SlideShare a Scribd company logo
1 of 7
Ben’s Blog : Part 8
You are a Fast Track member! That means you get a 10% discount when you learn
songs from our website.
Here is your 10% discount code >>> vgrocks123 <<<
Listen Up!
This is for the Rockers! Today I'm going to explain about power chords and
how you can go about starting a band and getting gigs. Maybe you don't
want to be in a band or play in public, that's fine, but if it is something you
think you'd like to do one day, I've been gigging professionally since I was
16 years old and I'm happy to pass on a bit of advise.
I Love this part of the course, because it's so simple and so effective. If you
like Rock music, especially Punk or NuMetal , you will absolutely love
playing power chords. It’s usually the first thing beginner electric guitarists
learn to do. If you like popular stuff like Greenday and Blink182, then you
are going to love this section.
It's likely that you already can play some power chords, if you can, I want
you to read all of this segment and watch the mini-video-guitar-lesson
anyway because I'm going to teach you some extra stuff as well which will
help you even further.
Power chords are simple, easy, but very satisfying! (It’s kind of like
smashing up old roofing tiles with a sledgehammer, or maybe it's just me,
who likes doing that,)
Power chords are best played on electric guitar; you need some kind of
distortion or over-drive. Most amps have a knob, which says, "Gain". Turn
it up! Some amps have a "Channel select" button or maybe you have a
foot pedal, which will give you that dirty rock sound! Any of the above is
fine.
If you want to start a band, this technique can be learned relatively quickly
and it will sound pretty cool when played with a drummer and base player.
Please understand me, I’m not suggesting that you have to play Rock,
Punk and NuMetal in order to start a band, you can play any music you
like, folk, classical, blues, rock n roll, country, jazz, all I am saying is that
Rock is very popular and power chords are a simple and effective way to
get used to playing.
If you want to learn more about power chords now, go straight to the link at
the bottom of the page and watch your mini-video-guitar-lesson.
If you want some advise about starting a band, keep reading.
STARTING A BAND
If you want to start a band you need to pick your team. Maybe you have a
friend who plays drums or base or guitar. Music shops always have a
notice board on the wall with signs saying "drummer seeks band" or
"guitarist wanted to start covers band" etc. Also ask the shop assistants
because it's likely that they will know lots of musicians in town. You could
go to a base/drum/keyboard/singing teacher and ask them if they have any
students who are looking to start a band. The reality is, you probably have
some friends who play instruments and would be willing to come and have
a Jam with you.
Start off with some simple Jamming. Think of it as a "first date" (here I go
again!). You don't have to marry the musician you're jamming with, you just
want to test the water and see if there's any musical chemistry between
you! It helps if you like the same type of music, be flexible and easy going.
Be willing to experiment and don't worry if it sounds awful at first! I doubt if
U2's first band rehearsal was perfect either.
When you have practiced a few songs which sound good. It's usually
easier to get gigs than most people think. Open-mic nights are a great way
to get on stage for the first time. These are usually held in pubs and bars,
all you have to do is turn up with your guitar and anybody is welcome to
get up on stage and play a song or two. The crowd are very forgiving and
supportive. There will be a whole range of people performing. Some will be
on stage for the first time ever; some will be experienced musicians testing
their latest songs on the audience. This is a very good way of increasing
your confidence.
Next, play at some parties for friends and family. This is a great way of
doing gigs without being too stressed. Nobody will mind if anything goes
wrong, and as you build the quality of you performance you'll eventually be
able to ask to be paid. (I talk more about this in another section of the
eCourse, which you'll receive within the next few weeks)
These days it's easy to record audio and burn a CD using your own
computer. It's handy to produce a demo CD so you can give it to people
who may be interested in booking you.
If you approach a music venue and speak to the person in charge of
