[petelanger]

I had the very same problem with the g chord and many others as well. You just have to trust what everyone is telling you, it will get better with time. Here are just a few of the things that will change over time:
1. your fingertips get callouses which helps with holding down the string and alleviates the hurt

2. you will learn how to approach the strings, getting the palm under the neck far enough to be able to come at the fretboard at a better angle

3. you will learn how much pressure it takes. Hint: it’s a lot less than you now think!

4. you will learn to place your fingers near the fret wire so that less force is needed

5. your fingers will become stronger and more agile and you’ll develop better placement

6. you can try one of the 3 finger G chord shapes, if you are having trouble with the 4 finger variety.

The G was one of the last open chords that I was able to play cleanly, probably about months after I started playing. Don’t worry you will get those open chord shapes down as long as you don’t give up. Barre chords are whole new kettle of fish with their own challenges. I didn’t get the F mini barre down util a year after the G! Some barre chords are not so bad for me, others are very challenging, only a few are covered in the TAC challenges and Tony always provides a work around.