Rebbeca
I have really found what Reuben said to be true about Bar chords, in terms of pressure applied and tension. One day I was talking to a friend saying how much my thumb was sore on my fretting hand after playing Bar chords. He said that it shouldn't really hurt that much if you are using a good technique. I tried using far less thumb pressure and just really aiming for accuracy when placing my fingers on the notes of the chords, and also not to press too hard with my index finger. When I did it this way it actually sounded much better and my thumb didn't feel like it had been in a vice for an hour. I really was amazed at the difference.
In general I have found I no longer get frustrated because when I think about it, how could I possibly excpect to sound like someone who's been playing for as long as, for example, Kirk. Whether I sound good or bad in what I'm practicing I just get a feeling of satisfaction if I complete my practice session each day-I'm sure none of these ideas are new to you, but I find if people remind me of the obvious things now and then it does really help. If something I've tried sounds really awful and I come back in a week and it's better from having practiced then I'm happy, mostly because I just haven't given up. I always try to keep in mind that nothing is permanent and that when things are going really bad then they will get better and the other way around to so I'm not surprised when things aren't going so well and not thinking that just because I've got better at one thing I'll never have a problem again. I just think It's a long ride, so you may as well enjoy it. It is so worth it.
End of rave. Happy practicing all. Ken.
