Hi Daan!
Nonsense, of cause it isn't because of fat chunky fingers, that you can't take a clean barré-chord.
First, check that your fingernails are cut as much as possible so the tip of the nail can't touch the fretboard when pressing a string.
Next, fingerpositioning is vital to a barré, so start with your index-finger and press all the strings on one fret, ex. from A on the E-string and all the way down. Be sure to stretch the finger knockles and keep a straight vertical line with your arm under the neck. Apply press different places so all strings sound when you strum them. Also, you should place the fingers just behind the fret-band, not in between the fretbands and of cause not on top of them, but just behind them so they are visible, that way the sound is easier produced and requires less strenght.
Third, place one finger at the time on the right notes, still keeping your index finger in position, till they sound clean. When all four fingers are placed, look at your hand-position: Is it flat? Does it fall in an angle? Are the single-note fingers lying down?
The right should be none of the above!!! Only your indexfinger should be flat and stretched!
And one very important thing: Does your arm hurt while doin' the chord? It shouldn't but in the beginning, all things does. But in time, when you can make ALL the notes sound, if your arm hurts, you have a wrong handposition. Check and correct until you can do it without pain.
Also it will help if you sit down while practicing and hold the guitarneck in an 20-30 degree angle upwards. And try to keep your elbow low, under the guitarneck.
Well that's it! Really, you should find somebody who can do a barré, it's much easier to see how its done proberly. :)
Fiddles
Trolle
