Rock Chords
In Lesson One a chord was defined as being a group of 3 or more notes; however, rock guitarists often use a technique of strumming only 2 strings of a chord. Although this is theoretically not a chord, it shall be referred to as one. The following "rock chords" (also called power chords) involve playing the 5th and 4th strings only.
"2 String Form"
A
"2 String Form"
A6
Try the following example, using both A and A6 chords, 2 string form.
Repeat this example until you are familiar with its sound, remembering that the first finger must remain in position at all times, even when the A6 chord is being played, (as indicated by the open circle). To get the correct sound both the 5th and 4th strings must be strummed together. Do not use the 4th finger for the A6 chord.
"2 String Form"
D
"2 String Form"
D6
These D chord shapes are the same as the A chord shapes, but moved across one string. Here is the same example as before, but this time using D and D6 chords.
Once again, be sure only to play 2 strings (the 4th and the 3rd strings). Avoid hitting the 5th or 6th strings.
The E chord shape is played using the 6th and 5th strings, as such:
"2 String Form"
E
"2 String Form"
E6
