How to Play Power Chords (Beginner Guitar Lesson)

[@citylife11]

I'm envious of your skills. I mean smiling for 14 minutes straight, are you kidding me?

[@juliolanza]

Is the natural shape of her Mouth! Lol

[@mustafajohnny1681]

@@juliolanza I thought she is a boy I swear

[@Numenorean921]

I think it's cute

[@SrRurik]

@@Numenorean921 it is

[@BillHart_Family_Friends]

Rachelf has awesome guitar skills; however, I have often noticed her perpetual smile. I have tried to hold a smile for the duration of one of her videos and my personal best is about 90 seconds before my face hurt, badly. Way to go Rachelf, you are a dynamo! LOL...

[@cheesy-p1j]

Rachel, I really like that you don't have an annoying intro like all the others. Straight to the point :-)

[@sunnyday7843]

I agree !!!!

[@enacharlinebaptisteholth9846]

dUMBEST THING EVER PEOPLE CAN'T MAKE INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEOS NOR TEACH WHAT THEY DO LOL

[@illuminatiCorgi]

So I've been playing for 14 years, and I recently started putting A LOT more effort in my playing. Going from practicing 1-2 times a week to almost everyday, and It's all because I saw your progress video and realised that I had been half assing it all these years, and that my playing wasn't even as good as yours after all these years. So. Just want to say thanks for the motivation 😐🤘🔥

[@RachelfGuitar]

Thanks so much! All about having fun with it!

[@SkepticGamer]

It's not a competition heheh. Take it chill. Go at your own pace. Guitar playing has been very seasonal for me for the past 3-5 years. But around 4-5 months ago, I started properly again. Motivated myself by getting a new guitar too. Harley Benton SC-Custom FR VB. Got the B-stock for like 251€ + some accessories.

[@paulstejskal1427]

Rachelf you are a real inspiration. Thank you for posting your videos.

[@FirestarHart]

There's something to be proud of when you've progressed so far in your own journey that you can start helping people on theirs. It's very awesome to see. Your progress Rachel has been incredibly cool and I can honestly thank you for helping keep me motivated in my musical practices and invested in keeping my ears open to what I listen to. 🙂

[@BitcoinAndChess]

This was fantastic. You should do more of these instructional videos, breaking down specific elements of guitar-playing. You really know how to get a point across clearly and quickly. Great stuff!

[@RachelfGuitar]

So glad to hear you enjoyed it, definitely thinking about making more similar videos in the future!

[@BitcoinAndChess]

@@RachelfGuitar Would love to know your take on Pentatonic (and other) scales. What is it and why we should care. I've yet to find a good video on breaking it down to simple terms for beginners.

[@rossboyle52]

Watching you play and teach with your genuine smile reminds of Dwight Yoakam’s axe man Eugene Edwards. He smiles all the time like he is sooo in love with what he does. I am a 63 year old retired UPS driver that decided it was time that I learn to play guitar. KZbin and Pinot Noir (red wine) have become my mentors! 😂 Once I stumbled on to your site I have found that learning is a bit more enjoyable. You are straight forward and understanding when it comes to the struggles. At 63 getting your fingers, hand and wrist to move the way that it needs to is a chore. Your power chord lesson along with Sean Daniel’s 1 finger cord lesson has inspired me enough to move forward. Thank you for taking the time to help an older person learn! R...

[@khushalkhans]

MORE OF THESE PLEASE!!! I am a beginner and this video was so helpful! I've seen others explain them in videos but it's great to see a younger persons perspective ( not that i'm saying others explaining power chords are bad it's just hard to get for me)

[@RachelfGuitar]

So glad to hear this was helpful, thanks!

[@kingofmemes5017]

I'd love to see this become a playlist, very helpful!

[@RachelfGuitar]

Happy to hear that! I am thinking about making more beginner friendly rock/metal lessons in the future :)

[@cinnstix8029]

@@RachelfGuitar Omg! Can't wait for those!! Look forward to it if you have the time ❤❤❤

[@원우-o3z]

@@RachelfGuitar please do! I really want to learn rock songs but its so intimidating

[@26yz]

@@RachelfGuitar I'm late :(

[@jeemalsoknownasjimhawkins1294]

Rachelf: This is the best, and clearest, lesson on Power Chords that I have ever seen. Thanks so much for posting this! And by the way, I am going to order more of your T-Shirts (newer version) because I have given away all the other ones I had to various friends. Cheers!

