Lesson 5
Later on in this lesson we are going to learn string slides, but first lets look at how power chords can be played all over the fretboard. The good news is that only one chord shape is required to do this. The fretboard diagram below shows all the notes on the low E string. Whatever note your first finger plays will be the root note. Simply move the chord along the string placing your first finger on the appropriate fret for whatever chord you want to play.
Note - The notes from the 12th fret onwards are the same notes as the open string to 11th fret except they are 1 octave above (same note but the pitch is higher). This is the same for all 6 strings.
Note - The fretboard diagram shows a guitar with 21 frets. Guitars often have 22 or 24 frets.
To play power chords on the A string just move the E string power chord shape to the 5th string (A) and move the shape to the desired root note.
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This chord is played at the 3rd fret (C) so it is a C5.
If the chord is moved up to the 5th fret (D) the chord becomes D5.
String Slide
A slide is a note that a guitarist slides up or down a string, therefore changing its pitch. Although two notes are sounded only the first note is picked. An important factor in string sliding is to release the grip of your left hand on the guitar neck so that only the finger being used for the string slide is making firm contact with the fretboard.
Note - Use your first finger for the slides in examples 1 & 2.
Try this ascending slide from the 7th fret to the 9th fret on the G string.
Note - An ascending line indicates an ascending slide.
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Now try this descending slide from the 9th fret to the 7th fret on the G string.
Note - A descending line indicates a descending slide.
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It is also possible to slide a chord although this is more difficult. Try this ascending E5 to F#5 power chord slide.
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Now reverse the slide by playing the F#5 first then sliding down to the E5.
Video DownloadTry this riff which uses power chords on the E & A strings, palm muting and string slides.
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Video Download
Backing Download
1. The Power chord shape in this lesson can be played with an alternative fingering (see below). This can be played on the E & A strings. Use the fingering you prefer.
Soundfiel Download
2. Learn the notes on the E & A strings. The notes in the musical alphabet are:
A, A#, B, C, C#, D, D#, E, F, F#, G, G#.
Note - there is no E# or B#
