Most basic chords contain three notes, but you can also get by with only 2. Power chords are simplified chords that omit one note. The missing note determines whether a chord is Major or Minor so removing it gives us a shape that can function as either one. These Power chords are designated as C5, E5, G5, etc. This reminds you to play only the root and 5th of the chord.
Let’s try one. Put your index finger on the 6th string 5th fret. Now put your ring finger on the 5th string 7th fret.
The index finger is the one that names the chord. Since it is currently on an A, we would call this an A power chord or an A5. Try moving this shape up one fret. We now have an A# or Bb power chord (A#5 or Bb5). Remember that the Power chord is just another movable shape. We can start this shape on all 12 notes, so there will be a total of 12 Power chords available.
Keep moving this shape up the neck one fret at a time and name each chord. If you’re having trouble keeping the shape together, the trick is to imagine that your fingers are frozen in place. Then move your hand up and down the neck.
Here are some examples showing how power chords are used +++++++++++++++++++++
We can also play power chords off the A string. Just remember that our root/tonic is now on the 5th string. Whatever note your index finger is on names the chord. +++++demo and graphic
You can also play power chords off of the D and B string, follow the instructions above. The power chord shape won’t work based off the G string.
After beginners learn a few chords, their next question is:
Q:”What do I do with them?”
A: Practice switching between them.
Chords are strung together to form the “backdrop” of a song. Single-note melodies are laid on top to produce a finished piece of music. Try playing 2 chords from the BASIC OPEN CHORDS page. Strum one four times and switch to the next. Strum this new chord four times and switch back again. Here’s an example using A Major and D Major.
AAAADDDDAAAADDDD etc.
For now, let’s use all downstrokes.
*Downstroke means that you strum DOWN from Low strings to higher strings.
Downstroke four times on A, then four downstrokes on D. Repeat.
After awhile, you’ll notice that using downstrokes exclusively tends to make a chord progression sound “robotic” or “souless”. Think of it this way, if you only use downstrokes, its kind of like using only one leg to get around. Sure, you can hop from point A to B, but wouldn’t it be easier if you just walked to your destination? It’s much easier and smoother going. Allow me to introduce you to your other leg…
Upstrokes are the opposite of downstrokes- meaning strumming from high strings to lower ones.
The walking analogy will help us understand quite a bit about rhythm. A song starts and walks to the end in a simple fluid motion.
Let’s stop and take a look at Time Signatures.
We know that we can write down any song using TAB and standard notation. But to play it correctly, we need to understand its rhythm.
Music is written in increments known as measures.Think of these measures as train cars passing by, with the engine being the beginning and the caboose being the end.
Each of these cars carries a specific amount of beats. It’s common for each measure/car to carry four beats. So common in fact, that counting in groups of four is known as Common Time. Common time is indicated at the beginning of a piece of music by the symbol(s)
or
The earlier example of playing AAAA DDDDAAAADDDD is a good way to explain it. Each measure/car carries exactly four beats.
In common time (4/4) we string together four beats by counting: 1 2 3 4, 1 2 3 4, 1 2 3 4,etc.
There are other time signatures that you should know about, but you’ll be fine if you start with one more. 3/4 Time
Regardless of what time signature you are in, each measure/car has to have a certain number of notes (or rests) to fill it. We call these complete measures.
explain 4/4 & 3/4. empty milk jug analogy. car, pickup, SUV, motorcycle. down & up strokes like walking. choking chords with the left hand. xxxxxxxxxxxxx
