Riff using E5 & A5 power chords

New Power Chords Introduction

So looking at example three, we've got some new power chords:

• The A chord (which we looked at previously)
• The E5 power chord
• The E power chord

This is really simple.

Understanding the Chords

• The A string (the fifth string) in relation to the open E string is one below.
• To play it:
  • Lift up
  • Play the open E string
  • Take the shape we had for A5 up the A string.

So, we're going up one set of strings. If this was our A5, we take everything up the A string and play:

• The second fret on the A string with the open E on top.

Notes Summary

Here we get the notes:

• E and B (for the E5)
• A and E (for the A5)

We're alternating between the two chords, almost like a zigzag:

• A, E, A, E, and finishing on A as a whole note.

Playing Through the Chords

In bar one:

• We've got the A5 chord in half notes.

In bar two:

• The E5 chord in half notes.

Rhythm Practice

So I'll play that through with you really slowly, trying to think: A and up to the E string, back down to the A.

1. Count: 1, 2, 3, 4
2. Going up to the E string, down to the A string, up to the E, finishing on the A.
3. Count: 1, 2, 3, 4

Visualization Technique

For me, I would be thinking of this more visually than pitch-wise.

• Think: "Okay, I'm going up, down, up, down."
• This describes the route my fingers are taking, rather than just thinking I'm going from an A to an E, an A to an E.

Just at the beginning, it's quite easy to visualize this while you're getting started, and it helps speed up the process a little bit.

Conclusion

So take as much time as you need with that and I'll see you in the backing track to play this riff!