By Jerry Wyatt
Alright gang, this is a “Tomatoes” vs. “To-Mottos” thing so hang with me. This video lesson will knock the wind out of some frustration if you’ll just watch it and let it sink in. Please read all of the preface before you watch the video!
Here’s the thing… I have my own terminology for these two common chord shapes. If that word (“Shapes”) concerns you, just roll with me here. I call these two shapes “The [A] Pwerchord” and “The [D] Powerchord”. As many of you well know, I hate to see players get confused with “Theory” terms and a bunch of mumbo jumbo.
FOR THE RECORD: I realize a real powerchord consists of the root + the 5th. That means you take an [A] note and count up five letters (A,B,C,D,E) and boom… that’s the 5th. BLAH-BLAH-BLAH!
If you’re new, that sounds complicated. That’s why I stay away from that jargon as much as possible. I’ll show you beyond a shadow of a doubt that you’ll be just fine (for a long time) – without the crap!
This lesson will show you a very simple way to think about two chord fingering patterns (uhh shapes).
Don’t over think them. Just roll with it and you’ll be stunned what you’re doing by the time you finish this little mini course.
Here’s your video…
[clear]
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••• Join the conversation below after you watch the video… •••
Please click the “like” button while your here too!
Here’s Your PDF Tool Mentioned In The Video – Use It!
[THE “A” POWER CHORD ONLY]
=>“Understanding Power Chords” (In 7 Minutes Or Less) PDF Tool<=
[THE “D” POWER CHORD ONLY]
=>“Understanding Power Chords” (In 7 Minutes Or Less) PDF Tool<=
********* IMPORTANT NOTE FROM JERRY BELOW! ********
In case you haven’t completed your first lesson, you need to do it so all this makes sense and fits together right.
Just trust me on this journey. You can get to that lesson using the link below. Don’t skip that lesson!
Hi Jerry, at last it’s starting to make sense to my 68 years old fingers and brain. The 7 and 12 is the key to understanding the fret board better. Many thanks!
Good day, Jerry!
I’m really grateful for the explanation of the pinch. It needed a few tries to find the right angle of how to press my thumb against the guitar’s neck, but now it really solved my problem with dead strings in bar chords. Also thanks for the easy explanation of the two shapes of power chords. Just strumming around with the A power chord is fun enough to entertain myself until I get to doing the next lesson.
I have a question though. Did I get it right that the third thinger in the D-chord is allowed to silence the fifth string or is it meant to actually press it down when “touching it”? I’m barely able to get the third and fourth string down with only one finger without silencing it.
Jerry, that was great! So comfortable with your lessons, no stress in trying to remember or understand anything. With the presentation you have and the material everything is easy to retain and easy to recall. I’m back to the point where I haven’t been putting my guitar down for hours at a time! Progress, I love it! You should teach engineering courses too!
I just want to say thanks for all the lessons! you’re great! thanks a lot!
I’ve enjoyed the first two Bridge lessons. I find your teaching style easy to listen to, the quality of videos excellent (with the two camera shots & lighting quality), and the easy going method – all great. This makes for a good learning experience. Thanks for the lessons.
hey jerry,
your lessons are superduper. I like the way you are playing (it’s kind a mix of rock,jazz and blues I think). and “pinching” makes it easy to play. by the way PDF’s are really useful. thank you for sharing your knowledge with us.
keep rockin’ (:
steven
Great lesson! Thank you Jerry.
nice lesson. can’t wait to the next.
Thanks Jerry,
Thanks Jerry
Picked up my 1st guitar 6 mths ago (acoustic)
the “A” power bar is sweet no dead strings anywhere on the neck
the “D” power bar is buggin’ me with the 3rd finger “D” string ok
then it bends at the 1st joint when laying on the “G” string and slides forward
deading ‘ the “B” and “A” string
any solution?
Hey Jerry,
I consider myself to be an advanced player… sort of I guess, but my leads do sound very boring… I guess its something you just gotta feel inside and bring it out on the guitar….
Hi Jerry
Questions for you as it it is a bit different from what I was taught:
1) Why do you refer the A Power Chord as such when it is the E Chord form moved up from the open position using a barre?
2)The same goes for D Power Chord as it is the A Chord form from the open position moved up using a barre?
NOTE FROM JERRY…
Alright LA… Here we go…
A true power chord consists of its root and a perfect fifth. Within these chords shapes you have described 100% accurately, you can find the “True” Power chord resting in the shape.
