# Barre & movable

Ukulele barres are often partial — the index across two or three strings, not a six-string clamp.
This page is the technique; what the grips are worth musically is [Movable shapes](movable.md).

## How a barre works

The pad has a soft dip exactly where a string needs support, which is why the middle string of a
three-string barre is the one that buzzes. In order:

1. Roll the finger toward the nut so the harder edge beside the nail takes the strings.
2. Move closer to the fret wire.
3. Pull with the arm; do not pinch with the thumb.
4. Slide the finger along until the buzzing string sits under a firmer part of it.

Check one string at a time — strumming hides which string is failing.

## Building it over a week

1. Barre only E and A at fret 1 and strum those two. Then add the other fingers for Bb.
2. Form Bb, strum, lift off, form again — ten times. Forming it is the skill.
3. Practise the shape at fret 5 or 7 first; it presses more easily up there.
4. Then put it in a change: F to Bb and back, one strum each.

Stop when the hand aches. Two short sessions beat one long one.

See [Movable shapes](movable.md) and [Open chords](chords.md).