Guitar Barre Chords on the 5th String. Barre chords are closed position chords, meaning there are no open strings, so they can be moved up or down the fret board to produce different chords. The chord name is based on the where you are on the 5th string. For this example the D Chord starts on the 5th fret on the 5th string on the D note. To produce an E Chord you would just move up 2 steps to the 7th fret.

You can combine barre chords from the 5th and 6th strings, allowing you to stay in one area of the fret board if you want. Or to get different voicings of the same chord move from an open position chord to the equivalent barre chord up the neck.

The Guitar Barre Chords on the 5th String chart is included in our book Essential Chords for Guitar, Mandolin, Ukulele and Banjo

“Barre chords (also known as barré chords and bar chords, but more commonly spelled as “barre”) are a type of guitar chord where one or more fingers are used to press down multiple strings across the guitar fingerboard (like a bar pressing down the strings). Barring the strings enables the guitarist to play a chord not restricted by the tones of the guitar’s open strings. Barre chords are often referred to as “moveable” chords, as they can be moved up and down the neck as needed. They are commonly used in most popular and classical music and are frequently used in combination with “open” or standard guitar chords. They are typically used for more complex chord voicings and playing in keys not suitable for the more basic open chords of the first position of a standard-tuned guitar.” Wikipedia

As you move along the path of learning guitar you will need to learn Barre Chords. They open up your music and let you play many different variations of a great many chords. You will be able to add different voicings and effects to your playing. You will learn to play a full barre or partials like triads and such. They also allow you to move up the neck so you can look cool. They are essential to fuller more richer playing. We have two Barre Chord charts, this one is for chords based on the root notes on the 5th string, also check out our 6th string chart.