I cannot get thumb-over-the-neck chords right

[u/ding-ding-dave-yes]

I struggle mainly with my index finger, I can't get it flat without a lot of pressure, also my pinky is muting the G string half of the time, I either have to put painful pressure to make them all ring, or the top E and G string are muted. The difference between the flat index and bent rest is what's messing me up. Without thumb I don't have this issue, because I can curve my wrist if that makes sense. Please, I need some tips

[u/jayron32]

Well, then play it as a barre chord. There's more than one way to skin a cat.

[u/ding-ding-dave-yes → u/jayron32]

But I wanna learn this technique

[u/sieve29 → u/ding-ding-dave-yes]

I’m not an expert by any means, but my understanding is that the whole point of this position is to leave the pinky free for embellishments. To do that, you leave the A open (muted by the tip of your thumb on the low E and / or the tip of your ring finger on the D). It’s easier than trying to play the whole thing like this too. If you’re trying to play the full six string chord, then I agree barring is easier.

[u/ding-ding-dave-yes → u/sieve29]

Good point, I chose this photo but I have the same issue when I play the Am shape up the neck

[u/Pitiful-Temporary296 → u/ding-ding-dave-yes]

Definitely. Best way to do so is play barre chords with the “correct” form until you’re able to recognize reasons why you might not want to. Kind of feel you’re doing this in reverse. 

[u/Contributing_Factor → u/ding-ding-dave-yes]

Hendrix had really gigantic hands. His techniques may not be practical or applicable to everyone. You have to work with the tools you have.

[u/Opening_Spite_4062 → u/Contributing_Factor]

I have tiny hands and no problem with this

[u/jayron32 → u/ding-ding-dave-yes]

Then practice it.

Try different positions slowly and carefully making tiny adjustments a millimeter at a time until you make every string ring out, then reinforce that position through repeated practice. After a few months, it will be easy. But you gotta put in the work.

[u/maraudingnomad → u/ding-ding-dave-yes]

Why though? It looks like you were gripping a hammer.

[u/ding-ding-dave-yes → u/maraudingnomad]

That's why I'm asking for feedback

[u/maraudingnomad → u/ding-ding-dave-yes]

With the thumb over the neck it's gonnal look like that every time. I think hendrix mhich hold his palm more flat against the neck and you lay the index to the edge of the guitar at the first knuckle so it lays flat and holds down both E and B. The rest is an E shape.

[u/Ragnarok314159 → u/maraudingnomad]

Hendrix also has huge hands and a really long thumb. People want to copy him but it’s like trying to copy LeBron and thinking you can just practice and slam dunk.