Position your index finger with the sleeve in place over the first fret. Move it as close to the fret bar as you can without touching it. Position your thumb on the back of the neck so that the meaty flat part is about centered on the mid line of the neck. Many beginners put their finger above the mid line and this weakens the barring grip. When you position your index finger and elbow correctly you will notice that the pressure point of the thumb is at the 4 o'clock position. ( holding your thumb in front of your nose so that the nail points to the sky you count around to the 4 o’clock position).
1. Firmly squeeze your entire hand and arm all the way up to your shoulder. As you tighten your entire arm squeeze the index finger and thumb together. With your pick or thumb gently strum each string from low E (6) to high E. (1). Listen carefully to each string.
2. Release your grip relaxing all the way up to the shoulder.
3. Repeat the squeeze. Hold it and strum. Listen to each string.
4. Release. Repeat this ten times.
This is drill one.
You want to do this drill at least 3 times each practice session. It helps to develop strength and allows you to develop an ear for the sound of each string. The intent is to be able to make each string ring clearly.
Be sure that you are using the 7 o'clock position on your bar finger. Double check to see that your thumb does not creep up the back of the neck.When you look at the fret bar it may appear that your finger is over the bar. remember because you are pressing with the side of your finger you are not touching the bar.
Secrets to Bar Chords - Page 3
Position is the Key Drill #1
In my system you must learn "positions" each Form is a fixed position and all reference points are the same in each FORM. The Zero position is when the bar, (first finger), is held over the nut, (the plastic bar that holds the strings in position over the frets). The fret positions refer to the point from the bar towards the body of the guitar. The chart below demonstrates the positions and if you remember that the bar is the foundation for all that follows you will catch on quickly.
