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Intermediate
Using Bar Chords And Extensions In A SongThere could be a few variations on playing this song, for example you might want to start with using a Dm chord as an E shape on the 10th fret instead of starting as an A shape on the 5th. The Question I always get asked is, "how do you know which shape to use?". Well it's simple, you don't. Most of the time standard chord charts won't tell you what bar chord shape to use, unless the rhythm is written in tablature with the chart. There are a couple of ways to work out what shape bar chords to use, the 1st is by listening to an audio of the song, you'll be able to hear the difference in a high or low bar chord. In the 1st example below you can see the E and A shapes that will sound similar when played, try them and see for your self.
In this next example the E and A shapes sound different, the 1st chord will be low sounding and the second will sound high. When listening to a song to try and work out which bar chord to use, high or low. Some times it's obvious and sometimes it's not.
The other way to work out what shaped bar chord to use, is simply by finding the closest chord to the one you are playing. For example if you are playing a F major as an E shape on the 1st fret and the next chord is C major, then you won't play the C on the 8th fret because the C major as an A shape on the 3rd fret will be closer and quicker to get to. This rule doesn't always apply but it is a common one. Song Progression 1
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Bar Chords 
