"Barre" (bar) chords - Guitar

[Magic]

Arrrghhh!!

Have been playing the guitar for about 3 months and I'm getting really frustrated cos I can't do barre chords.

For those not in the know, its using your index finger as a bar across the 6 strings on the guitar, and then your next 3 fingers to make a chord shape to play a specific chord or note.

Every time I barre the strings, when I go to use my other 3 fingers my index finger unstraightens and it sounds horrible.

Can't for the life of me get my index finger to sit still!!!

Grrrrr

[Lesley Foster]

Magic,

I have the same problem and I've been practicing a lot longer than three months It does get easier but I try and avoid anything that needs a barre

Lesley.

[Andrew MacLean]

MAGIC

When I was a much younger man (I am now ancient), I worked for a time as a functions promoter and then as a record producer. My obervations at the time make me confident to say to you now: you are not alone!

I think it has to do with fore-arm strength. The little group of miscles in the forearm that are responsible for the control of the index finger really do not have very much else to do. Until you get them working there is nothing that will enable you to establish and hold the barre.

But, when you do train those muscles to do what you want, suddenly everything becomes possible.

all the best

Andrew

[Magic]

Had a bit of a breakthrough last night.

Barred the bottom 2 strings with my index finger, held down the next 3 strings with my middle, 4th and pinkie in the "E" shape, and with my thumb hanging over the neck of the guitar held down the top string.

Result? An almost-perfect A barre chord played on with index and thumb on the 5th fret! .

Very chuffed, I know it's not perfect and not quite right but its better than not being able to at all.

[Andrew MacLean]

Each victory will help you some other to win!

Andrew