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A power chord is a slang term for a chord that only contains
the root and the fifth. The root is the letter name of the chord
(A, B, C etc.). The fifth is the fifth note in a major scale.
See chord
theory for more information on how chords are created. They
are called power chords (as you might guess) because they have
a very heavy, powerful sound, especially when distortion is used.
You might choose to use a 2 note power chord over a 3 note when
the chords are moving quickly. They are a little easier to move
around.
C major scale
C D E F G A B C
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8(1)
Root 5th
2
note moveable power chords
These chords do not have any open strings, therefore they can
be moved anywhere on the neck of the guitar.
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Here is a 2 note power chord with the root on the 6th string.
Replace the R in R5 with the root of the chord
(ex. A5). There are 2 different fingerings that can
be used, try both and decide for yourself which one feels
most comfortable. I personally use the 1st and 4th fingers.
Also let your 1st finger touch lightly ( without pressing
down ) the strings that you do not want to hear. If you
do this you could actually strum all 6 string, but only
hear the 2 notes you want to hear. Don't curve your 1st
finger very much, keep it straight.
Guitar Bob asks "Hey cyberfret
dude, I don't know what the names of the notes on the neck
are. How do I know what fret to play these chords, and what
the name will be?"
Well Bob click
here and all your questions will be answered. Well at
least the part about the names of the notes on the neck.
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Here is a 2 note power chord with the root on the 5th string.
When you are playing a chord with the root on the 5th string,
let the tip of your 1st finger touch the 6th string. That
way you don't have to worry about the 6th string accidentally
ringing.
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Here is a 2 note power chord with the root
on the 4th string. |
Open Position, 2 note Power
Chords on the guitar 
Power Chords for Guitar
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