Hey Bob. On the root 5, "A" chord form (e.g. C chord = x-3-5-5-5-3) barre chords, try using your ring finger to do the 3 string barre (on the 5th fret in the example). This is what most players do. It makes changes to and from different types of barres easier in the long run. Also, try placing your middle finger on top of your forefinger so that in effect you are using two fingers to make the first barre. Place your first and third fingers on the strings first, then allow the middle to follow and rest on the first finger. I know it will be awkward at first but as you practice I believe you'll find that this makes the A barre chord form more comfortable to do. Then you can work on "curling" the ring finger so that the G note on the high E string rings. I've found over the years (27+ playing) that learning the "correct" way to finger chords pays off in the long run. Alternate fingerings have their place and utility but learn the correct way first and then grow from there. "Bad" habits become difficult to break.