Barred Chords on Guitar?

Question

I struggle with playing any barred chord, I have no idea why. My fingers just won't work that way for some reason. So, I struggle to play any B or F chord. Does anyone have any tips as to how I can exercise my fingers or something to make them barre an entire fret? Is there something I am just not getting here?

Answer 1

Just like many other fields playing the guitar involves muscle strength. Do some strengthening exercises. I would suggest starting slowly to not hurt yourself. Start kinda high up on the neck at first - it takes less strength to make a barre chord higher up than lower down. Then start exerting strength on the barreing finger (I assume you're using #1 not counting the thumb) and thumb pressing towards each other- hold the tension for a few seconds. Gradually build up to where you can hear more and more of the strings while you strum. For now don't try to make a chord, just barre with the thumb and first finger - you can cheat a little and press finger #2 on top of #1 for now. Then build it up so you can hear all six strings with just the thumb and first finger. Then build it up so you can do that and hold it a little longer each day. Do not over-do it to the point of getting tendonitis or pulling a muscle. Let your body tell you when to stop. Then gradually add in the other fingers as you try to make all the strings sound, practicing slowly as you begin to hear more and more notes vibrate instead of thudding dully, remembering to barre on the upper part of the neck for the first reason mentioned plus the fact that the fingers forming the rest of the chord will not have to stretch too far. And of course make sure you do not have "flat-top" strings on the guitar - don't have the most high-tension ones, but something easier to push down on for now.

Answer 2

Have no fear, guitargadfly is here! LOL.
It is a myth that all barre chords need to have a flat finger.
Here is why.
Yes they are hard. The reason they're so hard is that you do have to use an almost straight finger to stop several strings at once. Now, a straight finger is weaker than a curled one. Any joint has a strength disadvantage when it is straight. Any joint is conversely stronger when it is curled. Do you pick up a heavy object with your arms straight? No, because your entire arm has more strength when you bend it at the elbow.
Now notice that I said that you have to use an *almost* straight finger earlier. I'll let you in on a secret : It is possible to slightly curl a finger performing a barre. Not in every case now - sometimes it really will wind up flat.
Take the common major chord barred across six strings that everyone uses in rock/pop music (ad infinitum, till it is so overkilled there is nothing but fur left) --- Play that one if you can. Do you need to press down on strings 5,4, & 3 with the barre ? No! Your other fingers are pressing those ones down. So,,,, slighty curl the first finger and get a little more strength. Let the other strings be pushed down by the other fingers.
In this approach, you therefore are only pressing down strings 6,2 &1 with the barre! Neat eh?
I hope you can figure this out. It's a great example of why ppl really DO need a live, physical teacher, and no video or website is ever going to teach you everything you need to know. Whenever I teach this lesson to one of my students, I have them play various barres, and adjust their fingers directly with mine. A guy on a video cannot touch you.
That is what you weren't getting, and if you do what I describe , playing barres will be sufficient exercise in itself. It's not just your fingers that don't work that way, it's everyones.
The previous tips on using bony spots in the fingers are valid.

Answer 3

Merle Travis, Chet Atkins, and I had solved the problem of barring chords with the forefinger. We use(d) the thumb in catching the sixth and the fifth strings and leave the remaining strings for the four fingers.

Classical guitarists shudder over this technique, but it works. With practice, your thumb will not only provide a barring method, but will also be used in additional string strokes from the neck.

This method may be a bit difficult for people with stubby digits, but it still can be done, provided the guitar neck isn't classical wide.

Now I must think three times if I were to attempt barring with my forefinger. I've been doing it my way for fifty years so it isn't all that bad.

Answer 4

Slant your hand back to get the bony side of your finger across the strings, this stops them better. Keep trying different hand positions. Put your finger close behind the fret - the fret makes the note.
"Ralph Denyer's Guitar Handbook".

Answer 5

I'm actually trying to learn this myself. A few tips I was told is to roll your finger a little so the side is pressing the strings. Also keep your finger as straight as possible. I think the thing that really helps is practice practice practice.

Answer 6

Just keep up excercises that work on finger strength. Don't worry, you'll get there.