'You Really Got Me' Guitar Tutorial - A Great Riff For Finger Strength | The Kinks

Hey everybody! In today's lesson we're going to learn "You Really Got Me" by The Kinks. Not only is it one of the most iconic riffs in history but it's also an excellent exercise if you're new to guitar or if you want to start working your finger strength and getting into some lead playing.

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This whole song uses just one shape, the power chord, which is incredibly versatile and found in many types of music. What makes this riff so special is that it forces you to move the power chord shape quickly, which when applied to other songs will make it so much easier to move around.

Another reason why this is important is because in order to play the power chord properly you must orient your hand in the same way it would be for playing scales and leads. It's a bit different than the position you would strum in and it's great to get out of those basic open chords and, you know, be able to use something that you can experiment with a bit more.

The lesson is divided into two parts: first we learn the main riff and then we learn how to move it around the fretboard and construct the entire tune. Then we talk about how to count it out and make sure that you're doing everything 100% correctly.

Enjoy!
-James

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[roxannepleasant]

Excellent lesson. I like your method of teaching. I could follow without difficulty.

[gilb]

Very good lesson. How do you set up you amp and guitar for the sound?

[markhinde]

Power chord rock! I am glad you play rock too. I was starting think you did not like to teach it and only liked light rock and pop.