NICOLE ALBERTSON
Life Editor
You look good in ripped jeans, the tie-dye bandana frames your feathered bangs and the purple leopard spandex is just tight enough for you to still be able to breathe. The lights dim and the fog machine emits a low cloud of mystery over the crowd. You can hear the constant shrieking of fans screaming and then a slow hush silences the hall.
The curtains slowly rise and you strike a pose. Your right arm is raised to the air and pointing at the sky. Your head looks down and eyes close quietly as you try to gain your composure and concentration. The corners of your mouth slowly turn into a gleeful smirk as you lower your right hand and strike your first powerchord of the night. The crowd goes wild with excitement as you break into the latest radio smash hit that has catapulted your success to the top of the Billboard charts.
For years you have been mentally preparing for this moment: your performance in front of millions where you stun fans with your musical talent and fashion sensibility. But before this glorious day arrives and underwear is thrown at you on stage, you need to learn how to become a rock star.
Now that a week has passed and you are rightfully on your way to becoming the new lead guitarist for the Foo Fighters or Deaf Leoppard, it is time to learn a new step in playing guitar. Last week was a lesson in mastering the powerchord – an essential cord progression for most hardrock songs.
This week is all abut the basics – chords “E,” “C,” “G” and “D.” These four chords are the foundation of most major songs.
The easiest chord to learn is “E.” But first things first. Bring your guitar into the room and put it in front of you, rock star status. For the “E” chord you will be using your index and middle fingers. Place your finger on the second string in between the second and third fret. Then place your middle finger on the third string, also between the second and third fret. For this chord you can strum away on all four strings.
The next easiest chord to learn is the “C” chord. For this you use your index finger to put pressure on the fifth string directly above the first fret. Then use your middle finger on the third string above the third fret. The final addition uses your ring finger on the second string in between the third and fourth fret.
For all those country crooners, the “G” chord is going to be your best friend for the achy-breaky heart songs. For the “G” chord, use your index finger to hold down the second string in between the first and second fret. Then place your middle finger on the first string on the third fret. Your final ring finger holds down the sixth string on the third fret.
The last chord is the “D” chord. This one is the most complicated for beginning chords, but it is totally worth it. Place your index finger on the fourth string in between the second and third fret. Your middle finger then crunches below your index finger and pushes down on the sixth string. Your final ring finger extends past your middle finger and holds down the fifth string on the third fret.
With these chords in the bag, you can rock out to “Paint it Black” by the Rolling Stones, “Wild Thing” by The Troggs and almost any Beatles song. No matter the genre, these four chords are sure to melt hearts and win over the record labels. Let the swooning begin.
While we are still a few months away from Motley Crew status, for now our packed houses and sold-out crowds shall be filled with our family and loyal friends. Lets just hope they keep their underwear on.
01-24-2008
