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LisaMcC
Guitar Tricks Instructor
Joined: 11/02/06
Posts: 3,971
LisaMcC
Guitar Tricks Instructor
Joined: 11/02/06
Posts: 3,971
06/09/2009 11:29 am
Hey GMix,

Not to worry - barre chords on the acoustic are notoriously difficult to perfect. They take a lot of hand-strength, plus the ability to discover and maintain exactly the right angle for that 1st finger to do the job.

I suggest that you try this:

first, place your 1st finger across the fret you want to barre, and see that it is placed at an angle that makes it pretty much parallel to the fret wires themselves.

Now, roll your finger slightly towards the head of the guitar (away from the soundhole) so that the bonier edge of your finger in in contact with the strings. This tends to allow for better, more consistent pressure and tone.

And - be patient. Barre chords seem impossible to everyone at first, but if you keep at it and pay attention to the details, your strength and angle will improve.

Best wishes,
-Lisa
Lisa McCormick, GT Instructor
Acoustic, Folk, Pop, Blues

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