People are always asking me. . . . "Hey Rod,  how can I supercharge the traditional ordinary power chord. . . .  make it into something more?"  To  them I say. . . . experiment with power chords within a pedalling rhythms. . . they're easy,    they're fun. . . you be coming up with riffs you've never dreamed of.

        Pedal is THE improvisational tool for hard rock rhythm guitar.  Think of the  PEDAL as an anchor that keeps you on solid rhythmic ground,  while you experiment with many new rhythmic ideas.  Beofre we get started with any of the pedaling ideas I have prepared, first let's review the power chords of the key of E (Natural) Minor.  They are as follows (in descending order). . . .

The pedal,  in it's rawest form, is nothing more than a solid rhythm on a singular note. . . . usually (but not always) an open string.   In the follow example #1,  the pedal is nothing more than a solid 8th.   This rhythm can vary,  what's important is that it is solid. Example #2 starts the riff process,  by inserting a chord with the pedaled rhythm

One chord at a time (3-5),  the pedal riff takes shape.

 

The following example is a pedaling riff in the style of Offspring. . .   in the key of key of E Minor.

Pedaling is a tool to bring about riffs. . .  and is a staple technigue in heavy metal rhythm guitar.  It's a good tool for those bored of typical "punk" style power chording,  but aren't ready to give up the power chord all together.

Check back for future installments of ANVANCING THE POWER CHORD.

 

 

 

Copyright 2001, Rodney M. Goelz