booking bands, they will want to hear your demo. Not because they want
to listen to your music, but because they want to feel certain that you are
organised and professional. If you have photos or video footage this will
also demonstrate that you are serious. These days it's easy enough to
create a website with audio, video and images of your band.
Also, websites like www.myspace.com are a brilliant way of showcasing
your band.
It should be easy enough to get a mid-week support slot. This means you
play before the headline band go on stage. Often the promoter will give
you a support slot as a way of auditioning you, then if you perform well,
he/she may re-book you as a head-line or give you a better night like a
Friday or a Saturday booking.
Here's the bottom line folks, you may not be ready to start a band and start
gigging yet, but I want you to know that it is definitely something you can
achieve. Many of my students have gone on to start their own bands,
either playing their own original music or covers.
Some of my ex-students now even teach guitar themselves.
Gigging can be a lot of fun; you can earn money doing it, make lots of
friends, and meet lots of important contacts in the music industry. It can be
daunting at first, like the very first time you go on a rollercoaster, part of
you feels nervous and part of you feels excited.
But once you step out of your comfort zone and get on stage, you will be
delighted by the wonderful sense of satisfaction you can get from
entertaining people.
If you would like to ask me more questions about this, feel free to email me
on info@vGuitarLessons.com I'll be happy to answer your questions and
give you as much advise as I can.
So, Would you like to learn this simple technique called "power chords"
which can make you sound like a rock god within minutes? Would you like
to learn how to "palm mute" so everything you play sounds dirtier and
grungier than ever before?
(If you have been playing for some time already, you may already be
familiar with "power chords" and "palm muting". If so, I suggest you watch
the mini-video anyway, then click the link below and go to the archive
where you will find "full-length-video-guitar-lessons", more advanced
techniques and songs which will challenge your playing ability even further.
This 12-part eCourse is mainly aimed at beginner guitarists so some of it
may seem obvious to you. However, stick with
Me, because each segment I send you will focus on different techniques,
such as strumming, punk rock, lead solos, bar chords, improvising, funk-
rhythms, rock'n'roll, etc. so there's plenty here for you to enjoy.
to Watch Your MINI-VIDEO-GUITAR-LESSON "power chords and palm
muting" (I suggest you do watch it!) click on the download link above or
below.
Once you've watched the mini-video-guitar-lesson, BROWSE THE
ARCHIVE at www.vGuitarLessons.com/archive. I've put a whole selection
of full-length-video-guitar-lessons there; including lots of rock songs to
chose from and learn.
Also, if you have friends who are learning guitar, send them this link
www.vGuitarLessons.com/course because I'm sure they will benefit from
this eCourse also.
Until next time, keep practising, and enjoy playing guitar no matter what
standard you are at. I'll see you in a few days with the next segment of
your eCourse where we'll learn to play 'bar chords'.
Remember don't make it more complicated than it needs to be, start
simple, follow my instructions, and your ability will improve as you continue
to practise.
Ben Lowrey
http://www.vguitarlessons.com
to Watch Your MINI-VIDEO-GUITAR-LESSON "power chords and palm
muting" (I suggest you do watch it!) click on the download link above or
below.
Once you've watched the mini-video-guitar-lesson, BROWSE THE
ARCHIVE at www.vGuitarLessons.com/archive. I've put a whole selection
of full-length-video-guitar-lessons there; including lots of rock songs to
chose from and learn.
Also, if you have friends who are learning guitar, send them this link
www.vGuitarLessons.com/course because I'm sure they will benefit from
this eCourse also.
Until next time, keep practising, and enjoy playing guitar no matter what
standard you are at. I'll see you in a few days with the next segment of
your eCourse where we'll learn to play 'bar chords'.
Remember don't make it more complicated than it needs to be, start
simple, follow my instructions, and your ability will improve as you continue
to practise.
Ben Lowrey
http://www.vguitarlessons.com

