Barre Chord Problems

I can play barre chords higher up the neck with no problems. When I get down the neck to play a C or D major barre chord using the E major shape I can never get a clean sound. Any suggestions?

At this point it is a strength/endurance problem. Work to make your hands stronger, buy a smaller rubber ball you can squeeze or boxer grips. Just keep at it, you will get it.

I think we all suffer with this "paying your dues" part of learning the guitar. I just recently had my epiphany where with a slight adjustment of my thumb a titch lower on the back of the neck allowed for me to FINALLY have all 6 strings ringing true. I always practice too quickly and just decided to slow the heck down and look at my mechanics.

This adjustment also allowed me to realize how much "unnecessary" tension I had in my hand and when the tension was released it allowed me more flexibility and independence between all of my fingers. Baby steps.

PadThaiGuy, you are right on the money.

Sometimes it is as "simple" as a slight adjustment in the way you are holding your hands or fingers.

The key is to experiment with lots of micro-adjustments, and when you are able to clear the notes up in the barre chord, make sure you pay close attention to whatever the magic adjustment was - so you can go about re-training your hand to do it that way, every time.

Good luck, all!
(barre chords give everyone trouble - you're not alone!)

Best - Lisa