Learn how to play this important barre chord shape.

Fret/Chord Chart

You can determine the name of the chord when the root (lowest) note is played on the frets in the chart below.

Fret	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12
Chord	A#/Bb	B	C	C#/Dd	D	D#/Eb	E	F	F#/Gb	G	G#/Ab	A

Alternate Fingering

Here is a popular alternative way of playing the A style barre chord. It’s the same form with the exception of the missing note on the high E string. It used a lot because it’s an easier fingering than the full barre chord.

Exercise

Play the A style barre chord on the first 12 frets starting on the 1st fret. Listen to this exercise in the audio example below. You may want to say the names of the chords as you travel up and down the fretboard to help you remember them.