So after about the first 3-4 hours of practicing and playing, while using bar chords somewhat consistently in the songs my hands start to get tired. Am I doing something wrong or do you guys have a remedy for this?
You could also try lower tension strings to make it a little easier.
______ _____
| | | <--- Not good
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V V V
______ ______
/ \ | / \ <--- Better
\ | /
Here's a very simple way to help you make barre chords: Just move/swing your elbow away from the side of your body. That will allow your thumb and index finger to directly oppose each other in forming the barre while creating greater leverage between the rest of your fingers and your forearm. In this instance, the barre becomes the pivot point for the leverage between your forearm and your other fingers forming the chord behind the barre. Get it? Do it this way and you won't have to exert as much energy. Just try kicking your elbow out a little when you next try a barre chord and see what happens. Good luck!
--Dave E.