Originally Posted by: terra25OK, I know I said a couple days ago I was confident with practice I could get this barre chord thing down since my A major chord is now played effortlessly, BUT well, I just don't see how. Everytime I barre those two strings, the E string is muted and it's driving me batty!. I finally tried using my index and middle finger on the e and b string and then my ring finger on the G string and pinky on the D string and that at least gives me the sound I'm hoping for, but it takes a little bit to get there. I think I have better luck learning it that way than ever being able to barre. I don't think my finger pad is large enough nor my hand strong enough. I'll keep practicing it the right way, but I'm a girl playing an acoustic guitar so the strings seems harder to push down as it is. I wonder if other women guitar players have this problem? Are there any women guitar players out there?

You bet there are women guitar players out there..I know I'm one of them! ;) Everyone struggles with barre chords, but you will get them. Your hand will eventually build up the strength. Try using the side of your barring finger. Also as you are using an acoustic, the action is a bit higher and the strings a bit heavier than on an electric (which is my weapon of choice) So, you may want to have a go on an electric and see if that is any easier for you. It could be the action is too high on your guitar and that may make it harder for you to get the barre down. Don't get discouraged, you will get it. I know I struggled with them for a long time, but once I got them down I had them for good!