More Related Content

Similar to Power Chords

Everyone loves a musician
Everyone loves a musicianEveryone loves a musician
Everyone loves a musicianBen Lowrey
 
You've chosen to learn guitar
You've chosen to learn guitarYou've chosen to learn guitar
You've chosen to learn guitarBen Lowrey
 
Introduction to Bar Chords
Introduction to Bar ChordsIntroduction to Bar Chords
Introduction to Bar ChordsBen Lowrey
 
Nate Zero - How To Produce A Song
Nate Zero - How To Produce A SongNate Zero - How To Produce A Song
Nate Zero - How To Produce A Songdyingpharaohs
 
Nate Zero - How To Produce A Song
Nate Zero - How To Produce A SongNate Zero - How To Produce A Song
Nate Zero - How To Produce A Songdyingpharaohs
 
Inject the X-Factor into your Guitar Playing
Inject the X-Factor into your Guitar PlayingInject the X-Factor into your Guitar Playing
Inject the X-Factor into your Guitar PlayingBen Lowrey
 
If it sounds right it is right!
If it sounds right it is right!If it sounds right it is right!
If it sounds right it is right!Ben Lowrey
 
Learn chords with Vguitarlessons.com
Learn chords with Vguitarlessons.comLearn chords with Vguitarlessons.com
Learn chords with Vguitarlessons.comBen Lowrey
 
I’m not okay – my chemical romance
I’m not okay – my chemical romanceI’m not okay – my chemical romance
I’m not okay – my chemical romanceCharLilyMay
 
How to play piano for beginners
How to play piano for beginnersHow to play piano for beginners
How to play piano for beginnersMusicInstruments
 
Music Video Proposal 2
Music Video Proposal 2Music Video Proposal 2
Music Video Proposal 2alicekemp
 
Piano lessons for beginners
Piano lessons for beginnersPiano lessons for beginners
Piano lessons for beginnersLouis Strom
 
Young musicians
Young musiciansYoung musicians
Young musiciansdoragk
 
Learn lead guitar online
Learn lead guitar onlineLearn lead guitar online
Learn lead guitar onlinevincentyeo
 
Aula de violao para iniciantes
Aula de violao para iniciantesAula de violao para iniciantes
Aula de violao para iniciantesRamon Cerqueira
 

Similar to Power Chords (20)

Everyone loves a musician
Everyone loves a musicianEveryone loves a musician
Everyone loves a musician
 
You've chosen to learn guitar
You've chosen to learn guitarYou've chosen to learn guitar
You've chosen to learn guitar
 
Introduction to Bar Chords
Introduction to Bar ChordsIntroduction to Bar Chords
Introduction to Bar Chords
 
Learning to play guitar
Learning to play guitarLearning to play guitar
Learning to play guitar
 
Nate Zero - How To Produce A Song
Nate Zero - How To Produce A SongNate Zero - How To Produce A Song
Nate Zero - How To Produce A Song
 
Nate Zero - How To Produce A Song
Nate Zero - How To Produce A SongNate Zero - How To Produce A Song
Nate Zero - How To Produce A Song
 
For Guitar Lovers
For Guitar LoversFor Guitar Lovers
For Guitar Lovers
 
For Guitar Lovers
For Guitar LoversFor Guitar Lovers
For Guitar Lovers
 
Inject the X-Factor into your Guitar Playing
Inject the X-Factor into your Guitar PlayingInject the X-Factor into your Guitar Playing
Inject the X-Factor into your Guitar Playing
 
If it sounds right it is right!
If it sounds right it is right!If it sounds right it is right!
If it sounds right it is right!
 
Learn chords with Vguitarlessons.com
Learn chords with Vguitarlessons.comLearn chords with Vguitarlessons.com
Learn chords with Vguitarlessons.com
 
Pitch
PitchPitch
Pitch
 
I’m not okay – my chemical romance
I’m not okay – my chemical romanceI’m not okay – my chemical romance
I’m not okay – my chemical romance
 
How to play piano for beginners
How to play piano for beginnersHow to play piano for beginners
How to play piano for beginners
 
Music Video Proposal 2
Music Video Proposal 2Music Video Proposal 2
Music Video Proposal 2
 
Piano lessons for beginners
Piano lessons for beginnersPiano lessons for beginners
Piano lessons for beginners
 
Young musicians
Young musiciansYoung musicians
Young musicians
 
Learn lead guitar online
Learn lead guitar onlineLearn lead guitar online
Learn lead guitar online
 
Show Photography Tips.
Show Photography Tips.Show Photography Tips.
Show Photography Tips.
 
