Power chords are the foundation for rhythm guitarists and beginner guitar players everywhere. Power chords are more of a structure than real guitar chords, and the two-finger shape in a power chord can be moved up and down the entire fretboard without changing it. Often used in blues, rock, punk, and some pop music, power chords are an essential guitar skill to have.
Step
Step 1. Place your first finger on any string and fret
For learning purposes, start with the 3rd fret of the low E string. It's a G note. Wherever you start with your index finger, that's the kind of chord you'll be playing. For example, if you start at the 5th fret of the E string, you will produce an A power chord.
Step 2. Place your third finger two frets higher and one string higher than your index finger
Continuing with the G power chord example, place your ring finger on the 5th fret of the A string. This simple shape-two strings, two frets apart, is all it takes to produce a power chord.
- --X--
- --X--
- --X--
- --X--
- --5--
- --3--
Step 3. Consider adding a third note, an octave, just below your ring finger
If you want, increase the octave by simply running your ring finger on the string below it, on the D string. You can also use your little finger. Your final key should look like this:
- --X--
- --X--
- --X--
- --5--
- --5--
- --3--
Step 4. Just strum the strings you hit on the fretboard
You can use the fleshy part of your index finger to slightly dampen the lower strings, pressing them down so they don't sound audible when you sing. However, unless you're making big, dramatic swings, you can pretty much focus on playing the right strings.
Step 5. Slide the key wherever it's two strings higher
Remember, power chords can be moved; You can play it anywhere keeping the same shape and hand position. Start on the 5th fret, 5th string to play the D note, slide two frets lower and play the E note. Move up the higher string on the 7th, 6th string and play the B power chord. You can move it anywhere.
Remember, when it comes to written music, this key is often written as a fifth note, like G5 or #A5. This key will not written as "power chord G, or "P. C. G"
Tips
- 5th fret on the E string, 7th fret on the A string, *Optional* 7th fret on the D string.
- This chord is easier to play on an electric guitar than an acoustic guitar.
- Power chords are simply 5th notes, and sometimes 5th notes and octaves. So just play a note anywhere and add to the fifth note, which is 2 frets higher and one string higher, and maybe an octave, which is one string higher than the 5th note.
