Life After Power Chords..........

Ever since i started playing I was shown all different songs that basically used power chords.


Now that i feel ive got the hang of it, what do you recommend I try next. Because no matter what new skill i look at I always go back to using power chords.

What should I do to get out of this habit and to move on to something new?


Any response will be appreciated.....

Classic Rock, Jazz, Ska, Country...

All of that stuff uses a lot less power chords.

If all else fails, get a chord book and start making stuff up. Mix open chords and barre chords.

I agree with Ras, expanding your musical horizons can help, also it sounds like a good time to start working on basic harmony, learning how chords relate to each note of the major scale, learning the different chord forms/shapes up the neck, inversions, major, minor, dim, Maj7, min7th, 9ths etc, and learn how they are constructed, what makes a Maj7 a Maj7, etc... Not just memorizing a few shapes, this may not sound real exciting, but you can learn it a bit at a time and use it the rest of your life

I would say if you do what Rask & Pstring told you
to (try) you might just become a Real (Guitar-player)
Thier way is the right way to get out of that groove
your stuck in .
But it takes alot of work and practice but its worth
it in the long run.Remember never give up .(Thats the key)



Mark

I've been playing classical guitar for 20 years and have just picked up an electric guitar and an effects board. I love playing hard core power chords, distortion is so fun I can't believe I waited this long to try out something new.
Don't limit yourself, Try one thing until you get tired then move on to the next. Have fun!!!

Good move! Power chords are very limiting. If all you ever want to play is heavy metal they will work, but other styles will sound weak with them. When I made the transition from power chords to "real chords", I used Blues as training. The minor 7th rules the blues, along with 9ths and a few others. But its not too overwhelming. The I-IV-V progressions are a lot more easier to work with too.
Anyway, I would say let your musical interests reflect the chords you use. If you just want to learn other chords for fun or whatever, I would suggest starting with open chords, then move on to the barre chords(I had a hard time with barre chords). Enough practice, and before you know it your hand will go to make a full chord, where it normally jumped on a power chord. Good luck!