Chord Shapes indicate the notes needed to play a chord at a certain fret position.

You can play just one note, two notes or more. Notes can be played simultaneously or in succession.

Playing more than one note at a time using the 1st string shape, the 2nd string shape or the minor shapes using a straight bar  can be achieved using techniques that include: Barre Position, Single note technique, Choking and Slanting.

Barre Position Chords

Playing any or all of the notes contained in a major chord shape that takes its name from the 3rd or 6th string is quite straight forward using a straight bar placed parallel to the frets.

For example the chord of A can be played at fret 2 (strings 3 and 6 will be playing an A note).

Single Note Technique

One option is to play just one note from the shape or to play a succession of notes by rapidly moving the bar. This is often achieve by tilting the bar so that only the tip of the bar frets one string at a time.

Choking

Keep the bar parallel to the frets and use a left hand technique called the Choke. This involves bending a string with the left ring finger behind the bar in order to raise the pitch of a string instead of freting it.

Slanting

Using a forward or backward slant. A forward slant is achieved by slanting the bar so that it is no longer parallel to the frets but points to the body of the guitar. In a backwards slant the bar points away from the guitar body. In both cases the slant is achieved by manipulating the bar with the fingers and thumb whilst the wrist remains straight. Slanting only usually involves picking two strings whilst other stings may sometimes be muted.

                              Example of Slants