How to Form Chords in Rock Guitar

Would-be rockers take heart. You can launch your career with two guitar chords. Of course, you'll still need a guitar and hours and hours of practice, but time and time again rockers fall back on the same two power chords.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Learn the string tuning. This will help you with your chord fingering. The strings are (from top to bottom): E-A-D-G-B-E. How you place your fingers in the threats configures the notes of the chords.

2. Press you index finger across every string in the first fret. Make sure every string is down. When you strum the strings will play a half-step higher. This is the foundation of power chords (also known as bar chords).

3. Build an F power chord. Basically it's an E chord a half-step up. Place your middle finger on the G string in the next (second) fret while still holding your index finger across the strings in the first fret. Place your ring and pinky fingers A and D strings in the third fret.

4. Try this with an A chord configuration. Bridge the first fret with your index finger, and place your other three fingers in the third fret of the D, G and B strings. This will play an A# chord.

5. Move your hand up and down the neck one fret at a time, practicing your two power chords. This will take you up and down the scale.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't expect your power chords to sound great, or even very good, the first few times you play. Even if you can play open chords, it takes practice to develop the strength to press the strings down consistently.
• You can build minor and seventh power chords the same way you build them from open chords. You simply use your last three fingers to play the notes instead of your first three.
• Whenever you don't know a chord, plug in a power chord.