Barre chords for cigar box guitar

Prompted by an appeal posted on Facebook, here's a quick summary about forming a basic one finger barre chord. As I've been at this a long time, I sometimes forget how tricky it can be learning the basics, so I hope this may help some of you out there. I do tend to be rather "old school" about proper technique and in particular good posture and correct hand positioning. In my experience, this is really important, as when you are learning something new, you need to make it as easy and stress free as possible for yourself. That's why I place a lot of importance on adopting a good basic posture, holding the guitar comfortably and placing the hand on the guitar neck properly and getting a relaxed arm position.
Getting comfortable and relaxed with the instrument is vital, and will set you in good stead for developing your playing. Remember, sit up straight, and don't grab a fistful of the guitar neck, just touch the back of the neck with your thumb and pinch the strings down using your first finger. Don't lean the guitar back towards you too much, that will make things even more difficult, try and keep it in a vertical plane. Find a position that suits you, either resting the guitar on your thigh, or holding it banjo or classical style, or even use a strap, but whatever you do, DO NOT use your fretting hand to support the neck - the neck should be supporting your hand, not the other way round - this is really important.
If it starts hurting, or you get tension in your hand and arm, stop, and try again the next day....and keep on practicing. Good luck, and enjoy!
www.chickenbonejohn.com/

[@cherrycowsdotcom]

MAGICAL. What John teaches here in the FIRST 3 MINUTES is not taught anywhere else. IT NEEDS TO BE A 'STAND-ALONE' VIDEO here on UA-cam. (On a separate note, it y'all have been following John here on UA-cam, you have probably noticed that his purpose is simply to "GIVE". There is no ego. There is no asking for money. I wish he lived in the USA. I'd like to meet him and shake his hand.

[@ChickenboneJohn]

Thanks. Making and playing these instruments is my business, but I feel there's no point in trying to milk every last penny out of tutorial and advice videos. I only costs me a little time to shoot and edit the videos, and I hope people may find it helpful and give them some support and inspiration. I'm happy to pass on my experience and knowledge in this way.

[@corris38]

Absolutely brilliant! So simple now that I've seen it. Exactly as demonstrated I was keeping my palm much to far back. Thank you for a beautifully clear video.

[@mcopado]

So glad I got you to do this. I haven't seen many videos from you lately, and have learned a lot from you since I got started building a year ago. Thanks again, both you and Uncle Mark have given me some valuable advice. This about posture is really what I've been looking for.

[@castle5711]

Thanks for illustrating and explaining the ergonomics. Well done!

[@mrjohnnylongsleeves4128]

Wow... just wow! Such a simple video, so helpful! Thanks CJ!

[@ejfud]

Excellent info for a true beginner like myself. Thank you.

[@Doctor.T.46]

Great video and again so helpful. Keep it up my friend.

[@StateGiant796]

Thank you. Really helpful

[@peterhaynes8258]

One point, Is it easier to barre if the CBG is tuned to, i.e. EBE rather than GDG? Thank you Sir.

[@ChickenboneJohn]

It makes no difference providing you have the right gauge of strings fitted.

[@icebob8555]

Mind your posture good advice

[@chickenbonejohn714]

I'm pretty "old school" on that point, and I'm sure that poor posture makes playing much more difficult.

[@icebob8555]

I play with a strap standing or sitting helps control the guitar thanks friend