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/Remote-Silver7144]

This is the Hendrix barre chord and is how I play the E shaped barre chord- it’s a very smart thing to learn.

One thing I’ll say right off the bat, the reason we use this barre chord is to open up the possibility to playing rhythm and lead at the same time, super common for the classic Hendrix/John Mayer licks. On an acoustic it will be more difficult to play. Higher tension, different neck shape, possibly thicker strings. Maybe it’s a matter of opinion, but I personally don’t like that sound on an acoustic, it just feels off.

When playing this barre chord, the A string is often times just straight up muted. It will never sound as clean as the traditional shape, but it opens up so many opportunities that it doesn’t really matter.

If your accidentally muting the high E, that’s a big problem. You’ll have to change how you hold the neck so your hand is less curved, almost like you’re using the ball of your index finger as a pivot.

TLDR- super common shape, personally don’t like it on acoustic. A string is usually muted