Friday, March 13, 2009

Guitar Friday: The Power Chord!

by M A N

You've all heard it before. The kraaaang, the crunch, the chug-a-chug. It's the two (sometimes three*) note chord that has laid the foundation of music from Chuck Berry to Kelly Clarkson to Disturbed. And if any of you have ever tried to play the guitar, it is also one of the first things you ever learn.

***Beware. Miniscule amounts of music theory ahead.***

So what is a power chord? At it's most basic, it is simply two notes: the Root note and the Fifth. That's it. That's all it takes to rock out. If you're unfamiliar with those terms, don't panic. It really is easy to figure out. Let's say you want to play a C power chord. Well then, your root note is C. Pretty easy, huh? But a single note does not make a chord (there are those who would argue that neither do two notes, but we'll ignore them for now). So what do we do? We add the Fifth (so named by being the fifth note in the scale--see how easy this is?). In this case, it's a G. Together, the two notes make a power chord.

But let's face it. Being able to recite the circle of fifths won't get you the groupies. So let's put the theory aside and focus on the physical aspect of playing the chord so that we can get down to it. All you need are two fingers, one for each note. Then just place them on the fretboard like so:



Notice something? That's right. The shape your fingers make stays the same. All you need to do is just move them to the position you want. In five minutes, you can be playing complete songs, even if you've never played before. I've known players who never even bothered to learn anything else because of the vast library of music power chords allow you to play. They're easy, versatile, and sound great.

Now, the reason it's called a "power" chord is because it sounds best when the guitar is distorted in some way. There are country, blues, and even the very rare jazz song that use power chords, but they are most common in rock because, well, they ROCK!

For some nice examples of power chords in action, take a look/listen at these videos.

Smells Like Teen Spirit -- This is an example of how power chords can change the world.

No Sleep Til Brooklyn -- Obviously dated, this is still a great example of how power chords and fist pumping go hand in hand.

Killing Me -- There's a lot more than just power chords going on here, but I wanted to include it because I just LOVE this band.

Start All Over -- Mock all you want, but pop music is always better with power chords.


*Quite often, the power chord is played by adding the higher octave of the root note, thus giving it three notes and full "chord" status.

55 comments:

Eric M said...

"Being able to recite the circle of 5ths won't get you the groupies."

Wise words indeed.

Sam said...

I thought for official "chord" status, it has to have three different notes. Have I been living a lie??

Anonymous said...

They don't "sound best when distorted" -- backwards. The whole point of a "power" chords is they stay CLEAN when distorted. You can have the shit up to 11 and it's not a mess.

Anonymous said...

Ok, here's a stupid question from someone who obviously doesn't play: do you strum all 6 strings or just the two that make the cord?

I've always assumed all 6, but if true, that doesn't make a two note cord.

Andrew Bellware said...

I was always under the impression that adding the octave did not make a chord. But, as it turns out, there's actually argument as to whether two notes or three make a chord (I've been living under the impression that 2 notes was an "interval" -- but hey, what do I know?) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chord_(music)

Typically you only play the "fretted" strings, not all six strings, when playing a power chord.

Andrew Bellware said...

By the way, I just LOVE guitar Fridays! ;-)

Christina said...

You know what? I never got power chords when I was learning guitar (2001-2004). I could do bar chords - major and minor, but power chords always escaped me. But now, after playing bass for almost 5 years, I think I finally it with your simple explanation. I play what's called "the box" on bass a lot. I'm very familiar with playing the 5th. So a power chord is just the root and the 5th (and maybe the octave)? I finally fucking get it. Argh. Yeah, and you don't strum all 6 strings, just the two (or three), right? Maybe I'll pick up the guitar right now and try it out.

I love the move from types of guitars to types of chords. Love it! Would love to see a post about open D tuning...and how Keith Richards totally exploits it.

