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  #16  
Old 03-20-2011, 12:01 AM
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rick-slo rick-slo is offline
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I agree with PSM. Use you thumb, not your arm.
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  #17  
Old 03-20-2011, 12:04 AM
wintersnowman wintersnowman is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by billder99 View Post
Hi PSM,
Almost everything I read on classical guitar websites says the opposite... don't "pinch" with the thumb, rather learn to use the weight of the arm with almost no thumb pressure. Have you tried this? Definitely made me an instant barre chord player once I understood the concept.

BD
Can you explain this concept further?
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  #18  
Old 03-20-2011, 12:14 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by wintersnowman View Post
Can you explain this concept further?
Hi wsn…
Yes, the thumb riding underneath combined with the elbow/forearm form a lever and will help pull the finger/barre down.

Here are 3 short (1 min) videos I made for students and friends regarding barre chords - hope they help

Where is the pressure - CLiCK

From above & behind - CLiCK

Basics of Barre - CLiCK




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  #19  
Old 03-20-2011, 12:18 AM
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Of course a classical takes less fretting pressure but in any case keep the shoulder relaxed. Use mainly your thumb. A couple of videos to watch:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2mZvdGAGlOo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oPfZVflJdp0
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  #20  
Old 03-20-2011, 08:09 AM
gdeleo gdeleo is offline
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Larry J,

Thanks for the video's, they were very helpful!

Gary
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  #21  
Old 03-20-2011, 08:56 AM
billder99 billder99 is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by wintersnowman View Post
Can you explain this concept further?
The guys responding here (LJ & Rick-SLO) are FAR more experienced players than I, so I humbly submit that what I have learned works well for me. I started playing steel string using the thumb-index pinch for barres. I should have stipulated that I now play classical/flamenco guitars, but I don't think the concept changes. Rather than trying to explain "weight of the arm", here is a link to a great thread from Delcamp Classical Forum http://www.delcamp.us/viewtopic.php?...t=barre+chords If you start into this thread it could lead to hours of reading, but a very worthwhile investment. This is just one thread on barres, there are several on Delcamp and all are consistent in recommending "weight of arm".

I would suggest you try the "weight of arm" method to see if it works for you... it definitely did for me. Whether playing a steel string or nylon string guitar, I always play with classical technique... I have found that ergonomically classical technique is far less stressful on my left (fretting) hand & wrist, and helped me to recover from a repetitive stress injury (too much guitar playing using poor body ergonomics).

BD
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