Barre None

[Jackknifegypsy]

I haven't been able to make a perfect barre with the I finger for months on a less then 2" nut.

I've been able to make a full barre on a classical guitar, and it seems that my finger joints have become wedded to a 2" nut.

Is anyone aware of an "aid" to be placed over the index finger that would help 'even out' the two joints with the two pads on the finger to provide a straighter plane to lay across all the strings??

Wherever those two joints meet up with a string, they can't flatten enough to eliminate the buzz that ruins the barre. My fingers are very well developed from manual labor and the little muscles that constitute the 'pads' are like little biceps.

Any help, as always greatly appreciated.

[ljguitar]

Originally Posted by Jackknifegypsy

...Is anyone aware of an "aid" to be placed over the index finger that would help 'even out' the two joints with the two pads on the finger to provide a straighter plane to lay across all the strings??

JHi Jack...

I just adjust the amount of fingertip sticking out past the 6th string to keep the the joint(s) from falling directly on a string. No need for any 'aid'.

I also angle my finger across the fret, and not directly perpendicular.

Here's a video I did for friends and students...

Where's the pressure - CLIck

Hope it helps...

[rick-slo]

Originally Posted by Jackknifegypsy

I haven't been able to make a perfect barre with the I finger for months on a less then 2" nut.
I've been able to make a full barre on a classical guitar, and it seems that my finger joints have become wedded to a 2" nut.

It is doubtful the 2" width spoiled your index finger for a narrower nut. Steel strings just require more fretting pressure due the higher string tension.

Extend the tip of the index finger beyond the fretboard to where barring all the strings is easiest. Roll the finger back some towards the thumb to get away from the finger joint creases. On some types of barres you can double up you second finger over the index finger

[Paikon]

Put the other fingers first of the chord and then the barre finger and press only the strings that are not covered by the 2,3 and 4 fingers
You have to practice it but it works and you have a more relaxed left hand.

[ljguitar]

Originally Posted by rick-slo

It is doubtful the 2" width spoiled your index finger for a narrower nut. Steel strings just require more fretting pressure due the higher string tension.

Hi rick...

Sometimes.

The other difference is the radiused neck with the expanding fingerboard width which expands twice as far (nut to saddle width) as the classical counterpart.

All these contribute to a possible different technique for each instrument.

[rick-slo]

Originally Posted by ljguitar

Hi rick...

Sometimes.

The other difference is the radiused neck with the expanding fingerboard width which expands twice as far (nut to saddle width) as the classical counterpart.

All these contribute to a possible different technique for each instrument.

Most all classical guitars have flat fretboards. For decades I played a 1960s Ramirez 1a with a 2.1" width at the nut. Ramirez guitars (at least from that time period) have a fairly stiff action. That and the flat fretboard made it harder to barre way up the neck than some of my steel string guitars. I assume the OP was talking about barres played on the lower frets.