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Old 09-28-2011, 10:23 AM
richnrbq richnrbq is offline
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Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Philadelphia
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I think barring is challenging and uncomfortable for almost everybody when they start. The good news is that with practice it becomes very natural and comfortable, like most of the left hand work on the guitar.

I find there is some subtle callousing on my left index finger that probably helps. I have to disagree about the partial barring being easier and a good step to full barring. I find it takes much more strength to partially barre because with a full barre, you're just laying your whole index finger out along the back of the fret and that feels much more comfortable to me. I'd experiment with how much to over shoot the top of the neck with your index finger. I find it most comfortable to go pretty far in that direction- see what works for you.

Overall, I'd say hang in there. It was really hard for me when I was starting out but now is second nature. The ongoing challenge is making some of the more difficult shapes with the remaining three fingers...

Rich
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