Rock Riff #1
Here’s a simple riff using power chords. I made this progression in the key of A major using its three most common chords: A, D and E, all in power chord form. I also threw in a few little things to give it a bit of character. Not the coolest sounding riff, but a good opportunity to focus on keeping your strumming steady!
Strumming it:
For this riff you should strum all in down strokes, keeping them even and feeling good. Keep the strumming hand as relaxed as you can. You don’t need to strum over all 6 strings—shoot for just what you’re fretting.
Fretting it:
Remember to play your power chords with a lean of the fingers; keep your fingers somewhat flat on the strings by playing on the pads. Allow your fingers to lay over the strings below because it will keep them from ringing openly as you strum. For power chords rooted on the A string the index finger should end up fretting the note you want with the finger’s tip touching the underside of the E string above (see image below.) This makes it possible to strum power chords by strumming through a muted E string on your way to the A and D strings.
Fretting your chords this way will keep any unwanted string noise out of your playing and allow the strumming hand to loosen up with the confidence of knowing that the neck is in control.
Watch the video for the specifics. Have fun. Turn it to ELEVEN!
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