The Minstrel Boy said...

richards strings in "g" most of the time. he omits the bottom d, and runs with five. GDGBD. with a structure like that most of the stones songs play themselves, which, i think was the whole point, searching for something you can play stoned. mostly very stoned.

power chords are wonderful things. too many times aspiring players get sidetracked by their quest for the "perfect axe" and forget to hone their chops. it wasn't the axe that made paul bunyan, it was the swing.

one of my favorite power chords is the "e" at the seventh fret

starting at the seventh it is

o799oo

hit all six, and feel it. your hand is also in perfect position to bar the B and the A.

another one of my favorite rhythm guitar (a very unappreciated role, like viola in the orchestra, needed but rarely noticed) tricks is to string with the EADG all up an octave. this puts the highest pitch in the middle of the neck, it also compresses the chord structure and makes it p4netrate like a laser.

(my post code is nobar, strangely appropriate don'tcha think?)

Unknown said...

Anon said:
"They don't "sound best when distorted" -- backwards. The whole point of a "power" chords is they stay CLEAN when distorted. You can have the shit up to 11 and it's not a mess."

Sorry, I should have been clearer. When I say "distortion," I mean high gain (like a distortion pedal, etc.). To me, a two note power chord sounds pretty weak if there isn't any gain. And it's for the reason you mentioned. With an amp turned up to 11, it's very hard to hear additional voicings in the chord (add9, sus 4, etc.). Like you said, it's a mess. But with only the two (or three)notes of a power chord, they remain distinct.

Anon Said:
"Ok, here's a stupid question from someone who obviously doesn't play: do you strum all 6 strings or just the two that make the cord?"

Not a stupid question at all. And the answer is no, you just play the two notes of the power chord. If you look at the graphic in the post showing the fingering of the power chords, you'll notice the Xs toward the top of the fretboard. Those indicate strings that are NOT to be played (any time an open string is to be played, there will usually be an O where those Xs are).

Andrew Bellware said:
"I was always under the impression that adding the octave did not make a chord."

Technically, it doesn't. You were right when you said that they are considered "intervals" (they're also known as "dyads"). But for some reason, "power chord" has become the defining term. I guess it just sounded better. Although I wouldn't mind seeing something like "force interval" or "mighty dyad" introduced into the lexicon.

@ Christina
If you've been playing bass for five years, you'll be able to pick up a guitar and play power chords in a matter of seconds. And I will get to alternate tunings eventually. I just wanted to throw this one into the mix to keep things kind of fresh.

Unknown said...

well I'll be fucked sideways .. Here I was, learning to play the (classical) guitar for like 6 years or so, but no-one ever bothered to tell me _this_. Which is why when I bought myself an electric guitar when I was 16, I sortof didn't really do anything with it but try to play some of the stuff I usually played on my other guitar. Which sounded nice but was kinda pointless. At some later stage I sortof lost interest. Pity. Maybe will try again.

Chris said...

I first picked up the guitar in high school and got along on power chords for a good long while. I eventually learned some proper chords, but always come back to the power chord.

Loved this Guitar Friday. How about one about the blues scale, the power chord affectionado's preferred lead line?

Oh, and my word verification is "bukingi". Ew.

Christina said...

Michael - Love guitar Fridays. Ever since you started this, I've been playing my guitars more. And you're right about power chords. I think I can now play one of my favorite songs of all time, Big Bang Baby by STP:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PtNqhpiW9k0

Isn't Dean DeLeo just doing power chords up and down the neck?

Anonymous said...

展示架|室內裝潢|制服|團體制服|漆彈|整形外科|清境民宿

Unknown said...

Obatambeien herbal de nature
Cara mengobati wasir dan ambeien
obat tradisional wasir dan aman
cara alami mengobati wasir ambeien
obat herbal wasir atau ambien
cara mengatasi wasir ambeien saat hamil
cara tradisional mengobati wasir/ambeien
obat tradisional wasir atau ambeien
obat kutil kelamin ampuh tanpa operasi
obat kutil kelamin mujarab
obat kutil kelamin medis
obat kutil kelamin paling murah
obat menghilangkan kutil kelamin
obat menyembuhkan kutil kelamin
obat tradisional menyembuhkan kutil kelamin
obat minum untuk kutil kelamin
Obat kencing nanah atau sipilis
obat tradisional buat kencing nanah
obat buat penyakit kencing nanah
obat antibiotik buat kencing nanah
obat herbal buat kencing nanah
obat apotik buat kencing nanah
obat kencing nanah gonore
obat gonorrhea kencing nanah

Unknown said...

