How to Play Guitar Power Chords on the 4th and 5th Strings
In an earlier article we discussed playing guitar power chords that are located on the 5th and 6th strings. Today we will apply those same concepts by learning how to play them on the 4th and 5th strings.
In case you missed the previous article, power chords on the guitar are simply two note chords based on the root note of the chord, and the "5th" interval.
Read more: How to Play Guitar Power Chords on the 4th and 5th Strings
Learning Guitar - And the Dreaded F Chord
In the early days of learning how to play guitar, there are few techniques that strike more fear in the hearts of newbies than the dreaded "F" chord.
Although I have had students that were able to quickly master the F chord, the majority struggle with it.
I can even recall some 30 odd years ago, sitting in my bedroom with a cheap Harmony guitar, fighting to make the F chord formation so that it would sound clear. It was so frustrating that the memory has stayed with me all these years!
Why is the F chord such a pain?
Read more: Learning Guitar - And the Dreaded F Chord
In Search of the Perfect Guitar "Tone"
Have you ever heard a recording of a guitar solo and thought, "I wish I could get that tone"?
If you're like most of us the answer is a resounding "yes". We, as guitar players, are always looking for that new sound, that missing piece to the puzzle where we will discover nirvana...the perfect tone!
The interesting thing about guitar tone is that there are a million ways to adjust, tweak, and accomplish various tones. And even if we knew the exact guitar/amp/effects rig that the guitarist on the recording used, there are so many variables involved that it could be literally impossible to ever create an exact replication of the tone on the record. Close, but rarely exact.
Blues Guitar Chords - Using 7th Chords
You hear a song and instantly know it's a blues tune. How do you know?
It might be in the tempo or the rhythm pattern. Maybe it's a fast shuffle, or the deliberate staccato of a slow 12/8 beat.
It may be the familiar changes of a I, IV, V chord progression that tips you off - or the lyrical ramblings lamenting lost loves and "you-done-me-wrong's".
But there is a good chance the recognition was triggered by structure of the song's underlying chords.
Read more: Blues Guitar Chords - Using 7th Chords
Guitar Lessons - Major Chords Vs Minor Chords
When first attempting to tackle playing guitar it's perfectly natural for the beginning guitarist to feel a little overwhelmed with new concepts and terminology.
One thing that a lot of new students become confused about is the differences between major chords and minor chords.
Early in the guitar lessons process, many students learn "how" to play major and minor chords, but quite often do so without really understanding "why" they are named "major" and "minor".
