How 1-on-1 guitar lessons helped Patrick master power chords and build confidence

Power chords and fast guitar riffs can feel overwhelming when you’re starting out. That was the case for Patrick Rodier, a passionate guitar student who wanted to nail iconic songs like Eye of the Tiger with solid rhythm and clear tone.

Patrick struggled with understanding where to start his strums, coordinating his picking hand, and playing power chord progressions smoothly. 

With 1-on-1 lessons from his tutor Jess Araten, he learned key techniques like alternate picking, chord transitions, and timing – and began playing with more confidence and control.

Real class insight: Patrick’s latest 1-on-1 guitar session

In his recent lesson, Patrick and Jess tackled power chords and the famous riff from Eye of the Tiger. Here’s a breakdown of what they focused on and how Patrick improved:

Getting the basics right – where to start strumming and picking

Patrick was confused about whether to start strumming from the inside or outside of the guitar strings. Jess explained that strumming from the outside, starting at the thickest string and moving down, gives a stronger and more aggressive sound.

What Patrick learned:

practiced using alternate picking on single notes – down-up motions on the same string – which helped him build rhythm and control.

“Jess showed me how to hold the pick and how alternate picking works,” Patrick shared. “It felt awkward at first, but getting the basics right made a huge difference.”

It’s normal to feel awkward at first when learning new guitar techniques, but getting the basics right is key, just like Patrick experienced. For practical tips and beginner-friendly advice, see our how to learn guitar guide.

Mastering power chord shapes and transitions

They focused on power chords, starting with root notes and gradually adding the full chord shapes. Jess walked Patrick through the finger positioning and how to smoothly transition between chords.

What Patrick learned:

Patrick learned to play progressions on different strings, practicing the chord changes in the context of the song Eye of the Tiger. He discovered the importance of fretting cleanly – avoiding buzzing sounds by pressing the strings just behind the fret.

“At first, I wasn’t sure where to put my fingers exactly,” Patrick said. “Jess helped me find the right spots on the fretboard and how to strum without muting notes accidentally.”

Building speed with slow practice and metronome

Patrick asked whether speed comes naturally with practice or if there were strategies to improve faster. Jess recommended starting slow, focusing on solid technique before gradually increasing speed, and using a metronome to keep timing consistent.

They practiced the chord progressions slowly, aiming for accuracy, then Jess encouraged Patrick to speed up as his comfort grew.

“I learned that rushing early on leads to sloppy playing,” Patrick reflected. “Slowing down helped me build muscle memory, so when I speed up, it stays smooth.”

Putting it all together – playing Eye of the Tiger

Once comfortable with power chords and picking, Patrick practiced playing the full progression repeatedly, counting the number of times it loops in the song. Jess helped him identify the patterns in the intro, verse, and chorus.

They also worked on adding riffs that complemented the vocals and piano parts, making Patrick’s playing feel more complete.

“Playing along with the song’s structure helped me understand timing better,” Patrick explained. “Now, I can confidently play the riffs and chords through the whole song.”

Exploring new sounds – learning melodies and riffs from other instruments

Patrick showed interest in learning how guitar parts can mimic vocals or other instruments, like trumpets or bass.

Jess encouraged him by explaining that many bands have instrumentalists double the vocal melody, and they could work on creating guitar riffs based on vocal lines.

This sparked new excitement for Patrick about experimenting with different styles and techniques.

Why this matters: You can master guitar too

Patrick’s progress in just a few lessons highlights the power of personalized 1-on-1 guitar coaching. With Jess’s guidance, he gained clarity on fundamentals like picking technique, chord placement, and timing – transforming his frustration into confidence.

“I was amazed how much I improved by just practicing the right way,” Patrick shared. “What seemed impossible before now feels doable, and I’m excited to keep learning.”

If you’re struggling with power chords, rhythm, or speed, remember that focused coaching and slow, deliberate practice can unlock your potential faster than you think.

If you’re an adult learner like Patrick, our how to learn guitar as an adult guide breaks down the process, busts common myths, and shows that it’s never too late to start.

Want to master chords like this?

Connect with expert guitar tutors who can:

• Help you master power chords and picking techniques
• Guide you through chord progressions and riffs in your favorite songs
• Build your speed and confidence with structured practice
• Personalize lessons to fit your goals and pace

Book a lesson with a guitar tutor today – your first session is free!

See more student transformation stories

Every player’s journey is unique, but one thing is clear: 1-on-1 lessons make all the difference. Check out how other students have overcome challenges and advanced their skills:

1. How 1-on-1 guitar lessons helped Amelia build finger dexterity and master popular chords
2. How 1-on-1 guitar lessons helped Daniel overcome blues techniques and build confidence
3. How 1-on-1 guitar lessons helped Leo master blues chords and shuffle patterns
4. How 1-on-1 guitar lessons helped Evie master fingerpicking and strumming patterns with confidence
5. How 1-on-1 guitar lessons helped Caroline build finger strength and learn music theory

Meet the tutor – Jess Araten

Jess is an experienced guitar tutor passionate about helping students develop strong fundamentals and a love for music. She specializes in teaching beginners and intermediate players how to master rhythm, chords, and melody, blending technical skills with creative expression.

Jess Araten

Footnote: The student’s name has been changed for privacy reasons.