Barre Chords

[Mondo1]

I can not seem to get barre chords down??? I have tried and tried to...But my index finger always lifts up when I fret with fingers...2,3,4......I really need some help to get this down.....What is the best way to learn to do barre chords?? I am working thru a book called fretboard logic and it is great so far but it does not really tell me how to finger the barre chord....PLEASE HELP ME......

Mondo

[newamerikangosp]

This isn't something that is taught, you have to learn it. Just keep playing them.

[Malcolm]

Only hint I can give - as our hands are all different - is you should be using the inside side of your index finger not the flat part. Other than that keep working at getting good chrisp sounds from just the barre (index finger). When you can do that add the other fingering. Baby steps, just the index finger first. Of course that does not produce correct chords when using standard tuning, but, IMHO is the first step.

I think we all had problems with barre chords as we were asking our fingers to do things they never had before. Practice.

[joeyd929]

When I first learned barre chords I would literally wrap my index finger over the top of the neck. Almost claw like where the top joint of my finger would bend right over the top of the neck..

Someone told me I was doing it wrong but who cares, you have to find what works.

Besides that you don't want to squeeze too hard because it can strain the thumb. Another thing I see many guitarists do when playing barre chords is they put their middle finger over the index for added strength.

OF course, this only works for minor chords but use it where you can...

I don't care who tells me what "should not be done" because some of the best players use their thumb for bass notes...OOOOO, that's taboo....HOgwash, if it works use it...

[Mondo1]

Thanks alot everyone......Thank you for the tips as well.

Mondo