My method of learning the neck and having it make sense (keywords “make sense) sometimes uses different terminology. However, I assure you, after 35 years of doing this, I can honestly tell you that everything I tell you is for a reason. It all ties together as we move forward.
I appreciate your input and you are indeed correct. You are merely looking at your old friends E and A barred and slid up the neck. And as I said, you’ll find Roots and 5th’s nested within them.
We’ll explore this and very practical ways to USE the living daylights out of it.
Hang in there partner.
Jerry
Loud and clear jerry – can’t wait for the next lesson
Once again Jerry great vid, I am just starting to play guitar and you are helping me ALOt, i wish you were my teacher at school :). Thanks friend from your buddy/student Joao.
G’day Jerry how are you mate, i hope the family is well, anyway just a quick hello from my neck of the woods look forward to a new lesson, i already know my power chords, but it’s always good to revise & i’m hangin in there with you bro, if i can help i’ll be happy too CHEERS MATE! your friend Adam
Hi Jerry – gosh must congratulate you on your lessons – I am just a beginner and honestly cannot believe how much I have learnt watching your video.
Thanks a million will pass on to my friends about your site.
kind regards
margaret
Jerry,
thank you for those awesome lessons! im that curious for the next lessons that im checking my emails many times a day now! im an advanced player and till now it was nothing really new for me in the technical way, but youre changing my point of view on how to deal with my guitar and thats an great experience. I just have the feeling that the upcoming lessons bring huge advantages for my playing :)
You are a excellent teacher Jerry!
Keep rockin,
greetings from Germany
Sven
cool!!! now i know how to place my finger on a power chord! thanks!!! i’m going to practice this one!!
can,t wait to see tomorrows lesson.its great that your giving these lesson little by little.once again thanks
Jerry
Great to be on the journey to guitar playing proficiency. Thanksfor making that possible.
I believe I am sufficiently enrolled to be receiving the ‘Bridge’ lessons as a pre-cursor to enrolling/purchasing the full program.
My problem is that in the first two lessons received there is no video to open.
Should I enrol/purchase in order to get the ‘Bridge’ videos, etc plus the ongoing lessons?
Very best regards Geoff
Note from Jerry…
Geoff… Try updating your flash player at ADOBE.com… It’s free!
jerry
Man, this is helping me out a little more!
Knowing all the notes on the strings has helped me alot and now I can piece together some simple stuff and it sound decent..
Can’t wait for the next lesson!
Hi Jerry! I’m a total newbie and your lessons really helped me! Thank you!
Awesome lesson Sir Jerry! Many thanks Dude!
Jerry, really this lesson of power chord and the 7 and 12, are amazing, I learn more with this two classes than 8 i have with a teacher. I have 3 years playing the guitar and honestly a give up somehow, but i keep playing having the hope that someday i found a way to keep advancing on my skills. Months of playing scales, chords notes, in boring ways, but with you Jerry learn to play guitar even if you are an advanced or beginner player, it turns very cool and easy, so waiting you´re next lesson, Thanks man.
im having a little hard time no killing some strings, but the 7/12 is definantly the key to moving them. im practicing them using 1,4,5 progression cool stuff seams to be coming together thank so much for your time and straight to the point teaching method
i like your style and sequel building block presentation- im a self tought metal riff guy that can play about any speedmetal riff, but i’ve been trying to learn lead and i dont play the average scales, so my problem is how do i know what key im playing in- the way your teaching this i have a feeling im about to figure all that out and a bunch more- keep up the great work, and thanks for shareing your knowledge as we all definitly appreciate it
thanks jerry—l,m like the rest of the people, just starting bar chords with dead strings but hopefully l,ll get through this–love what your doing for me and everybody with these lessons ..keep up the teriffic job and thanks again—Bob–
Great stuff Jerry. Keep it comin.
Hey Jerry, so far i really like the way you teach. I enjoy the laid back videos and the PDF concept, helps me stay organized. I have no trouble understanding these power chords or any of the notes, I just can not seem to get no dead strings. I have been trying to use your pinch method but, still it just won’t seem to come out.
Do I just need to strengthen my fingers and keep practicing? Or do you think I’m just doing something wrong when i try to pinch?
Much thanks,
Jake.
