I don't think that there is any proper way of telling you this, I'm better in showing in that area...
Try to straighten your finger and feel every string...
You don't have to push hard on them just feel them...
I'd start by using only the index and make it sound clear then you could advance in completing the chord...

Hope it helps!

F is always the chord that everyone hates when they start out.barre chords are difficult enough but the F is the hardest. there are several things to try. play a barre chord higher up on the neck...say at the 9th fret(C#) and move that chord up and down the neck eventually making your way down to F. this way you can develop a "feel" for how it is played and you can work your way into that F chord. another option is to break the chord down into pieces. start by just playing the bottom 2 strings(1 on the E string,3 on the A string)....then add the next string(3 rd fret). or try playing just the top of the chord. all of these are acceptable F majors.


----------------- -----------1------
----------------- ---1-------1-----
----------------- ---2-------2-----
-------- 3 ------ ---3-------3-----
--3-----3------- ------------------
--1-----1------- ------------------

Thanks for the advice! It helps only playing part of the chord and transitioning into it. I got it to ring for a little bit.

A couple of things here, when forming a Barre chord play as close to the fret as possible also your problems could be the result of poor action on your guitar. If the strings are quite a distance from the fret board, taking the axe to a good setup guy may also help you out, because it shouldn't be that hard to barre the guitar although as you continue to play the strength in your fingers will increase and your improving technique will help in these types of things. But don't feel bad, I don't think anybody came out of the gate playing an F chord well.

I would suggest starting with F#m, since (a) it leaves an extra finger free to help out with the barre and (b) it's not at the first fret, so you shouldn't have to push as hard. Once you've mastered that, you can step up to F, Bm, and others.

Try other barre chords higher up the neck, starting with the minor equivalents. Finger strength will come eventually with persistence. I still sometimes fail to get it properly, especially on the 12string.

it also helps with an F major chord to get your thumb down lower - behind the little bar... this gives you more focused pressure on the flat finger

If you stil don't get it, dont worry.
You will do it after a while, just keep playing!
Good luck.

To inspire you: http://guitargods.110mb.com

worked for me :)