Movable Power Chords, pt. II - Fingering

Last month I began a short series of posts about power chords; two note chords comprising the root and 5th which are a staple in every guitarists arsenal. One of the most important aspects of playing any chord is how to finger it.

Power chords are fingered with the 1st and 3rd finger of the left hand; keep in mind properly using these fingers is quite important. Generally speaking when playing most chords the approach is to arch fingers and play on the fingertip so that the “pad” or backside of the does not lean into other strings and mute them. However, power chords require the fingers to “reach” in order to be placed on the strings (they are play on the lowest strings) so there will be a minimal arch in the second finger joint. Whereas, the 1st finger will almost be “straight” with a slight arch and the 3rd finger will have more so of one, but less arch than normal; the point of contact with the string for both fingers will be done mostly with the pad. 

1st finger straighter, 3rd finger more arch

An additional benefit of a lessened arch in the 1st and 3rd finger is that they will lean onto other strings and mute any sympathetic string noise or fundamental/harmonic frequencies which sound when other strings are played. Furthermore, a lessen arch in the fingers will require less bend in the wrist and therefore less strain on it. 

Less bend in the wrist

Think of how easily water runs through a garden hose when the hose is straight, but when you bend the hose the water has a more difficulty time passing through the hose. The more of a bend in your wrist you more difficult it is for your body to work efficiently. 

Too much bend in the wrist

Next month we’ll get into playing with power chords.