Aula de violao para iniciantes
Aula de violao para iniciantesAula de violao para iniciantes
Aula de violao para iniciantes
 

Recently uploaded

4.18.24 Movement Legacies, Reflection, and Review.pptx
4.18.24 Movement Legacies, Reflection, and Review.pptx4.18.24 Movement Legacies, Reflection, and Review.pptx
4.18.24 Movement Legacies, Reflection, and Review.pptxmary850239
 
Student Profile Sample - We help schools to connect the data they have, with ...
Student Profile Sample - We help schools to connect the data they have, with ...Student Profile Sample - We help schools to connect the data they have, with ...
Student Profile Sample - We help schools to connect the data they have, with ...Seán Kennedy
 
Visit to a blind student's school🧑‍🦯🧑‍🦯(community medicine)
Visit to a blind student's school🧑‍🦯🧑‍🦯(community medicine)Visit to a blind student's school🧑‍🦯🧑‍🦯(community medicine)
Visit to a blind student's school🧑‍🦯🧑‍🦯(community medicine)lakshayb543
 
Field Attribute Index Feature in Odoo 17
Field Attribute Index Feature in Odoo 17Field Attribute Index Feature in Odoo 17
Field Attribute Index Feature in Odoo 17Celine George
 
Culture Uniformity or Diversity IN SOCIOLOGY.pptx
Culture Uniformity or Diversity IN SOCIOLOGY.pptxCulture Uniformity or Diversity IN SOCIOLOGY.pptx
Culture Uniformity or Diversity IN SOCIOLOGY.pptxPoojaSen20
 
USPS® Forced Meter Migration - How to Know if Your Postage Meter Will Soon be...
USPS® Forced Meter Migration - How to Know if Your Postage Meter Will Soon be...USPS® Forced Meter Migration - How to Know if Your Postage Meter Will Soon be...
USPS® Forced Meter Migration - How to Know if Your Postage Meter Will Soon be...Postal Advocate Inc.
 
AMERICAN LANGUAGE HUB_Level2_Student'sBook_Answerkey.pdf
AMERICAN LANGUAGE HUB_Level2_Student'sBook_Answerkey.pdfAMERICAN LANGUAGE HUB_Level2_Student'sBook_Answerkey.pdf
AMERICAN LANGUAGE HUB_Level2_Student'sBook_Answerkey.pdfphamnguyenenglishnb
 
AUDIENCE THEORY -CULTIVATION THEORY - GERBNER.pptx
AUDIENCE THEORY -CULTIVATION THEORY -  GERBNER.pptxAUDIENCE THEORY -CULTIVATION THEORY -  GERBNER.pptx
AUDIENCE THEORY -CULTIVATION THEORY - GERBNER.pptxiammrhaywood
 
Grade 9 Quarter 4 Dll Grade 9 Quarter 4 DLL.pdf
Grade 9 Quarter 4 Dll Grade 9 Quarter 4 DLL.pdfGrade 9 Quarter 4 Dll Grade 9 Quarter 4 DLL.pdf
Grade 9 Quarter 4 Dll Grade 9 Quarter 4 DLL.pdfJemuel Francisco
 
Inclusivity Essentials_ Creating Accessible Websites for Nonprofits .pdf
Inclusivity Essentials_ Creating Accessible Websites for Nonprofits .pdfInclusivity Essentials_ Creating Accessible Websites for Nonprofits .pdf
Inclusivity Essentials_ Creating Accessible Websites for Nonprofits .pdfTechSoup
 
Barangay Council for the Protection of Children (BCPC) Orientation.pptx
Barangay Council for the Protection of Children (BCPC) Orientation.pptxBarangay Council for the Protection of Children (BCPC) Orientation.pptx
Barangay Council for the Protection of Children (BCPC) Orientation.pptxCarlos105
 
