Barre Chord - finger overlay
 

As I make my early way into the world of barre chords, I sometimes have this urge to overlay my middle finger on top of the index for added compression. I have seen many videos of players who do this. But I am concerned that it may be a crutch that I will have to unlearn.
Your thoughts?
Thanks.
David

In modern playing styles there are no rules , do what works for you.

Perfectly fine (and smart) to do that where it fits in with the current notes required in the piece.

It can work at times, but many, if not most, chords will require that the 2nd finger be used for other notes. I would recommend learning the classic/traditional fingerings for them first, then using the shortcuts or helpers where you can. Barre chords do take getting used to but your fingers will build up the strength needed over time. Dont press any harder than you need, and remember - even though your index finger will be used across multiple strings its really not playing all of them - only those that the other fingers are not fretting further up the neck.

Thanks friends. Seemed to me to be a crutch. I did not want to use it so habitually that it somehow inhibited the use of the middle finger when called on to fret.
David

Appreciate that good advice. I always try to be "present" when I play. Seems that if I wander I end up clamping, and with barre chords, forgetting that other fingers have a job too.
David

I don't think it's a problem. I've seen a lot of people do that. Do whatever you need.

Thanks, K.
I do typically play in "Survival Mode."
David

When you aren't using it, you have to do something with your middle finger. If you don't think about it, it will probably end up over your first finger. I don't worry about it.

Forgive me, but I did get a bit of a chuckle over that - a most appropriate use of that digit sometimes.
David

I don't even think about it anymore. My fingers seem to know if and when it is needed. Also depends on which guitar I'm playing.

Due to higher/stiffer action?
David

I’m not going to sugar-coat it: don’t do it if you intend to play music that is more “technically complex”.

If you find it difficult to barre chords, look to improving the setup of your guitar and to improving your technique. Barre chords do not require a great deal of strength if one’s technique is good and one’s instrument is well setup.

I will pass on your advice to Bream and Chapdelaine (among others).

When it fits into the tune using the middle finger over index finger gives a clean sound without much effort.

Me
http://dcoombsguitar.com/Temp/Barre01.jpg


Bream
http://dcoombsguitar.com/Temp/JulianBreamBarre.jpg

Chapdelaine
http://dcoombsguitar.com/Misc/TwoFingerBarre.jpg

Please do and share their thoughts on the practice.