[@RachelfGuitar]

Thank you so much, I really appreciate your kind words as always! 😀

[@Johnbartheart]

I agree! I learned, and now understand, more in your 13+ minute video than I have in like 9 months..! 😁🤘🏽

[@pouredkisses6732]

i already knew how to play power chords but i wanted to watch it because i enjoy your videos so much :))

[@RachelfGuitar]

Thanks for watching :)!

[@yolk6942]

Hi roger

[@superrookie-1]

this lesson is the best I have seen about power chords

[@pamelaq683]

Came here to say the exact same thing! I cycled through quite a few KZbin guitar gurus and this is the only video that I watched straight through to the end. I really appreciate the breakdown of the theory, the discussion of how power chords are used over a song, alternate fingerings and the tips for improvement. Many thanks for this Rachel, it was truly awesome!

[@ChessemillPerezChristopher]

my mind see's what you are saying - my fingers on the other hand, pardon the pun, have a mind of it's own. Your instructions are so point on. Which is one of the reasons I will never give in. I have been playing for little over a month, so you can just imagine the inner struggle going on. I practice everyday, a little some days, whole lesson on other days. It seems so complicated . But again, I turn to you and I am encouraged to grind on...just wanted to give you a shout out, and thanks...

[@armandobravo4L]

I’ve been playing for 15 years now and I’m still sitting through your video bc someone told me I didn’t use proper technique and that I smush the strings and don’t use my fingertips correctly lol. With that said, I hope it shows how grateful I am for your videos and how much trust I have in your teachings lol. Great video! \m/

[@mr.gigily]

First of all thank you for putting out this simple and to the point video on playing guitar. I've learned more watching this 14 min video than I have watching other half ass instructors on YT over the last three years.. Please make more of these.

[@colinharrison6167]

Thank you young lady, at the age of 67 I have just started to learn guitar and you have inspired me so much I will do it ! thank you again :)

[@lizarrrdbeth]

I'm 54..started 3 years ago. It is all coming together this year. It would have last year but Covid interrupted my lessons.

[@ronpippin1084]

I was intrigued with your video and your natural smile. When I was 8 years old I started noodling around on my dad’s old 1942 Gibson flat top. My hands weren’t large enough to wrap around the neck, so I laid it flat on my lap and played with my thumb out of desperation. I was gonna master this thing one way or another! I somehow discovered I could tune the E down a step (drop D I found out many years later) and I would play with a big smile like yours. I would play the 4th, 5th and 6th strings all up and down the neck and I felt great doing that. When I got a little older and realized my fingers could finally reach around the neck I bought a chord book, but I continued playing power chords too. So when Smoke On the Water came out, I was ahead of the game. I’m 67 and still gig regularly. Power chords still sound good. You would’ve been a fun daughter! Thanks for posting this video. Dad is 91 and still has that old Gibson btw, and still gigs!

[@corylarrabee6241]

You are the most important person I watched on KZbin. When you said to use power chords to play along with my favorite music it clicked. I do not feel like a beginner

[@XALTEREGO1]

i have to admit this has to be the best description of how to play for beginners ive seen on you tube

[@kenmorgan9470]

Thank you for this. Being a perpetual newbie on guitar (because I don't practice enough), I think your explanation of power chords is about the clearest out there.

[@trevn__]

You're my inspiration to start playing a guitar. I've been playing piano for 7 years and picking up a new instrument from scratch really brings me back to my roots. Thank you!!

[@natalieac4056]

I’m so happy to see that there’s a girl giving guitar lesson, I’m feeling so represented 😱💕 Shout out sis! 🙌🏻

[@Alex_U]

I watched your first year progress video in April 2018, and it motivated me to finally start learning guitar and I'm still at it. Thank you so much. It's great to see you graduate to making your own lessons. Cheers from Russia!

[@Guitarplayer724]

Super lesson Rachel. I’ve been playing guitar 20 plus years and I still find your lesson helpful. Plus your enthusiasm and energy really shine. Thank you!

[@christinebowles5035]

Your so passionate and happy in your videos, I love it because it inspires me

[@marcd1981]

This is the second channel I've watched about power chords, and both mention using two fingers to play two strings, or three fingers to play the chord with three strings. I learned guitar through power chords, and I've always played them using two fingers to play three strings. My ring finger holds the 4th and 5th strings at the same time, so two fingers, three strings, no pinky involved.