NOTE FROM JERRY:
Thanks Jake! Remember to position the thumb in away that your bend/joint is on the back of the neck. This can help you get better leverage. Hope this helps.
Jerry
Dear Jerry; This is the 2nd lesson I learned from you. It is great and you are pretty thorough!
Thank you very much for taking the time to teach all the pearls in playing the guitar.
Please continue in what you are doing. You are doing great.
God bless you,
bcheong.
Hey Jerry,
I’ve been playing guitar off and on for about 15yrs. I took lessons, but they were boring. I mainly learned chords on my own,I just picked up my guitar again after hearing a member play Amazing Grace on an accustic guitar and he showed me the tabs to play and I started again, but since I found your site, it has been amazing, and how quickly I’ve picked up on it again. Since my wife and I have a critically ill daughter, I havn’t been able to play much, night time is the only time I can get on computer. This is a stress release for me. Thank you for all you do, God Bless you.
just stated playing so far so good
Cool, YES! funny, I think of these “shapes” named based on the open version of the chord. But I’m with ya on terminology. Looking forward to your backstage and front stage lessons!
Really enjoyed this lesson Jerry … branching away from the same old chords. As a rythm guitar player, it will be nice not to be reliant on a capo!! Thanks!!
It’s starting to get interesting Jerry! Looking forward to learning something new, with all these tools your giving us. Well presented and I like your style.
Thanks for the lessons so far!
Hey Jerry
Lessons has been great! Please keep them coming
Thanks
hey, i havnt been playing long and the lessons on here are great. my former instructor had a different way (not saying its wrong) but he was all over the place, where this is really straight forward. i cant wait to get more. thanks
Hey i am getting the notes down. I was just confusing myself, i’m actually enjoying the idea that i can tell you the notes of the guitar now. Now all i need to do is bring my small hands to be able to do a chord lol. Thanks for your encouragment! God bless.
only have one word for your teaching method amazing from the short time that i been useing this i am learning thing that i done but didnt really understand what was happening just kinda picked up if you want to learn listen to the man he is good i paid for leasons but didnt learn what i learned here for free thanks waiting for next lesson (one bad thing i must say girl friend dont like this she says once i started these leassons thats all i do LOL catch myself sitting up all nite going over lessons ) once again thanks and ROCK ON genO
cool thanks.
Hi Jerry! Thanks so much for the AWESOME lessons!! I have 3 kiddo’s under the age of 5 so for me this will go at the pace my kiddies will let me :) But I am pluggn’ away and I will say I took lessons when I was in 4rth grade and gave it up because I was BORED bored but with your lessons I don’t see that happening so THANK YOU!!! I love your sense of humor and doing this at the comfort of my own home is GREAT!!! I’m pretty sure no one wants to hear me at this stage!! Yikes! But my kids think I’m a ROCKSTAR!!! hahaa! Thanks again and am looking forward to my e-mails from yoU!!! Later Rock ON! ~Kc
hey jerry i just want to say thanks for the lessons so far. im one of those guitar players thats just been geting by over the years.ive actually started to learn something new, cant wait to see wots next
Jerry,
I’m new at playing the guitar. Something I wanted to do as a birthday gift to myself. In fact you are my first teacher. Everything makes sense to me and I look foward to the next lesson. The fingers are getting beat up. lol.
Thank you so much for the lesson I started back playing my guitar after a 20 yr break all my kids are grown an I have time now to do what I’ve been wanting to do for along time. All I knew was the basic chords an struming I started playing in our praise an worship team at church. An Thanks to you Im learning so many new things I never even knew about the Guitar. Thank you again. I love your lessons. Debbie.
Jerry being as old as I am, I am finding out you can’t stop learning. Your method is great!
I am getting to where I want to play my guitar again. I am now practising the pentatonic scales in minors and majors. Lots of those things…lol. Thanks Jerry.
Jack
Of Porches and Pork Loins
I love to cook and I’m pretty good at it. Sometimes friends or family will say “man, that was good.. I wish I could do that” and I’ll just go ahead and give them the no nonsense recipe with simple instructions on making the dish. I could just as easily say.. well Ive been cooking for a long time and it takes a lot of practice.. Jerry’s approach is very similar… Take someone who wants to learn and give them the no frills way to understand what they are doing which makes it easier to learn… His explanation on how to learn the neck notes was amazing. Ive seen them before and they looked very intimidating, until Jerry’s lesson on how there was a simple to remember pattern..
