Hi
I have practiced Barre-chords (using my pinky as the bar) for some months now. But I have figured out that it is much easier (and faster) using "monkey-style" which means: using my thumb for the lowest E-string (and eventually the A-string) and my pink only for the highest E-string (and eventually the B-string).
But is there any (or maybe later coming) problems related with this technique?
It sounds like you're talking about barring much as Richie Havens does, or as Jimi Hendrix or Pete Townshend did/do sometimes (I tend to call those barres thumb chords, but that may be my own little idiosyncrasy).
I can't imagine offhand that it would lead to any problems, but it's also good, I think, to learn how to barre using the index finger. You might sometimes find it awkward to barre the fifth string (A) with the thumb. And the principles of efficiency in chording and economy of motion in changing chords are crucial. If using the thumb on the 5th or 6th strings ever interferes with either of these, you'll want to be able to barre the other way.
Well we all shine on--like the moon and the stars and the sun.
-- John Lennon