[@kayaj948]

OMS you are such a character I've never met anyone like you before you have such a beautiful vibration and your teaching is the best

[@NenaLavonne]

Love that you are doing tutorials now! Great video, Rachel! ✨♥️

[@claudebelanger8524]

Great video! I subscribed after watching you for about 4 minutes. I gave up playing guitar after I was diagnosed with ms but I decided to pick up my strat, restrung it and replayed your video and followed along. I surprised myself that I could still play. My hands are badly affected by the ms so I can't play lead but I can still play rhythm. Thank you so much for posting your video. It influenced me enough to pick up an instrument I love to play. Bless you, Rachel.

[@soul2310]

If only my depression medication was like hers...

[@Cheezy_Bunz]

Freakzontour I believe her meds are called “guitar”

[@michaelmccartan9125]

Don't be jealous:D

[@soul2310]

@@michaelmccartan9125 i completely am :D

[@richwhite6422]

I know she seems really nice, like she's almost trying to much. But it's not creepy or anything. To me her personality is kind-of endearing but almost to the point of annoying. But in a good way. Much easier to listen to than most of the other on-line guitar teachers.

[@fetuspie943]

her depression medication is canada

[@mattscantlebury4566]

By far one of the best power chords videos on you tube, many thanks

[@JohnYaogamerchannel]

Wow thanks I’m still a beginner at guitar so that’s a big help! It’s much easier to understand from you than others people who keeps talking during the whole time with complicated stuff

[@gregc3255]

I've watched several videos on Power Chords including a few from some of the commercial sites. This was hands down the best explanation. Well done, @Rachelf

[@dougsmith8430]

YOU ROCK RACHEL! 🎸 Came across this lesson as I was practicing Power Chords… I love your teaching style, you are a great guitarist and your Enthusiasm and love of Guitar is infectious… Thank you, I just subscribed! 🎶

[@shapeshifter2007]

FINALLY ... someone explained it in a simplified way. Great job.

[@jonathanruddick3178]

Ok that tip on muting the e string will definitely help me learn enough for my first gig. Thank you soo much!

[@kevinmatthews9469]

Excellent job! You're a great teacher. Easy to follow and very clear instructions. I think you've found your calling.

[@elklakeradio8776]

You are awesome! Thank you for taking the time to share this. And for your kind and positive approach.

[@bikesdotsandpeeps]

My first guitar, a Jackson Dinky JS22, comes tomorrow night and I'll definitely be practicing skills based off this video! I'm so excited, thank you so much!!! - Chris in Miami, FL.

[@bikesdotsandpeeps]

And it arrived today! 😍

[@absolutetuber]

I can’t get my dang middle finger to relax down. I immediately begin flipping everyone off when I start playing these power chords lol

[@rayreid8327]

I'm a beginner just learning power chords, one of the songs my teacher gave me to practice is Def Leppard wasted. Its great for moving the shape up and down the neck as well as palm muting the low e. Thanks for this video!!

[@in3432]

I saw your video from when you first started playing................now your teaching me. You are brilliant. Good video

[@enricosaccheggiani3192]

I play the guitar from 1984, and I do know well what power chords are,however I make you my great compliments. Thanks for the interesting videos

[@stevem9141]

On the second day of owning my guitar I can already play Smells like teen spirit. Thank you

[@Savage_7_99]

I wish I could pay u to be my personal teacher in person. You're so awesome and sweet and always keeping that beautiful smile! We need more people like you in this world.

[@BrianKeeganMusic]

Hi Rachel! I just found your channel. It's awesome how you haven't been playing that long and you're already so good and giving lessons to others online! Truly admirable! I'm more of a blues player myself, but I like to tinker around in the world of classic rock and metal once in a while. Your videos are a great resource! Keep it up!

[@asathoor777]

You're a great teacher. Thanx for this fine tutorial.

[@ozzmannsanchez6180]

I had to discover all this h metal technics 30 years ago all by my self...in a small city in Mexico...it was a challenge...but it was funny too.....

[@thesportsjunkie4827]

Root on E would be 6,5,4 strings; Root on A would be 5,4,3 . Still a great video. You helped me a lot. Thanks. Keep on Rocking

[@DavidKerner-en1ww]

Great video. Continuous and thorough delivery of good info without the fluff.

[@kelliejones3698]

It’s so awesome to see how far you’ve come! I remember watching your very first video. You went from learning to teaching others. You’re awesome!

[@zaz4667]

SWEET! Love reviewing the basics to become better! Thanks Rachel!

[@elaine976]

DAMN. it takes some time to get used to, but the distortion and chords sound SSOOO sick I'm so glad I learned to play

[@prashuryagoswami6122]

Idk why but it feels good to support your channel.

