How to Play Power Chords (Beginner Guitar Lesson)

In this beginner guitar lesson I explain what power chords are, how to play them, and how to make them sound awesome through using muting techniques!
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At the start of the video I cover some music theory about what power chords are and how they are composed, but if you just want to get straight to playing them that is totally fine and you can just memorize the shapes and come back to the theory behind them later if it ever interests you! Just wanted to give some background information on where these chords come from so it doesn't seem mysterious :)

[@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...

[@potat-z1c]

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.

[@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

[@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...

[@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 ❤❤❤

[@user-wk2ut6oe1s]

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

[@26yz]

@@RachelfGuitar I'm late :(

[@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!

[@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...

[@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

[@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!

[@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..! 😁🤘🏽

[@bikesboardsbeats]

Great video...I started guitar at the age of 51 last year ...and have been having trouble with power chords... particularly moving them around fast enough and making sure those unnecessary strings are muted....one of the earliest records to go big based around power chords is the kinks, you really got me.....some people credit the kinks with creating heavy rock / metal

[@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.

[@elklakeradio8776]

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

[@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.

[@gorb065]

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

[@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!

[@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

[@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!

[@NenaLavonne]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@kevinmatthews9469]

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

[@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!

[@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/

[@asathoor777]

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

[@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

[@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!!

[@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.

[@italiad1013]

GREAT FINALLY you are doing tutorials!!! Keepem coming👍

[@zaz4667]

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

[@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! 🎶

[@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!

[@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

[@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.

[@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.....

[@christinebowles5035]

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

[@DavidKerner-en1ww]

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

[@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

[@jonathanruddick3178]

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

[@bengunns9500]

Great lesson Rachel, very clear and straight to the point, many thanks.

[@stopthink9000]

Wow!! Great info. Well done!

[@paz6359]

Beautiful beautiful lesson. So fun to watch & learn from you. 👍

[@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.

[@mmccartney6579]

Brilliant lesson, Rachel!! Cheers!! :)

[@wimolivier]

Thanks so much for your nice explanation, Rachel!

[@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!

[@mattscantlebury4566]

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

[@XALTEREGO1]

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

[@stevepeterson6070]

Love you Rachel. Thanks.

[@maxlethe3973]

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

[@JoelYeoh]

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

[@francescosisto7131]

You are just amazing the way you explain it! Thank you Rachel!

[@clinteasternwoodnotmyname8319]

Good explanations rachel! and keep Smiling love it!:D

[@manguejoe]

That was awesome Rachel! Thanks a lot!

[@timleem3609]

Great video. Hope you make some more lessons soon. This one really helped me!

[@pyratenomad]

This video has been incredibly helpful. Thank you for this!

[@davewhite2240]

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

[@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

[@guillermorosario4578]

Well that was insightful thank you very much; I'll be on the lookout for more of your informative videos...

[@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

[@Gooseded]

Please do more of these!!!! This was so helpful!

[@stevegunn9971]

Excellent video, thanks!

[@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.

[@TerryDee]

Very helpful video, keep them coming .

[@abangwout232]

Thank you very much for your videos Rachel!

[@fuchsia5899]

Thank you this was really helpful!

[@bludaxxe2010]

Excellent teaching style, very confident and clear, well done!

[@guitarman0989]

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

[@michaelscottbugher7980]

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

[@emillygouveia2853]

thank you a lot for this tutorial! please, keep making them ❤

[@standardprotocolformat6090]

Great explanation of the process 😀

[@Dvdkar]

EXCELLENT, a great help many thanks

[@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!

[@natalieac4056]

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

[@dieterwolf1122]

Thank You very much for that great Video!

[@stacysdad5071]

Excellent and clear lesson.

[@sudhindrakopalle7071]

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

[@stevem9141]

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

[@gracetanner4132]

Thanks so much this was really helpful

[@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.

[@SmallADVentures1973]

That was very helpful, thank you 🙏😊

[@shoots007]

really helpful, very well explained, thanks :)

[@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 💛

[@skeaubeesnax]

Very informative ! Thank you!!!

[@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! 😍

[@whmills2324]

Great lesson!!!!!

[@kaizen277]

Thank you Rachel for this video! It was really helpful like all of your videos! Love your channel😊❤

[@RachelfGuitar]

So glad it was helpful, thank you! :)

[@JordannGeorge]

enjoyed your lesson on power chords!

[@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!!!

[@ashydayz1337]

I needed those infos,thanks.

[@YouWorryMe]

I've been watching. You have come SO FAR SO FAST! Congrats!

[@RachelfGuitar]

Thank you! :)

[@pataleno]

Keep em comin Rachel love the tutorials

[@RachelfGuitar]

Thank you :)

[@billa7606]

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

[@jasonburns1407]

Very well explained thank you

[@bmouidk5940]

Finally a good recommendatiom from youtube. Thank you very much this helped me a lots

[@a_horny_simp3947]

So helpful thanks!

[@markjohnston3790]

Outstanding lesson, I learnt a lot about Power Chords nice Thank You! 😉🤙😎