Great pics and info.
Here's a couple more tips that the Guitar books that I've bought sometimes forgot to mention:
- 1. Bar chords are not quick to learn. Most beginners take months not minutes to master them. Yes, months. It doesn't take long to understand the idea, but it usually takes a lot of work before the fingers can do them well. You are not alone if you're having difficulty - nearly all of us did.
2. Bar chords are easier on electric guitar than acoustic.
3. In many (if not most) situations you don't need all six strings ringing clearly. So try and master the knack of only strumming the strings you need. The minimum number of strings needed to make Major or Minor chords is three, and often that's enough. So look carefully and see which three strings most need to be fretted accurately. With many bar chords the three will be next to each other, so work on getting them clear, and then work outwards from there if you need a fuller sound, or additional notes.
4. Most guides suggest 'rolling' your barring finger backwards a little, but experiment and see what works for you. Try slightly different amounts of fingertip overhang, slightly different amounts of curl and roll, etc. Also don't be afraid to try parts of the bar finger right on top of the fret wire. The thicker strings in particular can take a bit of overhang. And if you're going to get it wrong a little too much muting generally beats too much buzzing.
Try not to get frustrated if it takes waaay longer than you hope.
It takes a lot of small adjustments (many of which are done sub-consciously) before the fingers and the brain get it all sorted and fully planted. I found that if I just did a few minutes of bar chord practice each day, without getting too worried about nailing it all quickly, the skill just sort of snuck up on me.
Good luck,
Chris