When I started learning guitar I cheated with reference to playing a F barre chord:
index on B on fret 1
middle on G on fret 2
ring on D on fret 3
pink on A on fret 3
Just use your thumb on the low E on fret 1
let the high e ring or mute it, or don't play it - whatever
This makes the transition from Am to Fmaj easier.
I will say that only practice makes barre chords easy.
Good luck and keep playing,
CJT