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Tony’s Acoustic Challenge – The New Way to Learn Guitar Family Forums Small Wins Barring Chords Has Become Easier (lighter string?)

  • Barring Chords Has Become Easier (lighter string?)

    Posted by bsboggus on April 5, 2021 at 10:28 am

    Hi all – I have noticed after I swapped my medium strings for lighter, 11 gauge strings that my fretting has become better, more consistent. I know that the practice has also helped, but I am able move fairly well now between an F, Bm, and various other barre chords very well. So definitely a small win s but also do think moving to a lighter string helped!

    JohnV replied 3 years, 10 months ago 7 Members · 10 Replies
  • 10 Replies
  • punder

    Member
    April 5, 2021 at 10:55 am

    You consider 11s lighter? You must be a bodybuilder!

    If you ever play electric, you are going to KILL those barre chords!

    Seriously, congrats on the win. Barres are a real hurdle.

    • bsboggus

      Member
      April 5, 2021 at 6:18 pm

      Thanks! Well maybe I’m wrong on the gauge but moved from a medium to a light and it has helped or sure.

      • punder

        Member
        April 5, 2021 at 8:51 pm

        Probably I’m just used to thinking electric. If it works, it works!

        I’ve been pressing the crap out of my index for a month, and I’m still struggling with barre chords 😅

  • PhilBarru

    Member
    April 5, 2021 at 9:34 pm

    That’s great. Lighter strings are great to build finger strength and speed. Always more fun when you can control the strings better.

  • Carl1909

    Member
    April 5, 2021 at 11:39 pm

    Awesome win! Glad you’re feeling good about those barre chords. Lighter strings are often helpful.

  • JCM

    Member
    April 6, 2021 at 12:47 am

    Congratulations on your small win @bsboggus . Lighter gauge strings do make a difference. Glad your bar chords are easier now. Enjoy😊

  • Cadgirl

    Member
    April 6, 2021 at 5:45 am

    Hi @bsboggus , Barring chords is hard. Congrats on your small win. The F and Bm are both hard chords to barr. It seems like you just get the chord not to buzz and you have to switch to something else then back again. ugh! Again, Congrats!

    • punder

      Member
      April 6, 2021 at 8:07 pm

      Exactly, @Cadgirl! Who designed this silly thing??

      • Cadgirl

        Member
        April 7, 2021 at 3:38 am

        If it was easy, everyone would be doing it. 🙂

  • JohnV

    Member
    April 7, 2021 at 5:37 am

    Congrats. In acoustic string world mediums are 13’s and lights are 12’s. But yeah, lighter makes a difference for sure.

    other things that help with bar chords, a good setup with proper action. Also using a capo at the first fret will help lower your strings making playing those buggers easier. After you build strength and better technique, the chords without the capo will be a breeze.

    if you prefer the tone of medium strings, try tuning 1/2 step down to E flat. That will lower the tension making fretting easier. Then put a capo at the first fret when you want to play in standard tuning.

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