Problem with power chords

[the-old-coach]

ellen-

First off- Welcome to TAC!!!!!

As far as what you’re going thru right now- remember that it WILL get easier! You are making your wrists, hands and fingers do things they likely have never had to do before, and even though it seems like struggle now, stick with it- but NOT (ever) to the point of causing yourself real pain or even injury.

Also, if you haven’t already, make SURE you check out Tony’s “Daily Stretching Exercises” – (I think they are in the “Skills Courses” section of TAC– look around, you’ll find it). They REALLY help- especially where you are now. (Confession– I don’t do ALL of the exercise he mentions- it’s quite extensive- I do the ones that I think work best for the guitar exercises I’m focusing on that day). So… check that out.

The discomfort you’re going through right now is just sort of a down payment on the “total discomfort package” you’re going to be paying into over your years of playing guitar. That’s just the way it is, I think. You put in the pain now, and the “next” exercise(s) will be EASIER….. (and will be much better)- because you have felt the discomfort, and strengthened everything in the process.

Like forming calluses on your fingertips– at the START it hurt a bit, and the strings were “hard” to push down. But after a while the calluses got formed and toughened-up, and it just “became easier”….

You are on the right track….. You’re just kind-of “paying yourself forward” in a sense.

Enjoy the fact that it is difficult to learn to play the guitar….. That difficulty will give you that sense of inner pride……… because you EARNED it!!!!!

And…. you have made a GREAT choice by coming here to the Forum!👏— It’s GREAT in here!!!, and you will get lots of helpful advice, hints, and tips.

theoldcoach

• This reply was modified 3 years ago by  the-old-coach.

[Bill_Brown]

Hi @ellenbelshin23gmail-com , welcome to TAC. The “power” chords that Tony is showing you are simple forms of E shaped and A shaped barre chords. In other words, these shapes are considered easy compared to the full barre chord shapes. If you can play a G chord, then you can make these power chord shapes. Let’s take the A5 chord shape that’s in the tab. Place your index finger on the loE string at the 5th fret. Then place your ring finger on the A string at the 7th fret. Now place your pinkie on the D string at the 7th fret, just below your ring finger – strum only those 3 strings. The same shape that your fingers are making for this A5 chord can be used for the other 2 chords (D5 & E5) shown in the tab. That exact same shape is moved to different string sets and/or different frets. It’s the shape that your fingers are making that’s important. Also keep your thumb aligned with your index finger. Use as little pressure as possible on the strings (fretting fingers) and neck (thumb) – just enough to get sound from those fretted strings. Keep your wrist (of the fretting hand) loose, do not lock it up. By doing these things, you should minimize any pain in your hand and wrist. If you start to feel pain or muscle cramping, then stop playing and do some of the stretches that @the-old-coach is suggesting. Also, make sure you’re drinking enough fluids (water), lack of fluids leads to muscle cramps. Most importantly, don’t give up! Keep trying, however if you reach a point where it doesn’t seem fun for you, then stop and walk away, move on to the next topic, it’s OK, at least you tried.

Best of luck to you Ellen.

[Truckin-On]

Welcome to TAC. Enjoy.

When I was doing the “30 Day Challenge” I would try to get everything as close to perfect as I could get.

There were some courses that I would do for 2 or 3 days before hitting complete. I was becoming more and more frustrated. Then I listened to Tony. Take the credit for the course for that day. You did your best. It’s a win. Move on!

I convinced myself that the 30 day challenge was sort of a introduction to some of the techniques and challenges you will be facing as you move forward in your learning process. So; with that said. I was able to move forward and learn alot more because I don’t allow myself to get hung up on 1 or 2 techniques or challenges.

I believe everything is going to be repeated somewhere along the journey. I can go back and reference any of those courses or techniques that I struggled with at any time. Or as the need arises.

You can also turn to these forums to ask questions. The replies just on your topic alone are awesome with some good advice and feedback

I know you want to do the best you can on all of these daily challenges. Remember: it’s a 30 day challenge. In the end it’s all about having a good time learning the guitar.

Have fun!