INTRODUCTION TO CATHOLIC CHRISTOLOGY.pptx
INTRODUCTION TO CATHOLIC CHRISTOLOGY.pptxINTRODUCTION TO CATHOLIC CHRISTOLOGY.pptx
INTRODUCTION TO CATHOLIC CHRISTOLOGY.pptxHumphrey A Beña
 
Like-prefer-love -hate+verb+ing & silent letters & citizenship text.pdf
Like-prefer-love -hate+verb+ing & silent letters & citizenship text.pdfLike-prefer-love -hate+verb+ing & silent letters & citizenship text.pdf
Like-prefer-love -hate+verb+ing & silent letters & citizenship text.pdfMr Bounab Samir
 
THEORIES OF ORGANIZATION-PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
THEORIES OF ORGANIZATION-PUBLIC ADMINISTRATIONTHEORIES OF ORGANIZATION-PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
THEORIES OF ORGANIZATION-PUBLIC ADMINISTRATIONHumphrey A Beña
 
ECONOMIC CONTEXT - PAPER 1 Q3: NEWSPAPERS.pptx
ECONOMIC CONTEXT - PAPER 1 Q3: NEWSPAPERS.pptxECONOMIC CONTEXT - PAPER 1 Q3: NEWSPAPERS.pptx
ECONOMIC CONTEXT - PAPER 1 Q3: NEWSPAPERS.pptxiammrhaywood
 
Choosing the Right CBSE School A Comprehensive Guide for Parents
Choosing the Right CBSE School A Comprehensive Guide for ParentsChoosing the Right CBSE School A Comprehensive Guide for Parents
Choosing the Right CBSE School A Comprehensive Guide for Parentsnavabharathschool99
 
ISYU TUNGKOL SA SEKSWLADIDA (ISSUE ABOUT SEXUALITY
ISYU TUNGKOL SA SEKSWLADIDA (ISSUE ABOUT SEXUALITYISYU TUNGKOL SA SEKSWLADIDA (ISSUE ABOUT SEXUALITY
ISYU TUNGKOL SA SEKSWLADIDA (ISSUE ABOUT SEXUALITYKayeClaireEstoconing
 
FILIPINO PSYCHology sikolohiyang pilipino
FILIPINO PSYCHology sikolohiyang pilipinoFILIPINO PSYCHology sikolohiyang pilipino
FILIPINO PSYCHology sikolohiyang pilipinojohnmickonozaleda
 

Recently uploaded (20)

4.18.24 Movement Legacies, Reflection, and Review.pptx
4.18.24 Movement Legacies, Reflection, and Review.pptx4.18.24 Movement Legacies, Reflection, and Review.pptx
4.18.24 Movement Legacies, Reflection, and Review.pptx
 
Student Profile Sample - We help schools to connect the data they have, with ...
Student Profile Sample - We help schools to connect the data they have, with ...Student Profile Sample - We help schools to connect the data they have, with ...
Student Profile Sample - We help schools to connect the data they have, with ...
 
Visit to a blind student's school🧑‍🦯🧑‍🦯(community medicine)
Visit to a blind student's school🧑‍🦯🧑‍🦯(community medicine)Visit to a blind student's school🧑‍🦯🧑‍🦯(community medicine)
Visit to a blind student's school🧑‍🦯🧑‍🦯(community medicine)
 
Field Attribute Index Feature in Odoo 17
Field Attribute Index Feature in Odoo 17Field Attribute Index Feature in Odoo 17
Field Attribute Index Feature in Odoo 17
 
Culture Uniformity or Diversity IN SOCIOLOGY.pptx
Culture Uniformity or Diversity IN SOCIOLOGY.pptxCulture Uniformity or Diversity IN SOCIOLOGY.pptx
Culture Uniformity or Diversity IN SOCIOLOGY.pptx
 
USPS® Forced Meter Migration - How to Know if Your Postage Meter Will Soon be...
USPS® Forced Meter Migration - How to Know if Your Postage Meter Will Soon be...USPS® Forced Meter Migration - How to Know if Your Postage Meter Will Soon be...
USPS® Forced Meter Migration - How to Know if Your Postage Meter Will Soon be...
 