[@robinbhairam7508]

At this time of so much uncertainty and toxicity in the world they should find a way to bottle your enthusiasm and passion for the rest of us ... and thank you for using the string names - not ‘1st’ or ‘4th’ etc IMHO it helps reinforce something we should all be doing ... bravo Rachel 😊

[@rockindavebyron3960]

Great advice Rachel, I also prefer using the root, 5th, & octive for the same reason, it just sounds full, you're making great progress, & thanks for helping some of us older folks with recording audio & video separately, I started playing guitar in 1974 at age 11 & never stopped, so all this new computer technology is so different from what I'm use to, thanks for everything, you ROCK!!! God Bless!!!

[@emanualriley7043]

Man that guitar riff is amazing and it is teaching me about playing guitar

[@billa7606]

Rachel, you're doing a great job with your skills and channel. Keep up the great work and totally ignore the haters!

[@michaelscottbugher7980]

It's great to see you having fun doing your thing such a beautiful smile

[@maxlethe3973]

It's nice your motivation seems to just be helpful and reinforce what you've learned by teaching . good for you

[@lala-everyonescrazyaunt]

You are a natural teacher! My son always runs his fingers across the strings on the guitar next to the laptop when he walks by, and I keep telling him I will show him how to play some power chords and he won't want to play bass anymore. Ha ha. He doesn't agree. 😁

[@cateye560]

Hi Rachel, I love all your videos, so much positivity, I love it, keep it up. I started playing guitar forty five years, and the first thing I learned to do, was play power chords. I know people have different ways of playing power chords, but basically they all sound the same. Explaining it to new players as you are is brilliant, the more people who discover the guitar the better. Going off the subject, I was trying to get one of your t shirts, but your shop seems to be down at the moment. I hope it comes back on soon. Keep on rocking Rachel, because you rock!!!

[@RachelfGuitar]

Thanks so much, I appreciate it! And thank you for considering getting a shirt 😀! This link to the store appears to be working for me if you'd like to check them out: rachelf.bigcartel.com/

[@demvaril]

Your enthusiasm is infectious!!! I'm going to do an hour a day (as per your 10 tips vid) and thanks for the power chord lesson. Rock on.

[@Madchris8828]

Wow at 9:30 you just explained how muting power chords works so well. Been trying to figure muting out for a bit. Nice!

[@mahmoudeledrissi7234]

if you want to learn guitar listen to her because she will tell you from her learning experience and all true and very very helpful. thank you rachel

[@mikedgolf40505]

Thank you Rachel. I have a Traumatic Brain Injury and have a hard time getting my mind to translate to mind when learning, plus I suffer from tremors. But I have learned more in 2 of your videos than months on JamPlay. I also recommend Black Sabbath "Paranoid" for power chord and palm muting practice.

[@guitarman0989]

Excellent explanation of a power chord, clear and precise without making it over complicated well done

[@larrie9483]

Cool. I love it! You're a self taught guitarist and so am I! I've been playing for 5 years. Seeing you progressing so fast like that makes me to be more progressive as well! Thanks for your humble opinions and your videos are very inspiring and very fun to watch!

[@RachelfGuitar]

Thanks so much! :)

[@larrie9483]

@@RachelfGuitar welcome! 😊😊😊

[@davewhite2240]

I’ve watched a few of these, and this is the best of all !!!

[@pankajjoshi3189]

I am a pianist learning guitar.... And you made it super simple 👍👍👍

[@sudhindrakopalle7071]

I like how cheerful you are on the video, thanks for the great lesson!

[@billsmith5054]

Thank you for clarifying power chords for me.. I never really understood what a power chord was. They are so simple. I can do that.

[@Griffinhroberts]

Really great video. I am so impressed how quickly you have gone from student to teacher. And on that, you really instruct well. Excellent work and great inspiration!!!!

[@RachelfGuitar]

Thanks so much!

[@gremlin9870]

Rachel, I'm really glad you've turned to making lessons

[@RachelfGuitar]

So glad to hear you liked it! Thinking about doing more in the future :)

[@shayne3629]

I bought a guitar last week and am starting to learn Never Too Late by Three Days Grace, I cant wait to learn more! Power Chords look fun

[@RubenGarcia-px5vy]

Wow you answered my main questions about how to mute the higher strings and the low E , thanks a lot, now to practice

[@karimpardayev]

I am simple person: see any ghost album - put a like

[@stevepeterson6070]

Love you Rachel. Thanks.

