Two Note Chords
A style commonly used in Blues, Rock and Country is the shuffle rhythm played on two strings. This rhythm pattern uses what are commonly called fifth chords or power chords.
Technically a chord requires three or more notes, but as these two note fingerings are now commonly used in several styles of music they are referred to as chords. Three popular fifth chords in the open position are A5, D5 and E5, which can work together as chords I, IV and V in the key of A (chords built on the first, fourth and fifth notes of the A major scale).
Practice changing between these chords until you can play them smoothly and in time. Use all downstrokes when playing this style.
A5
D5
E5
Right Hand Damping
When playing these types of chords, it is common to dampen the strings slightly with the right hand. This results in a tighter, more chunky sound. Rest the heel of the hand on the strings at the bridge and then pick the strings you want to sound. It may take a bit of practice to get the desired sound. It all depends on the exact position of the right hand and the amount of pressure used on the strings.
To complete the pattern for the classic shuffle sound, the third finger is placed two frets up the neck on the same string as the first finger. The same two strings are played as in the fifth chord. Keep the first finger down even when playing with the third finger. This will result in a smoother, more solid sound.
Here is a 12 Bar Blues in the key of A using a variation on the two string shuffle pattern from the previous example. Notice the single note run in the last two bars ending with an E7 chord. This is called a turnaround and is a particular feature of the Blues style.
Here is a 12 Bar Blues in the key of E which combines two string shuffle playing with the various 7th chord shapes which move up and down the fretboard. The following chord diagrams show each form, as well as the measure they appear in. Learn these chord shapes first and then try the whole solo. This style of playing sounds great when you are backing a singer or harmonica player.
D7Form
(2nd measure)
(4th measure)
G7Form
(6th measure)
G7Form
(8th measure)