AMERICAN LANGUAGE HUB_Level2_Student'sBook_Answerkey.pdf
AMERICAN LANGUAGE HUB_Level2_Student'sBook_Answerkey.pdfAMERICAN LANGUAGE HUB_Level2_Student'sBook_Answerkey.pdf
AMERICAN LANGUAGE HUB_Level2_Student'sBook_Answerkey.pdf
 
AUDIENCE THEORY -CULTIVATION THEORY - GERBNER.pptx
AUDIENCE THEORY -CULTIVATION THEORY -  GERBNER.pptxAUDIENCE THEORY -CULTIVATION THEORY -  GERBNER.pptx
AUDIENCE THEORY -CULTIVATION THEORY - GERBNER.pptx
 
Grade 9 Quarter 4 Dll Grade 9 Quarter 4 DLL.pdf
Grade 9 Quarter 4 Dll Grade 9 Quarter 4 DLL.pdfGrade 9 Quarter 4 Dll Grade 9 Quarter 4 DLL.pdf
Grade 9 Quarter 4 Dll Grade 9 Quarter 4 DLL.pdf
 
Inclusivity Essentials_ Creating Accessible Websites for Nonprofits .pdf
Inclusivity Essentials_ Creating Accessible Websites for Nonprofits .pdfInclusivity Essentials_ Creating Accessible Websites for Nonprofits .pdf
Inclusivity Essentials_ Creating Accessible Websites for Nonprofits .pdf
 
Barangay Council for the Protection of Children (BCPC) Orientation.pptx
Barangay Council for the Protection of Children (BCPC) Orientation.pptxBarangay Council for the Protection of Children (BCPC) Orientation.pptx
Barangay Council for the Protection of Children (BCPC) Orientation.pptx
 
INTRODUCTION TO CATHOLIC CHRISTOLOGY.pptx
INTRODUCTION TO CATHOLIC CHRISTOLOGY.pptxINTRODUCTION TO CATHOLIC CHRISTOLOGY.pptx
INTRODUCTION TO CATHOLIC CHRISTOLOGY.pptx
 
Like-prefer-love -hate+verb+ing & silent letters & citizenship text.pdf
Like-prefer-love -hate+verb+ing & silent letters & citizenship text.pdfLike-prefer-love -hate+verb+ing & silent letters & citizenship text.pdf
Like-prefer-love -hate+verb+ing & silent letters & citizenship text.pdf
 
FINALS_OF_LEFT_ON_C'N_EL_DORADO_2024.pptx
FINALS_OF_LEFT_ON_C'N_EL_DORADO_2024.pptxFINALS_OF_LEFT_ON_C'N_EL_DORADO_2024.pptx
FINALS_OF_LEFT_ON_C'N_EL_DORADO_2024.pptx
 
YOUVE_GOT_EMAIL_PRELIMS_EL_DORADO_2024.pptx
YOUVE_GOT_EMAIL_PRELIMS_EL_DORADO_2024.pptxYOUVE_GOT_EMAIL_PRELIMS_EL_DORADO_2024.pptx
YOUVE_GOT_EMAIL_PRELIMS_EL_DORADO_2024.pptx
 
THEORIES OF ORGANIZATION-PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
THEORIES OF ORGANIZATION-PUBLIC ADMINISTRATIONTHEORIES OF ORGANIZATION-PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
THEORIES OF ORGANIZATION-PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
 
ECONOMIC CONTEXT - PAPER 1 Q3: NEWSPAPERS.pptx
ECONOMIC CONTEXT - PAPER 1 Q3: NEWSPAPERS.pptxECONOMIC CONTEXT - PAPER 1 Q3: NEWSPAPERS.pptx
ECONOMIC CONTEXT - PAPER 1 Q3: NEWSPAPERS.pptx
 
Choosing the Right CBSE School A Comprehensive Guide for Parents
Choosing the Right CBSE School A Comprehensive Guide for ParentsChoosing the Right CBSE School A Comprehensive Guide for Parents
Choosing the Right CBSE School A Comprehensive Guide for Parents
 