[@mokyan7]

This is a great video and love the positivity. I have played piano and trumpet in the past, starting to learn guitar, I want to learn things well instead of bad habits to unlearn later. Good blend of analysis, sound, and fun!

[@autocrow]

Good explanation. I also love the power chord rooted on the D string, 5th on the G string and the root repeated on the B string. Same thing you were talking about when doubling up the root, but the B string is up a fret for this one (because of the tuning). It's powerfully shrill sounding with the high notes. I love it! The song "Mondo Bondage" on The Tubes Live album starts with this shape. Took me a long time to figure out what they did and why it sounded so cool. Oh, another good example of this power chord is the song "Round And Round" by Ratt.

[@burt.3765]

I think I watch your videos more just to see you smile 😊 but all the lessons and other content along that are awesome I love the videos 💛

[@EnbyBat]

Learned fast power chord changes with Rock you like a Hurricane by the Scorpions, it’s great practice for muting and changing from low E to A

[@pvanhise]

You are amazing! I wish I had 10% of the talent you have. Ice been playing for over 30 years and never had lessons or much knowledge really about playing. The first three songs I learned which were with power cords was: "Wild Thing" by the Troggs, "Smoke on the Water" by Deep Purple and "Iron Man" by Black Sabbath. All pretty easy to learn, but powerful to play loud. Keep up the awesome videos. I'll be practicing a lot more. Thank you for being an inspiration to all of us. \m/

[@Salehalanazi-7]

Finally someone explains this well. Thanks Rachel

[@RachelfGuitar]

Glad to hear it was helpful, thanks so much!

[@guitarworldplays1184]

from this moment forward i will get all my lerning fore gitar from your videos your awsome and make it really eazy to understand

[@KabyBurtonMusic]

Finally a power chord lesson that is simple and makes sense lol cheers, rachel !!

[@Mustaine1ify]

I'd like to thank you for recommending the THR 10. I've had it about a week and it's a great amp (more playing and less fiddling now)

[@MrMisterock]

Your Power Cord to your Ibanez is awesome !

[@JoelYeoh]

Great video! Straight to the point and concise. Keep up the great work 👍🎸😊

[@han36solo]

Great lesson Rachel! I have ended up(years and years later) playing the 5th w/pinkie, usually. It's easier to move around quickly, especially if sliding, and sets me up for licks since my hand is in position. (for me thumb over, rather than behind the neck)

[@RachelfGuitar]

Thank you! Whatever is most comfortable/works for you is the best way for sure!

[@han36solo]

@@RachelfGuitar Like you said, depends on the song. I use 1 & 3, thumb & 3, 2 & 4, too.

[@chellodise]

You are such an amazing guitar player, keep it up!!!

[@dirtsmiles8098]

This game is a fun video. Definitely sharing easy power chord riffs is a huge help. I’m stil very much struggling.

[@ALoonwolf]

After playing acoustic guitar chords for so long I can't fathom those two note chords, being inclined to add that third string. But I am definitely noticing that with electric guitar chords less strings is better. For playing up the neck, these chord shapes have their root on each string... Top E string and D string both use F chord shape x(3)321(1). B string uses D chord shape xx(4)232. G string uses A or B chord shape xx444(2). Minor, augmented, etc. is just as simple. And for an alternative to the power chord on the A string try 332xxx (C chord) with the fifth note on the bass string. So if you know where all the root notes are you can play any chord in any position!

[@4randosutube]

Back to my practice room. Thanks!

[@chrisbrewster9085]

Best guitar instruction I've seen on utube very good

[@MrSpectro14]

The easiest power chord song for beginners (IMO) is Blitzkrieg Bop by The Ramones.

[@kirstenlina6574]

Thanks for this.

[@Tacojoint]

You always seem so happy it’s great:)

[@RachelfGuitar]

😀🤘

[@Tacojoint]

Rachelf you needa set up a discord lol

[@gorb065]

I love how she smiles in every lesson. It just shows she has an great passion for music

[@jessemichaels2818]

I have the same exact guitar but only it's metallic green. I love my Ibanez! Power chords sound great on these guitars.

[@Mike35858]

Can't play guitar myself, but really enjoyed your guide to playing power chords, very well explained thank you.

[@RossTate-i9u]

Hi Rachel. Frist off that is a bad ass Ibanez you're playing there.Ross here I am starting over . I played a Ibanez sunburst flying v with DiMaggio's and a half stack Marshall. In my 20 's I am now 59. I'm have a rough time changing chords,but I like your video I remember the power chords? Love the video.