PowerChords on Guitar
What Are Power Chords and How Do I Play Them on the Guitar?
First, as always, it’s helpful to understand how Chords are structured.
To understand this, let’s once again look at a C major chord.
As some of you may already know, a major chord requires the root note (R), the third (3), and the fifth (5).
Here, I’ve written out all possible R-3–5 combinations on the fretboard for C major:
It doesn’t matter in which order you arrange these three notes, and you can repeat certain notes if you wish.
For more information on this topic, see: Guitar Chords.
However, a power chord only consists of the root and the fifth, or R and 5.
Basic Power Chord Shape
Starting on the E string, a power chord would look like this:
Starting on the A string, it would look like this:
Of course, you can also play power chords starting from other strings, such as the G or B strings (note the interval from the G to the B string!), but it’s rarely used for rhythm playing, as it doesn’t sound as “powerful” due to the higher pitches. 😛
Power Chord with Octave
Another way to play a power chord is with an added octave.
Here, we keep the “old” shape and simply add an additional octave.
The power chord now sounds a bit “fuller,” even though we’re just doubling one note without adding a new one.
Power Chord with Fifth in the Bass
To make a power chord sound truly powerful, many guitarists add an extra fifth in the bass to the standard power chord or the octave power chord.
Whether you call this a fifth (from the root to the lower fifth) or a fourth (from the new lower fifth to the root) is up to you.
This is called “inverted interval”. It doesn’t matter if you name it from top to bottom or vice versa, as long as it makes sense.
The Power Power Chord
To achieve a truly rich sound, Paul Gilbert developed his favorite power chord. He adds several additional octaves and fifths to the standard power chord.
Since we’ll need some open strings for this version, I’ll switch the key from C to E.
Here, all strings can be played.
Moving Power Chords
I’ve written each power chord (except for the power-power chord) in C.
Of course, it’s possible to move these power chords. It’s important that you know the fretboard well enough to know where to shift the power chord →
Where Can I Use Power Chords?
Power chords can really be used almost anywhere, as they are neither major nor minor.
Of course, it doesn’t make much sense to play power chords over a jazz standard or a classical piece just because you don’t want to work out the complex chord symbols or notes. But they certainly make sense in rock songs where there aren’t distinctly major or minor chords.
Caution! Although power chords are neither major nor minor, you can’t simply replace major or minor chords with power chords at will.
“Downgrading” to power chords is always possible, but “upgrading” requires knowledge of Theory of Harmony or a reasonably good ear.
