Hi Jazzn,

In some cases there are "open chord" substitutions for barre chords. Razbo is right - you will get the barre chords in time. Keep at it.

But meanwhile, there may be some substitutions you can use that will allow you to enjoy playing some songs that are currently giving you trouble.

For starters, any barre chord on this list has an "open chord" version, down at the first position on the neck: C, D, Dm, E, Em, F, G, A, Am, B7.

Secondly, there is a neat trick you can try using what I call "Open Barre" chords, where you are traveling up and down the neck, but not requiring your hand to maintain full pressure across all the strings.

Here are some lessons on that technique:
http://www.guitartricks.com/lesson.php?input=11244

Keep us posted - have fun! - Lisa