Power Chords
In general, we need three tones to create a chord For a major chords the tones are root (1), the third (3) tone above the root, and the fifth (5) tone above the root.
See the discussion on chord theory for guitarist for additional information..
Power chords, which are often found in Rock oriented music only use two tones – the first (1) and the fifth (5). These chords are sometimes referred to as 5 chords. Note, because these chords lack the 3rd, they are ambiguous, meaning they can be either major or minor.
Challenge to students – The chord form shown above represent a I, IV, V chord progression in the key of A. What would the chord progression be in the key of A?
Challenge to students – The last part of Led Zepplins’s “Stairway to Heaven” uses the progression A, G, F. Using the shape of the A5 chord shown above, see if you can play along with the rhythm section of this part of the song.
Barre Chords
Many beginning students find barre chords difficult. Be patient as you learn barre chords and remember “build” them up from the bottom, middle, or top end. For example, rather than playing the entire barre, start by playing the notes on the 6th, 5th, 4th, and 3rd strings. Or trying playing the notes on 5th, 4th, 3rd, and 2nd strings. Likewise, you can play the notes on 4th, 3rd, 2nd, and 1st strings.
If you play an electric guitar, make sure you practice these chords using the clean channel on your amp. This is to ensure you’re cleanly playing all the notes in the chords.
Major Barre Chords
Challenge to students – Using the chord form shown above play a F, G, B, C, and D barre chords. Also, play the 7th of each of the chords listed.
Minor Barre Chords
Challenge to students – Using the chord form shown above play a Fm, Gm, Bm, Cm, and Dm barre chords. Also, play the 7th of each of the chords listed.
Challenge to students – The song “Evil Ways” uses the progression Am7, D, and E, try playing along with the song
More Minor Barre Chords
We can also barre the guitar from the 5th string to the 1st string. Below are some example of this using minor chords
Challenge to students – Using the chord form shown above play a Bbm, Cm, Em, Fm, and Gm barre chords. Also, play the 7th of each of the chords listed.
Note: for the major chords in these positions, I tend to the powers chords as shown above (see the D and E versions of these types of chords at the top of this page).