 4th string (D): G (R)
   • 3rd string (G): B (3)
   • 2nd string (B): D (5)
   • 1st string (E): G (R)

Make sure your fingers are pressing down firmly just behind the frets to get a clear sound. If you experience any muting or buzzing, adjust your finger positioning and pressure.

Chord Visualization

Below is the tablature to help you visualise the G major chord using the E shape:

Tablature:

e|---3---| (Index Finger - Barre)
B|---3---| (Index Finger - Barre)
G|---4---| (Middle Finger)
D|---5---| (Little Finger)
A|---5---| (Ring Finger)
E|---3---| (Index Finger - Barre)

By following these instructions, you should be able to play the G major barre chord using the E shape effectively. This shape is fundamental in guitar playing and allows you to play major chords in any key by simply shifting the entire shape up or down the fretboard. For example, moving the shape to the 5th fret will give you an A major chord, and moving it to the 1st fret will give you an F major chord.