ISYU TUNGKOL SA SEKSWLADIDA (ISSUE ABOUT SEXUALITY
ISYU TUNGKOL SA SEKSWLADIDA (ISSUE ABOUT SEXUALITYISYU TUNGKOL SA SEKSWLADIDA (ISSUE ABOUT SEXUALITY
ISYU TUNGKOL SA SEKSWLADIDA (ISSUE ABOUT SEXUALITY
 
FILIPINO PSYCHology sikolohiyang pilipino
FILIPINO PSYCHology sikolohiyang pilipinoFILIPINO PSYCHology sikolohiyang pilipino
FILIPINO PSYCHology sikolohiyang pilipino
 

Power Chords

  • 1. Ben’s Blog : Part 8 You are a Fast Track member! That means you get a 10% discount when you learn songs from our website. Here is your 10% discount code >>> vgrocks123 <<< Listen Up! This is for the Rockers! Today I'm going to explain about power chords and how you can go about starting a band and getting gigs. Maybe you don't want to be in a band or play in public, that's fine, but if it is something you think you'd like to do one day, I've been gigging professionally since I was 16 years old and I'm happy to pass on a bit of advise. I Love this part of the course, because it's so simple and so effective. If you like Rock music, especially Punk or NuMetal , you will absolutely love playing power chords. It’s usually the first thing beginner electric guitarists learn to do. If you like popular stuff like Greenday and Blink182, then you are going to love this section. It's likely that you already can play some power chords, if you can, I want you to read all of this segment and watch the mini-video-guitar-lesson
  • 2. anyway because I'm going to teach you some extra stuff as well which will help you even further. Power chords are simple, easy, but very satisfying! (It’s kind of like smashing up old roofing tiles with a sledgehammer, or maybe it's just me, who likes doing that,) Power chords are best played on electric guitar; you need some kind of distortion or over-drive. Most amps have a knob, which says, "Gain". Turn it up! Some amps have a "Channel select" button or maybe you have a foot pedal, which will give you that dirty rock sound! Any of the above is fine. If you want to start a band, this technique can be learned relatively quickly and it will sound pretty cool when played with a drummer and base player. Please understand me, I’m not suggesting that you have to play Rock, Punk and NuMetal in order to start a band, you can play any music you like, folk, classical, blues, rock n roll, country, jazz, all I am saying is that Rock is very popular and power chords are a simple and effective way to get used to playing. If you want to learn more about power chords now, go straight to the link at the bottom of the page and watch your mini-video-guitar-lesson. If you want some advise about starting a band, keep reading. STARTING A BAND If you want to start a band you need to pick your team. Maybe you have a
  • 3. friend who plays drums or base or guitar. Music shops always have a notice board on the wall with signs saying "drummer seeks band" or "guitarist wanted to start covers band" etc. Also ask the shop assistants because it's likely that they will know lots of musicians in town. You could go to a base/drum/keyboard/singing teacher and ask them if they have any students who are looking to start a band. The reality is, you probably have some friends who play instruments and would be willing to come and have a Jam with you. Start off with some simple Jamming. Think of it as a "first date" (here I go again!). You don't have to marry the musician you're jamming with, you just want to test the water and see if there's any musical chemistry between you! It helps if you like the same type of music, be flexible and easy going. Be willing to experiment and don't worry if it sounds awful at first! I doubt if U2's first band rehearsal was perfect either. When you have practiced a few songs which sound good. It's usually easier to get gigs than most people think. Open-mic nights are a great way to get on stage for the first time. These are usually held in pubs and bars, all you have to do is turn up with your guitar and anybody is welcome to get up on stage and play a song or two. The crowd are very forgiving and supportive. There will be a whole range of people performing. Some will be on stage for the first time ever; some will be experienced musicians testing their latest songs on the audience. This is a very good way of increasing your confidence. Next, play at some parties for friends and family. This is a great way of doing gigs without being too stressed. Nobody will mind if anything goes
