Musicians

Been playing for 63 years. Some thoughts..

A rubber ball is safer than the spring-loaded exerciser. I damaged
my right hand with one of those. (popped a tendon off the top of a knuckle!)

NOBODY sez you have to hold all six strings down...partial barres are much
quicker to finger and give you all the notes you really need...unless you're establishing a bass
line or beat...

ex. Take your 1st position F, move it up two frets and you have the top 4 notes
of a barre G two more frets up is A...

2nd ex. Take your 1st position A (which you should be playing with your 2nd and 3rd fingertips)
move it up two frets, put your index finger on the high E on the 2nd fret and you have
the top 4 notes of a Barre B etc.

Assignment: learn the descending intro to "Suite Judy Blue Eyes"

On a steel string, action (distance between string and fret at various points in the neck, is very important.

[link:Guitar Action Guide: How to Measure and Adjust Action|

Once you have the action adjusted, on EACH string, start at the nut and press down the string at each
fret going all the way up the neck. Does the string buzz anywhere? Up in the high frets, does the note
stay the same even though you've changed frets? If so that's bad.

Have you had a setup done on your guitar. Can make a huge difference if your guitar has
issues...

One more thought: Most people think that once you've hit the barre chord that you must
hold it down continuously. Nothing could be further from the truth. Only hold it down
for the strum you need then release it. It is the releasing of the chord, resting your hand
that enables it to reliably grab the barre next time.

HTH