Rock Power Chords and Fills
Today you’ll learn how to use guitar fills and power chords. This lesson is taken from my new book – Beyond Rhythm Guitar
In this lesson, I will show you how to build awesome rock progressions that use two-note power chords. When written in a chord, a ‘5’ dictates that it is a power chord. Power chords can be used in place of both Major and Minor chords. For example, both a D Minor or D Major could be replaced by a D5 power chord.
You will use a D Minor Pentatonic scale between the chords to create mini fills and licks.
Like all chords on the guitar, there are multiple ways that power chords can be played. Shown in example 7a is the D5 power chord shape with a root on the E, A, and D strings. Let’s dive in!
Chords and Fills Example one
Example 7e demonstrates the D Minor Pentatonic scale, which will be used for the fills in the rest of this chapter.
Chords and Fills Example two
By adding a note between each of the chords we can create a‘call and response’ pattern. The power chords call out and the note of F responds.
Chords and Fills Example three
This example alternates between a pull-off and a hammer-on pattern.
Chords and Fills Example four
Example 7j shows aslide example with the fills on the G and B strings.
Chords and Fills Example five
Bends are a rock staple! Adding them into this sequence sounds awesome. If you want more information on all types of bends be sure to check out my book Melodic Rock Soloing for Guitar.
Chords and Fills Example six
Popular Power Chord Songs
- White Stripes – Seven Nation Army (If played in standard tuning)
- Green Day – American Idiot
- The Kinks – You Really Got Me
- Blink-182 – All the Small Things
- Lenny Kravitz – Fly Away
- Nirvana – Smells like Teen Spirit
- Scorpions – Rock You Like a Hurricane
You can check out my new book Beyond Rhythm Guitar by clicking the following link:
