Left handed Guitar Barre Chords

Once you have the concept of making left handed guitar basic chords down and feel farely comfortable with it, you may want to move on and learn how to make these same chords in a different way on other parts of the guitar neck. They are known as barre chords. Don't be intimidated by how you see others using barre chords because they seem to be playing all over the neck while you are used to keeping your right hand at a safe position around the bottom three frets. Some of these higher up the neck chords may even be easier for you because you don't have to stretch and manipulate your fingers as much as you would at the bottom of the fret board. So let's get started.
Scroll down and find the picture and diagram of the barre A chord. The first thing that you should teach yourself and become accustomed to is laying your index finger across the entire width of the fret board so that you can press all six strings clearly and unmuffled. That means that you must use the entire bottom of your index finger. Practice strumming the strings and going up and down the neck using only that one finger. You will notice that it is rather difficult to make all of the strings ring clear. Once you start adding your other fingers to the chord it gets easier and you will notice that your right hand has more strength and versatility. Lets make the chord. Place your index finger across the fret board at the fifth fret we'll call this the base fret. Place your middle finger on the G string at the sixth fret. Place your third finger on the seventh fret of the D string. Place your pinkie on the seventh fret of the A string. OK now what about the low E string? We are out of fingers. You should already be pressing the low E and high E with your index finger laying across the fret board. Practice the barre chord and compare the sound with the basic chord at the bottom of the neck. They should sound the same.
Notice in the picture that the B7 chord is played the exact same way as the A, only that the base fret is the seventh fret. I just noticed that I don't have pictures for the F and G barre chords. I'll have to post those before I go any further but you should have plenty to practice with until then.
My offer still stands for paid left handed guitar lessons via e-mail if you feel that you need it. These are audio (not video) lessons. E-mail me if interested.

Left Handed Guitar: Sound Tempest Review

Just an aside from the trials and tribulations of being a left handed guitar player, I've decided to write a review about a web site that is owned by an Internet friend of mine, Andrew. Andrew and his fiance' Jillian are both award winning world and electronic musicians and songwriters. I am not being paid for this nor am I receiving any benefit. I am writing this because I want to. Andrew and Jillian aren't even aware of this post as I write.
The site is called Sound Tempest, sub titled: "Reporting, analysis and opinions on the latest trends and developments in the music industry". The site may seem to be for the more developed musician at first glance, but any beginner can benefit from the articles because they all pertain to the latest trends and goings on in the music industry.
It is essential as independent musicians to keep up with the latest news in the industry as more and more "Indy's" are recording their own material and selling downloads on the Internet. I am no exception. I have come to depend on digital sales.
For the musician who is just starting out and testing the waters, be aware that the waters are full of sharks. His article "How To Detect (and avoid) Music Scams" is very insightful and a must read. If you can navigate the Internet, than chances are that you can effectively use software and hardware on your computer so that you can set up a home recording studio. His article, "Home vs. Pro Recording" gives you an overview of both types of recording. This is very essential if you plan to do any kind of recording to sell your music.
For the composer and songwriter read "How To Make Money From Music Licensing" and "How To Collaborate". Both articles are worth the read. Be sure to check out the link to Zircon Studios. We can all do ourselves a favor by reading Andrews articles. His research and conclusions are things that the novice musician never had access to a few years ago, and that gives us a chance to compete with the music moguls who have held a grip on the industry. The bottom line is, and has always been to give the music loving public good music to listen to.
I promise to get back to left handed guitar stuff in my next post.