F Chord and Other Root 6 Barre Chords

The F barre chord opens the door to playing any major chord on guitar, but there are several approaches to make it accessible too.

I'll show you three options: F major 7 (easiest, like C with added fingers), the hybrid F with thumb over top (most practical), and the full barre chord.

The key revelation is that this Open E major shape is then the Root 6 ‘E-major-shape-barre’ which you can move anywhere up the fretboard by adding the barred finger. Similar to power chords, giving you access to every chord position.

Note Circle Reminder

Main Learning Points:

• F chord options: Fmaj7, Hybrid, Full barre chord

• Essential technique: barring on the inside of first finger for strings 6, 1, and 2

• E major shape as the foundation of all root 6 barre chords

• Elbow-into-side positioning for easier stretches and better control

• Moving the shape: F (1st), F# (2nd), G (3rd), continuing up using note circle

• Why barre chords get easier as you move higher up the neck

• Key positions to memorise: F, G, A, B, C, D, E following the six key tones