Power Chords for Guitar

The Essential Chords

Power Chords, also known as 5th chords, are simple yet powerful chords that consist of just the root note and its fifth. These chords are a staple in heavy rock and metal genres, particularly when distortion is applied. While full chords can sound 'muddy' under heavy distortion, power chords retain clarity and impact, making them a go-to choice for creating a clean, aggressive sound with just two or three notes."

These chords are notated as '5' - a C power chord is written as C5. This means you play the root (C) and the fifth (G). They can also be played with an octave above the root or fifth note. The sound will be a little higher, but it still retains the character of the chord. Here are some examples of how to construct '5' chords:

Chord Major Scale Formula Notes
A5 A - B - C# - D - E - F# - G# - A 1-5 A - E
B5 B - C# - D# - E - F# - G# - A# - B 1-5 B - F#
C5 C - D - E - F - G - A - B - C 1-5 C - G
D5 D - E - F# - G - A - B - C# - D 1-5 D - A
E5 E - F# - G# - A - B - C# - D# - E 1-5 E - B
F5 F - G - A - Bb - C - D - E - F 1-5 F - C
G5 G - A - B - C - D - E - F# - G 1-5 G - D

Because there is no 3rd present in this chord, it is neither major or minor, therefore you can play it over a major or minor chord without affecting the sound. When played with a major chord, it will sound like a major chord and when played with a minor chord it will sound like a minor chord.

Common Types of Power Chords

The 2 most common types of power chords are the 2 note and 3 note chords.

  • 2 note chord uses the 1-5 or 5-1 pattern (root-5th or 5th-octave above the root)
  • 3 note chord uses the 1 - 5 - 1 pattern (root - 5th - octave above the root)

These chords are generally played using a down stroke, playing the bass note first which adds to the fullness and chunkiness of the chord.

The following examples will use 3 - note power chords. If you want to use a 2 note chord, just remove the highest or lowest note, depending on the sound you want.

Please note that this page is also available for left-handed guitarists.

Charts: Root on the 6th & 5th strings

Chart Legend:
Root notes - Yellow
5th notes - Blue
Octave above the root note - White 		X - don't play the string
O - play open string
Numbers - Fingers
Power Chords on the 6th string
↓ Power Chords 1

If you want, you can use a mini barre on the 4th and 5th strings with your 3rd finger. This replaces having to use your 3rd and 4th finger. It's entirely up to you, but the more you play, the more you will tend to use the barre method. It's quick and efficient as you only need to worry about 1 finger placement instead of two.

Power Chords on the 5th string
↓ Power Chords 2

You can use a mini barre on the 3rd and 4th strings with your 3rd finger. This replaces having to use your 3rd and 4th finger. The choice is yours.

Now for some fun...

If you like distortion, you will love these chords. They are so much fun to play and can sound awesome in the right situation. Who will ever forget "Smoke On The Water" by Deep Purple... probably on of the greatest guitar riffs ever played.

Here's the TAB for the Riff - Use your thumb and index finger to play the notes. The 1& 2& 3& 4& refers to the timing with each timing count directly above each note.

   1& 2& 3& 4&   1& 2& 3& 4&   1& 2& 3& 4&   1& 2& 3& 4&
e|-------------|-------------|-------------|------------|
B|-------------|-------------|-------------|------------|
G|-0--3--5---0-|--3--6-5-----|-0--3--5---3-|--0---------|
D|-0--3--5---0-|--3--6-5-----|-0--3--5---3-|--0---------|
A|-------------|-------------|-------------|------------|
E|-------------|-------------|-------------|------------|

Songs to try featuring Power chords:

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