#1
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Barre chords and soft fingers
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 |
#2
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Try rolling your finger slightly so that you're using the bony outside edge rather than the fleshy pads.
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#3
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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.
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#4
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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.
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Dump The Bucket On It! |
#5
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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.
__________________
Derek Coombs Youtube -> Website -> Music -> Tabs Guitars by Mark Blanchard, Albert&Mueller, Paul Woolson, Collings, Composite Acoustics, and Derek Coombs "Reality is that which when you stop believing in it, doesn't go away." Woods hands pick by eye and ear
Made to one with pride and love To be that we hold so dear A voice from heavens above |
#6
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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.
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#7
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Quote:
__________________
Derek Coombs Youtube -> Website -> Music -> Tabs Guitars by Mark Blanchard, Albert&Mueller, Paul Woolson, Collings, Composite Acoustics, and Derek Coombs "Reality is that which when you stop believing in it, doesn't go away." Woods hands pick by eye and ear
Made to one with pride and love To be that we hold so dear A voice from heavens above |
#8
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Yes, although I never did this, I can see how it could be helpful with the middle finger over top of the index.
__________________
Dump The Bucket On It! |
#9
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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.
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#10
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I avoid barre chords as much as I can. Learn to do partial chords.
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Waterloo WL-S, K & K mini Waterloo WL-S Deluxe, K & K mini Iris OG, 12 fret, slot head, K & K mini Follow The Yellow Brick Road |
#11
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+1 for this recommendation
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2003 Froggy Bottom H-12 Deluxe 2019 Cordoba C-12 Cedar 2016 Godin acoustic archtop 2011 Godin Jazz model archtop |
#12
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Yea, this is most likely your problem, other than more practice.
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2001 Goodall RGCC 2004 Goodall RPC-14 2022 Emerald X20 Hyvibe 2021 Emerald X7 Select 2020 Emerald X10 Woody Select 3-way 2016 Emerald X20 Artisan 2002 Gibson J185EC JJ Cale 2009 Gibson EC-20 1974 Alvarez Dreadnought 2013 Woody Tahitian hybrid Uke 2008 Zager 3/4 Size Some camp fire guitars, classical's, & electric's |
#13
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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. |
#14
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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
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#15
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Quote:
__________________
Derek Coombs Youtube -> Website -> Music -> Tabs Guitars by Mark Blanchard, Albert&Mueller, Paul Woolson, Collings, Composite Acoustics, and Derek Coombs "Reality is that which when you stop believing in it, doesn't go away." Woods hands pick by eye and ear
Made to one with pride and love To be that we hold so dear A voice from heavens above |