How to Play Power Chords on an Acoustic Guitar

Play power chords on the acoustic guitar.

The power chord is an essential component of any rock guitarist's arsenal. It has been used for decades to add power and heaviness to the popular rock song. This is because you are only utilizing three strings and/or three notes at any time. It is one of the most versatile chords for the guitar because you can use it most anywhere on the guitar's neck. The power chord is played the same on both the electric and acoustic guitar.

Things You'll Need

• Acoustic guitar

Instructions

1. Use a tuner to make sure your guitar is tuned to standard tuning. Standard tuning is (starting with the thickest string) E-A-D-G-B-E.

2. Place your index finger on the low E-string on any fret on the guitar neck. The E-string is the thickest string on your guitar.

3. Place your ring finger on the A-string two frets up from where you placed your index finger. The A-string is the next-thickest string located just below the E-string.

4. Place your pinkie finger on the D-string on the same fret as your ring finger. The D-string is the next-thickest string just below the A-string.

5. Strum this chord.

Tips & Warnings

• You can move the power chord up and down the guitar neck and you can alternate your index finger position between strings. For instance, if you moved the power chord position to the A-string, your index finger would be positioned on the A-string, your ring finger would be positioned on the D-string and your pinkie finger would be positioned on the G-string just below the D-string. Be sure to maintain the one-fret gap between your fingers.

References

• Guitar Alliance: Power Chord Lesson