Originally Posted by: cary.johnsonthe F chord is still a huge challenge.[/quote]

You're far from alone. Most people find either form of F at the first fret particularly difficult starting out, whether pointer finger on the 1st & 2nd strings only or full barre.

[quote=cary.johnson]My index finger just cant seem to hol down the first two strings.

From as you describe, it appears you're talking about the first form using your (1st) pointer finger on the E & B strings at the first fret rather than the barre F.

Fretting Fmaj, 1st finger this form.

You don't need a "vice grip". In fact, that's something you should consciously avoid getting into a habit of as a beginner, and will as awareness develops. However, pressing too hard on the strings to fret chords is a common characteristic of all beginners, particularly those playing acoustic guitar.

No information provided by you as to whether you're playing acoustic or electric, so I'll presume acoustic.

First things first. [u]Finger positioning[/u]. Any chord requiring fretting of a string or strings between the nut and the first fret will require marginally more pressure than others. This can be minimised by paying particular attention to ensuring [u]finger placement immediately adjacent the first fret[/u]. The closer to the nut you place that pointer finger regardless partial or full barre, the more pressure will be required to fret the notes on those strings.

Later you'll become aware and consciously deliberately focus upon minimising pressure generally whilst fretting to just sufficient to fret the required notes, but for now, just be aware of the placement of the pointer finger I mentioned in the previous paragraph.

[u]Leverage[/u]. Thumb positioning, hand and pointer [u]finger angle[/u] to fret F there is important, the two forms requiring different positioning. Go back and watch the video a few times paying particular attention to that. FWIW, when requiring Fmaj in conjunction with any progression using other open forms e.g. C-Am-F-G, I prefer to play it with the two finger 'mini-barre' form as taught by Lisa in that lesson for a myriad of reasons I shalln't expand on here.

[u]Guitar Setup[/u]. No info supplied about the guitar you're using, so has it been set up? Which leads to;

[u]Action and string gauge[/u]. If your action is [u]too high it will make fretting harder[/u], as will strings of heavier gauge. Acoustic guitars come with heavier gauge strings than electric, and some uncoated round wound in medium gauge (.13s) can be rough on unaccustomed fingers. Additionally, if your strings are old, replace them. Not only will they not be smooth to fret, but will have lost elasticity if they are [u]very old[/u], and will sound deader than strings still within optimal tone life. IMPE Dreadnoughts usually come with .13s sometimes .12s as standard fitment. Concert or Folk generally .12s. Personally, I don't like anything heavier than .12s (light) which I found fine for learning with, but you might like to switch to something lighter if you're struggling.

All the best with it. As you said in your opening statement, "it looks easy". As with most things guitar, the doing is always more challenging than the watching. It will get easier over time, but for now, technique reinforced with repetition. All the best with it.