The same thing with the “pinch don’t squeeze” for power chords..
I really like his method of teaching and in just a couple of lessons Ive progressed plenty..
You take a pork loin and baste it with equal parts bourbon and maple syrup to which you add some Dijon mustard and a pinch of salt and pepper. Let stand for about an hour and grill to 160 degrees internal temp.. Whats difficult about that..
Thanks Jerry
THE INFORMATION THAT I RECIEVED FROM OTHER PICKERS AND JERRY IS VERY HELPFUL, LIKE HE SAID “ALL THE FAT HAS BEEN TRIMMED AWAY” THANK GOD FOR REAL PEOPLE WITH A HONEST MISSION ! SMILE . THANKS AGAIN EVERYONE OF YOU PICKERS .
I AM HAVING TROUBLE WITH POWER CHORDS , I CAN’T HOLD THE BAR AND STILL PLACE MY OTHER FINGERS ON THE STRINGS, MY FINGER LIFTS OFF THE BAR AND I CAN REACH THE OTHER STRINGS, OR I CAN REACH THE STRINGS BUT CAN’T HOLE THE BAR ?
Man, that A Chord is tough on my wrist. I play left handed and my right wrist is broken, so barring any chords is a tough go. I play what I can and it sounds good, getting a lot out of the info I get. Just wish I could fudge that A chord a bit.
IT is so cool lesson, i tried to do this before and i could’nt but now it’s a pease of cake!!!
Another great lesson, really looking forward to the next one.
Hey Jerry I am new to playing or should I say new to learning it has help me more with you then any other guitar site that I have looked at computer is old and not to good on vedios but still well watch what I can.Thanks Eulen
Hi Jerry thanks for all the help you given me i am finally getting sunk in my head now you make it simple and i think its great the way you teach it once again thanks your friend kirk
Jerry,
I think you are great guitar instructor, I’m a 68 year old white female, I was always very interested in learning to play the guitar, my husband and I have been performing music in the 90’s,we did have a two piece band and I loved that. I want to thank you so much for helping me to learn to play the guitar, I plan on staying with you on this.
. Changing the subject, my husband is 54 and I’m 68, we have been together 24 years and basically very happy. My main interest is Music and Health. Oh I forgot to mention,, we did get married June13th 2003.
Sincerely Tessia
Im trying to figure out – how do i avoid dead strings – particularly the B string, when im trying to hold them all down for the A power chord and the two or three strings for the D power chord? I cant get my third finger to hold down more than one string at a time without getting a dead string on one of them.
Richard
——–Comment from Jerry at LearnGuitarFastAndEasy.com
Richard,
It’s me, Jerry at LearnGuitarFastandEasy.com!
Thanks for your comment.
Regarding the dead strings problem…
Let me just say this, you’re not alone on this. Many
times, this is the big kick in the butt when you’re trying
to hold bar chords. Even as an advanced player, there
are some chords that cause me to stand up and take
notice of clarity – or not!
Normal chords don’t cause me problems but when I start
doing strange things like stretching five frets, things can
get messy if I don’t get these monkey fingers in shape.
So, what’s the solution?
One of the easiest ways to beat this problem (easily) is to
try holding the chord. Now, locate the dead string.
Next step, and this is important, ask yourself this question,
“Am I trying to make this finger do the work by itself?”
In other words, make sure you are using “THE PINCH” and
getting your thumb in the picture! You’ll be blown away how
much your thumb can help carry the load.
Also important… Let any fingers on frets behind the dead
string help carry the load. That means if you are holding
down the “A Power Chord”, let your number one bar as it’s
supposed to but don’t stress it if it has a dead string. The
fact is there are three more fingers coming to the rescue
that complete the chord.
Richard, I know it can seem frustrating but if you’ll practice this
for one week, this will be old news.
Thanks.
Jerry
I’d like to say thanks, I’ve really enjoyed the lessons and the PDF files are a great help. You present the lesson GREAT but with the file they just simplify things, am not going at full speed but am learning fast.
Cheers
Joe
Well that was pretty cool and not only do I hear what you’re saying, I can “SEE” the notes now. I mean, by looking at the PDF you gave and explaining it the way you did, it makes sense.
I see repeats everywhere.
TAD
PS… When’s the next lesson coming?