Penderita Penyakit kondiloma atau Kutil Kelamin yang telah terinveksi disarankan untuk segera melakukan pengobatan secepat mungkin sebelum Virus HPV penyebab kutil kelamin makin banyak berkembang biak di dalam sel darah makin lama dibiarkan akan memperparah kondisi organ vital karena kutil kelamin akan terus membesar sehingga terlihat seperti jengger ayam untuk penderita yang baru tertular kurang dari satu bulan biasanya akan lebih cepat ditanggulangi obat kutil kelamin Paling ampuh dari De Nature dan terbaik ada hanya di http://obatkutildikemaluan.blogdetik.com/ untuk mendapatkan informasi yang lebih jelas mengenai pengobatan kutil pada kelamin silahkan kontak langsung di nomer 0852 808 77 999 atau 0859 7373 5656 Bagaimana mengobati Ambeien itu sendiri. pengobatan yang terbaik untuk Ambeien adalah dari luar dan dalam sehingga Ambeien benar benar tuntas dan tidak akan kambuh lagi. obat Ambeien terbaik "Ambeclear dari De Nature" AlamiAdalah obat Ambeien herbal yang memang terbaik untuk mengobati Ambeien, dan sudah terdaftar di badan obat dan makanan (BPOM) dengan nomer registrasi POM TR: 133 374 041. terbuat dari bahan alami antara lain terdiri Daung Ungu, Mahkota Dewa dan Kunyit Putih.

Unknown said...

cara mengobati kutil kelamin pada wanita tanpa harus menggunakan operasi cukup dengan menggunakan obat khusus kutil kelamin paling manjur dari klinik de nature manjurserta sangat aman untuk ibu hamil

Unknown said...

Apabila anda sedang mencari pengobatan kutil kelamin untuk pria maupun wanita segera kunjungi kami http://obatkutilkelaminwanita.blogdetik.com cara mengobati kutil kelamin pada wanita tanpa harus menggunakan operasi cukup dengan menggunakan obat khusus kutil kelamin paling manjur dari klinik de nature manjurserta sangat aman untuk ibu hamil

Unknown said...

Penyakit kencing nanah bisa disebabkan oleh beberapa faktor seperti seks bebas, penularan, virus hpv, lingkungan, gaya hidup dan lainnya, Maka dari itu kita harus waspada dengan penyakit kencing nanah ini, karena penyakit kencing nanah sangatlah berbahaya, Namun untuk anda yang menderita penyakit kencing nanah, maka anda tidak perlu khawatir,

Unknown said...

Berhati-hatilah anda yang suka berganti-ganti pasangan seks, karena sangat besar sekali kemungkinannya untuk terkena penyakit kencing nanah atau gonore maupun yang lainnya.



Unknown said...

Bagi anda yang sedang mencari obat herbal buat kencing nanah atau gonore, kami sarankan untuk memilih obat herba dari De Nature dengan nama Gang jie dan Gho Siah sebagai pengobatan alternatif tradisional alami untuk kencing nanah atau gonore.

Unknown said...

Obat sipilis di apotik adalah antibiotik. Fungsi dari obat ini adalah untuk menahan pertumbuhan bakteri penyebab sipilis. Namun sayangnya adalah obat ini tidak seampuh yang dikira.

Unknown said...

Berapa Harga untuk Obat Wasir Ambeien alami daun ungu AmbeclearAmbeien adalah gangguan atau penyakit yang terjadi pada saluran pencernaan manusia

Pengobatan Ambeien Wasir said...

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

Unknown said...

Bukan hanya pengobatan medis saja tapi ada juga pengobatan rumah alami yang dapat digunakan untuk menyingkirkan penyakit kutil kelamin ini. Intinya, karena kutil ini muncul di daerah yang sensitif, maka anda harus mencari pengobatan yang terbaik pada kulit Anda dan jika diperlukan juga dibantu dengan tenaga medis yang professional. Sebab dokter akan menjadi sumber informasi yang baik untuk mengobati penyakit ini.

Cara Mengobati Wasir Ambeien said...