  • 4. wrong, and as you build the quality of you performance you'll eventually be able to ask to be paid. (I talk more about this in another section of the eCourse, which you'll receive within the next few weeks) These days it's easy to record audio and burn a CD using your own computer. It's handy to produce a demo CD so you can give it to people who may be interested in booking you. If you approach a music venue and speak to the person in charge of booking bands, they will want to hear your demo. Not because they want to listen to your music, but because they want to feel certain that you are organised and professional. If you have photos or video footage this will also demonstrate that you are serious. These days it's easy enough to create a website with audio, video and images of your band. Also, websites like www.myspace.com are a brilliant way of showcasing your band. It should be easy enough to get a mid-week support slot. This means you play before the headline band go on stage. Often the promoter will give you a support slot as a way of auditioning you, then if you perform well, he/she may re-book you as a head-line or give you a better night like a Friday or a Saturday booking. Here's the bottom line folks, you may not be ready to start a band and start gigging yet, but I want you to know that it is definitely something you can achieve. Many of my students have gone on to start their own bands, either playing their own original music or covers. Some of my ex-students now even teach guitar themselves.
  • 5. Gigging can be a lot of fun; you can earn money doing it, make lots of friends, and meet lots of important contacts in the music industry. It can be daunting at first, like the very first time you go on a rollercoaster, part of you feels nervous and part of you feels excited. But once you step out of your comfort zone and get on stage, you will be delighted by the wonderful sense of satisfaction you can get from entertaining people. If you would like to ask me more questions about this, feel free to email me on info@vGuitarLessons.com I'll be happy to answer your questions and give you as much advise as I can. So, Would you like to learn this simple technique called "power chords" which can make you sound like a rock god within minutes? Would you like to learn how to "palm mute" so everything you play sounds dirtier and grungier than ever before? (If you have been playing for some time already, you may already be familiar with "power chords" and "palm muting". If so, I suggest you watch the mini-video anyway, then click the link below and go to the archive where you will find "full-length-video-guitar-lessons", more advanced techniques and songs which will challenge your playing ability even further. This 12-part eCourse is mainly aimed at beginner guitarists so some of it may seem obvious to you. However, stick with Me, because each segment I send you will focus on different techniques, such as strumming, punk rock, lead solos, bar chords, improvising, funk- rhythms, rock'n'roll, etc. so there's plenty here for you to enjoy.
  • 6. to Watch Your MINI-VIDEO-GUITAR-LESSON "power chords and palm muting" (I suggest you do watch it!) click on the download link above or below. Once you've watched the mini-video-guitar-lesson, BROWSE THE ARCHIVE at www.vGuitarLessons.com/archive. I've put a whole selection of full-length-video-guitar-lessons there; including lots of rock songs to chose from and learn. Also, if you have friends who are learning guitar, send them this link www.vGuitarLessons.com/course because I'm sure they will benefit from this eCourse also. Until next time, keep practising, and enjoy playing guitar no matter what standard you are at. I'll see you in a few days with the next segment of your eCourse where we'll learn to play 'bar chords'. Remember don't make it more complicated than it needs to be, start simple, follow my instructions, and your ability will improve as you continue to practise. Ben Lowrey http://www.vguitarlessons.com
  • 7. to Watch Your MINI-VIDEO-GUITAR-LESSON "power chords and palm muting" (I suggest you do watch it!) click on the download link above or below. Once you've watched the mini-video-guitar-lesson, BROWSE THE ARCHIVE at www.vGuitarLessons.com/archive. I've put a whole selection of full-length-video-guitar-lessons there; including lots of rock songs to chose from and learn. Also, if you have friends who are learning guitar, send them this link www.vGuitarLessons.com/course because I'm sure they will benefit from this eCourse also. Until next time, keep practising, and enjoy playing guitar no matter what standard you are at. I'll see you in a few days with the next segment of your eCourse where we'll learn to play 'bar chords'. Remember don't make it more complicated than it needs to be, start simple, follow my instructions, and your ability will improve as you continue to practise. Ben Lowrey http://www.vguitarlessons.com