These lessons have some great ideas and new ways to think about playing. I’ve really enjoyed watching them so far. However, sometimes I feel like you take fooorever to get to the point.
Edit From Jerry
Brian, thanks! I understand that at times it may seem like it takes awhile to get to it. I do this for a STRONG reason.
I try to give you a story that you can relate to. I know when I first started playing and even when I became a little more advanced (and to this very day), there would be times that I’d get stuck or frustrated with some aspect of my playing. Sometimes I could get an answer to it but more often than not, I’d wonder what the heck to do.
I don’t do this on every lesson but for ones that I think back and remember having an issues with, I try to help you relate and understand – it’s not just you that might struggle at times.
I want to encourage players to hang in there and push ahead. It is at these times you’ll have a big ah-ha moment and a wealth of things will start working form you.
Hope this helps. Thanks for your input.
Jerry
LearnGuitarFastAndEasy.com
Each lesson makes me more eager for the next one. I’m starting to have a VERY vague idea of where you’re going with this and I can’t wait! I’ve been playing for a year and a half and I’m having so much fun.
Best,
Mike
Excellent delivery. I’m an instructor myself and I’ll have to say, you’re doing a great job.
Too many times, guitar teachers take a person right into the typical open D at the third fret and build chords around that.
That’s all fine and well. But, I like your idea of getting people “in the know” on the neck.
When I saw your first lesson, I had a feeling you’d head in this direction.
You’re a very personable instructor and your sincerity to share comes thru.
Despite the fact my students pay an average of $70 a month, many of them also buy supplemental things. This considered, I’ll actually encourage my students to take a look at what you’re doing as well.
Ever thought about creating an ebook or something you could sell on line?
May be a little soon for such an assumption, but I’m guessing it would be accepted quite well.
Take care!
Jazz
Trip…
Thanks for the comment. This Fender is now 15 years old and it seems like it’s tone gets better with time.
As for the idea of pinching… I have to agree, it’s a more natural feel. When I came across this and compared it to the normal term of “squeezing”, I thought, “Wait, this will mak sense to everyone’.
To me, when I think of squeezing, I think of the palm being involved. When I think of “pinching” it causes me to focus on the fingers doing just that. And the end result is that it just happened easier and more natural AND it virtually eliminates dead strings and buzzing.
Thanks.
Jerry
learnguitarfatsandeasy.com
Excellent information. I have a couple things to say.
For one, man your tone is great on the Fender and I like your style. Sounds like blues mixed up with rock and jazzy too. Who were you influenced by?
One of the things I’ve been having trouble with is holding the strings down when I’m doing these bar chords you’re discussing.
The simple tip you gave about “pinching” instead of squeezing is GREAT!!!
I’d never really thought about that way. After I tried that, it really made it easier.
I’m serious, it’s little things this that help get rid frustrations for people like myself.
I new the chords, but now I think “pinch” and I don’t have dead strings in my chords.
Good stuff. Thanks.
t.a.
Jerry, I really appreciate your unique approach to instruction. You seem to have a way of putting things that is easy to comprehend and is not bogged down with theory and analysis. I look forward to future videos
Brian
Got it. That was easy enough. I like your idea of giving the shapes a name that makes sense. I’ve heard “you know the standard major barre chord” and a couple others that are confusing for newbies.
The idea of linking them to the key they are taught in [initially] is brilliant simplicity.
Once you get that, just slide it to whatever key you’re looking for.
My old instructor (moved away) insisted I knew the notes before we ever went any further. Ever!
You might want to insist the same Jerry.
Ohh… I guess that would be hard to keep up with everyone online but, you were right. It’s very important.
Thanks for the free stuff. So far, it’ nicer and more effective than some of the “Jack Legs” that are charging $60 a month in my area.
When’s the next lesson coming out?
Brett
I am really enjoying this, thankyou Jerry
Another nicely presented lesson. Curious to see where you’re going to take us with this. I like the PDF’s and videos. Good looking stuff and you have a way of making it seem easy to understand and worth thinking about.
Thanks.
CC
Regarding Patrick’s comment:
Sorry about that, I thought I had that loaded. I’ll have it up today. Thanks for your comment.
Jerry
Hey there just wanted to say thanks for all of the help so far learning a lot but the last pdf only had the power chord of A…..was wondering if you have the PDF for the power chord of D
Thanks
Side note : moderator if you can use this post not the others they had Type o’s…lol