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BUT IVE BEEN PRACTICING IT 4 A YEAR
every other chord i can do

That still technically "F" is much closer to Fmaj7. I first learned the "F" just using the DGBE strings, where I didn't have to bar the first fret or use my little finger. I then, about 30 years later, learned (ie. practiced) the "F" barred, and that opened up the neck to me.

just practice.. if it never works!! cut your fingers! thats all!

basic chords are best learnt by practicing open position chords, ten moving on to barre chords. Barre chord exercises can be found here:

http://www.spytunes.co.uk/index.php?opt … ;Itemid=80

If you play barre chords higher up the neck at first you will soon conquer that F, the hardest chord to play on the guitar (well, open Cm is harder...)

I learned to bar just the E and B strings first. But like everyone will say "practice"..it really does become easy to the point where you no longer remember it being difficult. And that shape (and variants of) is SO important for all sorts of chords up and down the board. You're diligence in learning it well will be paid back ten times over

I think some of these well-intentioned folks might be missing your point. if you're playing the first four strings are you 3rd and 4th fingers touching other strings, giving you a mufffled sound?  try this -- bend your wrist sideways and forward (not the most comfortable position)-bringing it close, but not resting on the neck - thumb on the back of the neck pointing toward the tuners -- so your fingers are tilted on the strings when you look down at them they should appear to be at almost a 45 degre angle to the neck,  this should raise 3 & 4 away from the other strings. -- good luck

It's almost comical how often this subject comes up - I guess the bottom line is barre chords are TOUGH and every one of us has to struggle through some pain to get them right. I have been using this little exercise for a couple of months now, and although I still am struggling with consistency, it has helped me improve my barre chords tremendously. I spend a minimum of 5 or 10 minutes on this single drill every night.

http://www.betterguitar.com/instruction … xample.pdf

New to this forum but I've been playing for over 40 years.  Follow my advice and you'll be a much happier person:

1) Avoid all songs with F.  No great song was ever written with an F chord.

2) Change to another key

3) For the duration of the F chord pause playing but continue vocals.  Pick up the instrumental again after the chord change.

4)  Pause during the F chord and allow the bass to take a solo.

In 40 years I've never had to play an F and I'm proud of it.

practice is the answer, no other way around.
I learned to do quick F, Bm and C#m just a few weeks ago and I've been playing non stop since the day I picked up the guitar for the first time. And I mean non stop as in every free moment alone @ home was spent playing the guitar, for three months and a few weeks. And I really do mean non stop. It is frustrating at first but what the hell, I just knew that If I kept on trying I would make it...and I did!

DFNCheney, my new hero!

- Zurf

When I first started on barre chords I found that It was much easier (for me at least) to hold the guitar in a more classical position.  Put the waist of the guitar on the left leg (assuming your right handed) and raise the head of the guitar slightly. This helps get your arm/elbow away from your body. Holding your elbow against your side is poor positioning and makes it more difficult.  There's alot of short cuts around the Barre chords that have been mentioned but I find it much better to learn it properly first even if it is harder and takes more time. If not you'll just eventually have to relearn it. The hooking of the thumb is good for some fingerpicking styles but in my opinion that's were it should stay...No offense sinner...It just makes it more difficult IMO... Practice your full Barreing and if it proves to difficult for you then tune your guitar down a step to reduce string tension. This will change the key but what your looking for is finger memory and strength and it'll help. Once you can do it at that tension raise it 1/2 step and practice for awhile. Then you can move back up to full tension.   Just as a tip if you tune down a whole step putting a capo on the second fret will put you back in standard tunning to play with others and when tunning down 1/2 step capo goes on 1st fret for standard. I keep most of mine tuned down half a step just for finger comfort but it also reduces the fatigue on your guitar top (bellying and such)...Just some ideas....Best of luck with it!  Peace!  -Pix