Guitar Power chord fixes

[Luke Glendinning]

What’s up everyone! I’ve been playing on and off for about years. It’s something that I’ve never really taken super seriously until now; trying to refine my technique because im self taught and have lots of bad habits. Can someone give tips on cleaner power chords? I tend to do octaves with 1 and 3 which I know is awkward as hell as it is. If you could also give tips to strengthen the pinky that would be helpful! I attached a song today that I learned fairly quickly so it’s not super clean but I’d really appreciate the help as im trying to improve!

Not sure how to upload the actual full video but here is a link: TIA!

 

[William B.]

Hammer-on Pull-offs and Vibrato to make it stronger, like anchor the first 3 fingers on notes then doing stuff. Maybe leading with the pinky sometimes instead the first when making chords too.
It's some stuff I could think of

 

[Luke Glendinning]

Appreciate that man!

 

[Ed Seith]

Power chord work with 1 and 3, too, just barre both. I do power chords 1 & 3, and octaves I typically do 1 & 4, so there's a little pinky effort for you there, too.

Best way to build the pinky is to WORK the pinky. Make it tired, and you're making it stronger.

 

[Luke Glendinning]

Im gonna try to switch to one and four for octaves and 1/3/4 instead of the 1/2/3 I do for that middle string. Appreciate that! My wrist was tired after filming yesterday but I tried the same stuff today and it was way easier!

 

[OskarF]

For chords in general i think it's very important to take a look at how you're aligning your wrist (closer or further from your body) as well as where you are placing your thumb on the neck because that will affect how much force you need to push the strings down. So try to be very aware of any tension building up in your hand and arm, and then adjust your technique in a way that relieves some tension.

 

[Luke Glendinning]

For chords in general i think it's very important to take a look at how you're aligning your wrist (closer or further from your body) as well as where you are placing your thumb on the neck because that will affect how much force you need to push the strings down. So try to be very aware of any tension building up in your hand and arm, and then adjust your technique in a way that relieves some tension.

Sorry I didn't see this until a month later, but YES you're bang on. My guitar teacher pointed this out to me in our first session and it has changed comfortability, when to use 1and3 and 1and4, and relaxed my playing a TON. thanks!

 

[OskarF]

Sorry I didn't see this until a month later, but YES you're bang on. My guitar teacher pointed this out to me in our first session and it has changed comfortability, when to use 1and3 and 1and4, and relaxed my playing a TON. thanks!

Great to hear you're making progress I think practicing all kinds of chords is great that way because you really are forced to start being aware of tension. Learning to be more relaxed is also something that will apply to your technique in general.