Play Like Soundgarden - Heavy Power Chord Trick in 7/4 (For Beginners)

Play Like Soundgarden - Heavy Power Chord Trick in 7/4 (For Beginners)

Are you ready to dive into the heavier side of Soundgarden? In this blog post, we'll break down the raw energy and complexity of Soundgarden's music, focusing on inverted power chords and an unusual 7/4 time signature. By the end, you'll be jamming like a pro with the help of the Gibson app.

Understanding Inverted Power Chords

Inverted power chords are a fantastic way to achieve a heavy, grungy sound without having to drop-tune your guitar. Unlike traditional power chords, where the root note is the lowest, inverted power chords place the fifth at the bottom. This technique can thicken your sound and add a unique edge to your playing.

• Traditional Power Chord: Root at the bottom
• Inverted Power Chord: Fifth at the bottom

How to Play Inverted Power Chords

To play an inverted power chord, you can lay your ring finger across the E and A strings at the fifth fret. This positioning ensures that the fifth of the chord is the lowest note, creating a fuller and heavier sound.

Example:

• Root Note: 5th fret on the A string
• Fifth: 5th fret on the E string

Incorporating the 7/4 Time Signature

Our Soundgarden inspired riff uses a 7/4 time signature, which adds an intriguing complexity. A 7/4 time signature essentially means you have seven beats per measure, which can be broken down into a bar of 4 beats followed by a bar of 3 beats for easier understanding.

• Counting in 7/4: 1-2-3-4-5-6-7
• Alternative Counting: 1-2-3-4-1-2-3

Practice the Riff

Let's put these concepts into practice with a riff in D, using inverted power chords and a 7/4 time signature. Follow along with the tab below and use the Gibson app's interactive lessons to master the technique.

As shown in the image, start with the fifth fret on the A string and lay your third finger across the E and A strings. Move through the chords as indicated, and don't forget to count each beat to stay in time. Adding a bit of palm muting and digging in with your picking hand can enhance that grungy vibe even further.

Practical Tips for Practicing

1. Slow it Down: Use the Gibson app's custom reduced-speed settings to practice at a comfortable pace.
2. Loop Sections: Focus on tricky parts by looping them with the app’s loop functionality.
3. Interactive Lessons: Follow along with interactive lessons in the Gibson app to ensure you're playing correctly.
4. Stay in Tune: Utilize the built-in tuner to keep your guitar in perfect pitch.

Unlock More with Our App

Ready to take your playing to the next level? Join tens of thousands of users who are already benefiting from the Gibson app’s features. Explore interactive lessons, custom reduced-speed settings, and the Gibson amp simulator for a complete learning experience. Try the app for free today and unlock the full potential of your guitar skills.