Open Position Power Chords, pt. I

The words “power chord” can really pique the interest of a student if they have yet to learn about them as the name itself implies something pretty fantastic. Power chords are quite simply two or three chords using a root/5th combination played on the bass strings to create a heavier sound and are notated as a “5” chord (ex. A5, G5) These chords have been used in some fashion in all sorts of styles from Freddie Green’s “four to the bar” big band playing to Tony Iommi’s thunderous riffs in Black Sabbath.

One of the things that make power chords so wonderful is the ease in which a student can learn and implement them. Moreover, the easiest way to introduce them is by playing them in open position. The trickiest part for newbies when it comes to playing power chords is only strumming two strings. I recommend that when getting used to them students only apply down strums – they can get more complicated later and integrate alternate strumming patterns.

In the August I’ll be discussing how to apply the open position power chord.

Cowboy Chord Songs, pt.V - The Final Touch

In the series of posts Cowboy Chord Songs, I have discussed slowly building rhythm patterns to help students more effectively change chords smoothly. This final installment applies the “actual rhythm” students would use when playing the song which uses eighth and half notes. 

Of course, students should continue working with a metronome to ensure rhythms are played in proper time. Next month we’ll be onto something new!

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