Published:
2013-07-05
Updated:
2021-12-02
Learning Ukulele with Curt
Developing Your Finger One Barre
The ability to place a single finger across more than one string, a “barre” is an essential technique for chords as well single notes and double stops.
Author(s): Curt Sheller Publisher: Curt Sheller Publications Code: UL08-barre-4
Main Category: Technique Main Instrument: Ukulele
Categories: Chords, Fingering, Technique, Gymnastics, Barre
2026-08-23
RelatedLessonAssets
Number of Pages: 3
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The ability to place a single finger across more than one string, a “barre” is an essential technique for chords as well single notes and double stops.
One point to keep in mind when barring multiple strings, even on ukulele, is to not to barre more strings than needed. I see this all the time with the Bb chord at fret one, where players will have thrir first finger across all four string with finger one when it is only need to play strings one and two.
Notice the finger is rolled up onto the fret, right behind the side facing the nut / headstock. This position is more of a pinching the string between the fret and your finger than a lot of effort pressing.
More Developing Your Finger One Barre
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More Developing Your Finger One Barre
A goal of a barre it to multiple notes, in the same fret that are not being handled by another finger on a subsequent higher fret. Bottom line is in most situations there is no need to barre more strings that you need to.
A D7 barre form chord..
Two Strings Barre.
Three Strings Barre
All Four Strings Barre
A note regarding these photos is to show the barre and I'm actually also showing BAD chord fingering technique. All your fingerings should be over the strings in position and ready you go. Fingers are curled and out of the way for the photo. I tell my private students to keep their fingertip pointing to the strings and over the current strings.
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