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

Cara Mengobati Wasir Ambeien said...

MANTAB * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

obar herbal manjur alami said...

MANTAB * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *******

Unknown said...

Cara yang sering di lakukan untuk menghilangkan kutil kelamin adalah dengan cara pembedahah atau operasi, cara ini tentu memerlukan dana yang tidak sedikit. metode Pilihan pembedahan yang dapat Anda lakukan

Unknown said...

MANTAB * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * **********

Unknown said...

Kenali penyebab penyakit kencing bernanah sehingga cara mengobati
penyakit kencing nanah dan infeksi saluran kencing nanah dapat dilakukan
dengan benar.

Unknown said...

Kadang disertai
dengan sakit saat kencing, perih, organ intim terasa panas menyiksa,
gatal,..

kLINIK oBAT mANJUR said...

Bismillahhirrohmaanirrokhim.... *********************************

Unknown said...

Sekitar Vagina Tumbuh Daging, Berbahayakah? Kutil Pada Kepala Penis mirip bunga kol atau jengger ayam, Merupakan Penyakit Yang diakibatkan Oleh Virus.Kutil kelamin, atau disebut juga condyloma acuminata, adalah kutil atau daging berwarna kulit atau keabuan yang tumbuh di sekitar alat kelamin dan

obar herbal manjur alami said...

Bismillahirrohmannirrokhim ..................

obar herbal manjur alami said...

Bismillahirrohmannirrokhim ........................

Unknown said...

penyakit yang ditularkan melalui hubungan seks : vaginal, oral dan anal. Juga dapat menular melalui persentuhan kulit dengan daerah yang terinfeksi.

Unknown said...

Obat Ambeien Resep Dokter Ambeclear dari De Nature Ampuh Tuntaskan Ambeien Sampai Tuntas

Cara Mengobati Wasir Ambeien said...

Bismillahirrohmannirrokhim ........................

Unknown said...

obat wasir, Adalah  Obat alami berkhasiat dalam bentuk kapsul yang berasal dari tanaman herbal seperti daun ungu, mahkota dewa dan kunyit putih, diberikan pada penderita jika penyakit masih dalam tingkatan stadium ringan

kLINIK oBAT mANJUR said...

Bismillahhirrohmaanirrokhim.... ***************************

kLINIK oBAT mANJUR said...

Bismillahirrohmannirrokhim ......................................

obar herbal manjur alami said...

Bismillahhirrohmaanirrokhim.... ************************************

kLINIK oBAT mANJUR said...

Bismillahhirrohmaanirrokhim.... ************************************

obar herbal manjur alami said...

???????????????????????????????????????

kLINIK oBAT mANJUR said...

1111111111111111111111111

obar herbal manjur alami said...

111111111111111111111111111111

Unknown said...

manjur manjur manjur manjur manjur manjur manjur manjur manjur manjur manjur manjur manjur manjur manjur manjur manjur manjur manjur manjur manjur manjur manjur manjur manjur manjur manjur manjur manjur manjur manjur

Anonymous said...

Wasir atau dikenal juga dengan ambeien merupakan salah satu jenis penyakit

Anonymous said...

yang sangat mengganggu. Ambeien atau wasir ini muncul..

Anonymous said...

yang sangat mengganggu. Ambeien atau wasir ini muncul..

Anonymous said...

yang sangat mengganggu. Ambeien atau wasir ini muncul..

kLINIK oBAT mANJUR said...

obat ambeien wasir paling manjur mengobati penyakit wasir ambeien tanpa efek samping terbuat dari bahan alami herbal seperti daun ungu mahkota dewa kunyit putih

Anonymous said...

Assalamualaikum wr.wb, Salam Sehat semuanya. numpang komen ya gan.

Unknown said...

 Apabila menemukan ada daging atau seperti Kutil yang tumbuh di area kemaluan atau alat ...

Anonymous said...

Penyakit kulit adalah penyakit infeksi yang umum, terjadi pada orang orang dari segala usia. Gangguan pada kulit sering terjadi karena ada
faktor peyebabnya, Antara lain yaitu iklim, lingkungan, tempat tinggal,