Master power chords, basic rock riffs, and the techniques that define rock guitar. Learn the foundation of rock music from the 1950s to today.
Rock guitar is characterized by power, energy, and attitude. Unlike folk or classical styles, rock guitar emphasizes volume, distortion, and rhythmic drive. The foundation of rock guitar lies in power chords - simple two or three-note chords that create a massive, powerful sound when amplified and distorted.
Power chords are the backbone of rock music. They consist of just the root note and the fifth, creating a neutral sound that works equally well over major or minor progressions.
• Simple fingering: Easy to play and change quickly
• Neutral sound: No major or minor quality to conflict with melody
• Powerful tone: Sound huge when amplified and distorted
• Moveable shapes: Same pattern works across the fretboard
• Clear with distortion: Don't get muddy like full chords
The most basic power chord uses just two strings:
E5 Power Chord (Open Position):
• Low E string: Open (E - root note)
• A string: 2nd fret (B - fifth)
• Finger position: Index finger on A string, 2nd fret
Sound: This creates the interval of a perfect fifth (E-B)
Adding the octave creates a fuller sound:
A5 Power Chord (5th Fret):
• Low E string: 5th fret (A - root)
• A string: 7th fret (E - fifth)
• D string: 7th fret (A - octave)
• Fingers: Index on 5th fret, ring and pinky on 7th fret
Alternative: Use index finger and ring finger only for quicker changes
The beauty of power chords is their mobility. Learn these root note positions:
Pattern: Root on 6th string, fifth on 5th string (2 frets higher)
• E5: 0th fret (open E), 2nd fret A string
• F5: 1st fret low E, 3rd fret A string
• G5: 3rd fret low E, 5th fret A string
• A5: 5th fret low E, 7th fret A string
Pattern: Root on 5th string, fifth on 4th string (2 frets higher)
• A5: Open A string, 2nd fret D string
• B5: 2nd fret A string, 4th fret D string
• C5: 3rd fret A string, 5th fret D string
• D5: 5th fret A string, 7th fret D string
Palm muting is crucial for controlling your sound:
Technique: Rest the edge of your picking hand on the strings near the bridge
Effect: Creates a tight, percussive sound
Control: Light touch = slight muting, heavy pressure = more muted
Usage: Essential for metal, punk, and tight rock rhythms
• Down-picking: Using only downstrokes for power and aggression
• Alternate picking: Down-up pattern for speed and efficiency
• When to use each: Down-picking for heavy sections, alternate for fast passages
One of the most popular rock progressions:
In A major: A5 - G5 - D5
Famous examples:
• "Sweet Child O' Mine" - Guns N' Roses (verse)
• "Boulevard of Broken Dreams" - Green Day
• "Wonderwall" - Oasis
The emotional rock ballad progression:
In C major: Am - F5 - C5 - G5
Famous examples:
• "Let It Be" - The Beatles
• "Don't Stop Believin'" - Journey
• "With or Without You" - U2
The most famous riff in rock: 0-3-5, 0-3-6-5, 0-3-5, 3-0 (on one string)
Simple power chord progression: A5-D5-E5-D5
Chromatic riff with power chords, great for practicing string muting
Heavy power chord riff, excellent for palm muting practice
1. Practice changing between E5-A5-D5-G5 using 6th string roots
2. Start slow, focus on clean chord changes
3. Use a metronome, one chord per beat at 60 BPM
4. Gradually increase tempo while maintaining clarity
1. Play an E5 power chord
2. Alternate between palm muted and open strums
3. Practice varying the amount of muting
4. Work on smooth transitions between muted and open
1. Practice eighth note patterns with power chords
2. Try different strum patterns: down-down-up-down
3. Add palm muting on specific beats
4. Practice with backing tracks or metronome
• Electric guitar: Solid body with humbuckers for heavy tones
• Amplifier: Tube or modeling amp with overdrive/distortion
• Distortion pedal: For heavier tones and sustain
• Heavy picks: Medium to heavy gauge for aggressive attack
• Good cables: Quality cables maintain signal integrity
• Classic Rock: Moderate distortion, bluesy bends, power chord foundations
• Hard Rock: More aggressive, faster tempos, heavier distortion
• Punk Rock: Simple power chords, fast downstrokes, aggressive attitude
• Metal: Heavy distortion, palm muting, complex riffs
• Grunge: Alternative tunings, dynamic contrasts, heavy/clean sections
After mastering basic power chords and techniques:
• Learn full barre chords for more complex progressions
• Explore lead guitar techniques (bends, vibrato, solos)
• Study different picking techniques and rhythmic patterns
• Learn songs from your favorite rock artists
• Experiment with effects pedals and tone shaping