Do you fret the entire 4th fret for the G sharp/A flat chord?

by Dinorah Prevost
(Dominica)

Question: Do you fret the entire 4th fret for the G sharp chord and do I do the same for the F sharp chord?

Answer:

Hi Dinorah, I assume you're referring to the E form G#/Ab barre chord (pictured below), and if so, yes the standard fingering for this is a 6 string index finger barre...



However, as demonstrated in the cut down guitar chords lesson, you can modify this chord shape to make it more accessible...

Example 1:

(Note the X marking the strings you don't play in these forms)

Leaving out the barre altogether...



Example 2:

From a higher, D string root note...



So the full barre chord fingering will get you the fullest sounding G# or F# chord, but it's not always needed, especially if you're playing with a band/other instruments.