Barre chords and soft fingers

[dawpooldad]

Hi
I wonder if anyone can help. I've always suffered from what I call soft index finger syndrome in as much as when I play Barre chords, l can't get all of the strings to "ring" properly, however hard I press down on the fret.

It’s as if I need to harden up the length of my index finger, just like we callous up our finger tips. Don't laugh, but I've tried running my index finger up and down the fret board on its own along with liberal coatings of surgical spirit for hours in an effort to harden it up, but to no avail.

The problem is more pronounced nearer to the nut and my guitars are set up about as low as I can go.

I've even considered relieving the fretboard inbetween the frets Ritchie Blackmore style, but before I resort to such vandalism of my guitars, I thought I'd ask on the forum.

So, anyone got any ideas?

Best regards
Dawpooldad

[FwL]

Try rolling your finger slightly so that you're using the bony outside edge rather than the fleshy pads.

[DenverSteve]

The only advice I have is to play/pracice more. There's really no other answer. More play with proper technique. If you're not sure, ask a teacher for lessons for a period.

[Looburst]

Steve is completely right. You have to spend days working on this, maybe even weeks before you find your personal sweet spot for bar chords. For me it was to slightly bow my index finger just behind the fret but the tip of my finger actually rolls over the top of the fret too. It's one of those completely personal things.

[rick-slo]

Low fret height and soft index finger makes barres difficult. Try a well set up guitar that has taller frets and see what you think.

[Tahitijack]

When barre only requires the addition of two fingers cross the middle finger over the top of index for more pressure. Over time fingers get stronger and it gets easier.

[rick-slo]

Originally Posted by Tahitijack

When barre only requires the addition of two fingers cross the middle finger over the top of index for more pressure. Over time fingers get stronger and it gets easier.

I do that frequently when the music fits.

[Looburst]

Yes, although I never did this, I can see how it could be helpful with the middle finger over top of the index.

[stanron]

Originally Posted by dawpooldad

The problem is more pronounced nearer to the nut

This can suggest a badly set up nut. Do you know how to check for that? A simple check is to put a capo on the first fret. If that makes barre chords easier your nut is set up too high.

[Mr. Jelly]

I avoid barre chords as much as I can. Learn to do partial chords.

[dkstott]

+1 for this recommendation

Originally Posted by FwL

Try rolling your finger slightly so that you're using the bony outside edge rather than the fleshy pads.

[Puerto Player]

Originally Posted by stanron

This can suggest a badly set up nut. Do you know how to check for that? A simple check is to put a capo on the first fret. If that makes barre chords easier your nut is set up too high.

Yea, this is most likely your problem, other than more practice.

[Pualee]

I struggled learning the barre chord (E shape) for a long time, about 6 months? It was a year before I could do it with ease. I started barre chords almost as soon as I could play G C and D.

I struggled on the acoustic to make the chord, but it wasn't until I got an electric that I had a breakthrough. It is much easier on electric (less tension). Once I did it on electric, I had the confidence that I was using the right technique, which immediately transferred into success on the acoustic.

So I recommend trying some easier strings - either electric guitar, nylon, or maybe silk steels on the acoustic. Once you have the technique, you will be able to work on strength later. And my acoustic isn't set up easy either...

The other main tip I have - try positioning your index differently at different positions. The strings don't have a uniform separation up and down the neck. So position your finger differently based on that. Try to put a knuckle over the most problematic strings. For instance, with the E shape (or E minor), you will need more pressure around strings 2, 3, 4. When you do the C shape barre, you will want that bigger pressure around strings 1, 3, 6. Position the hardest part of your finger (knuckle) for maximum impact. You already recognized that the fleshy part isn't as useful.

[BFD]

Originally Posted by Mr. Jelly

I avoid barre chords as much as I can. Learn to do partial chords.

This might sound a little flip, but that's good advice. The acoustic players I admire the most, in a variety of genres, do not play tons of barre chords. Folks who generally know how to play acoustic guitars to their best advantage, don't play tons of barre chords. It's not where the best tone lives. Getting all 6 (E-chord form) or 5 (A-chord form) strings to sustain cleanly for long durations will never get you to acoustic nirvana. The path lies elsewhere Grasshopper

[rick-slo]

Originally Posted by BFD

This might sound a little flip, but that's good advice. The acoustic players I admire the most, in a variety of genres, do not play tons of barre chords. Folks who generally know how to play acoustic guitars to their best advantage, don't play tons of barre chords. It's not where the best tone lives. Getting all 6 (E-chord form) or 5 (A-chord form) strings to sustain cleanly for long durations will never get you to acoustic nirvana. The path lies elsewhere Grasshopper

Outside of pure strumming having all six strings sounding, either at the same time or sequentially, is not the often the reason for using barres. Learning to use barre chords and non barre chords with equal facility is a good idea.