Big Hands and Barre Chords: Techniques for Mastering the Guitar

If you are someone with big hands, you may struggle with barre chords, especially on the higher frets of your guitar. But there are strategies and techniques that can help you manage this challenge. In this article, we will explore some effective approaches to overcome the limitations that big hands may introduce when playing barre chords.

Adapting Your Guitar and Playstyle

First and foremost, consider the size of your guitar. A longer scale guitar, such as a Fender 25.5-inch model, can provide more room for your fingers. Alternatively, you can play on a guitar with any scale but be mindful of how your larger hands affect your playing style. The key is to focus on the most important notes of the barre chord and avoid unnecessary strain by skipping certain notes.

For example, instead of playing the full chord, you can skip the notes that the bass typically plays. Focusing on the 3rd and 5th notes of the chord is often sufficient. In cases where the root note needs to be played, you can even play just the root and the 3rd. This approach not only simplifies your chord playing but also helps in maintaining the integrity of the chord's character.

Alternative Barre Finger Combinations

Not only can you adjust your guitar and your playstyle, but you can also adapt your barre finger combinations. Just as Randy Bachman, known for his large hands, was able to barre using the first and second fingers in place of the index and third fingers, you can find a combination that works best for your hand size.

For instance, when playing a barre chord, you can use your thumb over the top of the neck to play the bass note, and then place your first finger on the bottom two strings of the barre chord. This method saves you from using the whole of your first finger and is a bit unconventional but effective. Jimi Hendrix is known to have used a similar technique occasionally, which demonstrates that this method is not only practical but also instrumented in the hands of a legendary guitarist.

Using a Capo as an Alternative Solution

If you find that barre chords are still challenging, consider using a capo. Several brands of capos can simplify playing higher on the neck. For studio musicians, capos are a common tool for achieving clear sound. By using a capo, you can essentially change the key of the chord without having to barre every string. This can be a lifesaver when you need to maintain volume and clarity in your playing.

For example, instead of barring all six strings, you can place a capo on the 5th or 7th fret, and then merely press down on the 3rd and 5th frets. This simplifies the chord and allows you to focus on your playing without the physical strain of barre chords.

Conclusion

The key to mastering barre chords with big hands is to adapt your technique, guitar, and playstyle. By focusing on achieving the right notes and incorporating alternative barre finger combinations, you can significantly improve your playing. Additionally, using a capo can be a practical solution to navigate the higher frets with ease. With practice and these strategies, you can continue to evolve as a guitarist regardless of your hand size.