Tips on playing the F chord?

Question

I'm new to guitar and trying to play the F chord, but it's difficult. I'm playing it as follows - first finger bars first fret, second finger on 3rd string second fret, third finger on 5th string 3rd fret, and fourth finger on 4th string third fret. It's tough to hold down the 1st, 2nd, and 6th strings with my index finger. I know part of it is a matter a building up hand strength.

Any other tips on hand position? Any other easier chords that sound similar? I'm trying to learn Hurt by Johnny Cash and that's the only chord I have trouble with.

Answer 1

another option avoiding the bar is to use the tip of your index finger to bar just strings 5 and 6, and use your thumb to reach around and hold down string 1 at fret 1.

the other three finger positions are unchanged. i find this more comfortable than the full bar chord.

Answer 2

Observe, observe and more practice. You're simply now not urgent relatively rough enough with your index finger on the B string. You simply must boost more hand force (which has nothing to do with hand measurement). I'm a lady with small hands and slender fingers, and i can play an F chord without problems -- then again, i've been enjoying guitar for 40 years and have developed particularly powerful palms.

Answer 3

Don't play the bottom 3 strings. Just play the top 3.

Answer 4

or play it without the thumb on the first string and don't strum the first string.