In this lesson, we are going to learn why power chords are so useful in guitar playing. If you are going to play chords further up the fretboard, you will need to learn power chords and barre chords. These are the types that are used in this manner. I recommend starting with power chords.
A power chord
A power chord is comprised of the 1 & 5th notes of any given key or scale. Anytime you put two or more notes together it is considered a chord. A triad consists of three notes (A minor) a diad consists of two notes (G5) and is a great way to start learning guitar chords.
Let’s look into further detail:
A two-note chord
Key of C major: C D E F G A B C. If each one of these notes is given a number value, the C would be 1, D would be 2, E would be 3, etc. So we can say the 1 & 5 would be the C & G notes.
If you play these two notes together, you get an abbreviated barre chord. I say abbreviated because it only has two notes. As for where the full barre chord would also include the 3rd note and octave. This is a great way to start learning barre chords. It gets your fingers trained to be in this position.
So anytime you play a 1 & 5 of the scale or key you choose to play in, you create a power chord or 5 chord as it is sometimes called. Like a G5, A5, C5, etc. It’s not a major or minor because it doesn’t have the 3rd note, but it does give a bit of a darker sound because of it.
A lot of power for two notes
The reason why it’s called a power chord is that when you use it with overdrive or distortion, it sounds good and has a lot of “power” for two notes. Most extended chords like Am7#9 have too many notes to sound good with overdrive or distortion. The more notes, the muddier the sound.
That is why this chord is so popular in rock music. Not only that, it is a nice prerequisite for a regular barre chord. Which is more difficult to play because it requires you to bar your index finger over all six strings. As where the power chord does not.
When comes to playing chords that move further up the fretboard, I recommend you start with power chords first. They are simple and only require two notes. Then once you have them down, proceed to play barre chords. Your fingers will already be used to the fundamentals of the chord shape.
Watch the video lesson below.
As you can see, power chords are a great way to get started playing barre chords. You first work on stretching your fingers to form the basis of the chord and then go from there. Many people have a hard time with barre chords because they don't learn to play the power chord first. Why struggle when it is not necessary? Learn the power chord first.
Take your learning further.
To learn more about power chords and other types of chords that are always used when playing the guitar, I recommend you check out the book I authored and self-published called Rock Guitar 101.
Rock Guitar 101 has been designed specifically for students with no music-reading background. With lesson examples that are presented in today's most popular tab format, it offers the beginning guitarist a comprehensive introduction to essential guitar-playing fundamentals, theories, and concepts related to rock guitar.
Rock Guitar 101 is a quick, effective, uncomplicated self-instructional method book that covers tools of the trade, power chords, creating rhythms, an intro to lead guitar playing as well as song examples and rock riffs.
This book has everything you need to get started enjoying the fun of playing rock guitar with diagrams, photos, and illustrations to get you up and running quickly and easily. In addition to the seven easy-to-understand lessons, there are bonus lessons.
These are in music theory basics, practice habit development, and a self-study quiz to make sure the student fully understands the material. All concepts presented in this method book are simple, easy, and formatted for the student to enjoy learning how to play rock guitar while providing the student with the option of further guitar instruction.
Further guitar instruction
If you feel you'd like more of a personal approach to learning, be sure to check out my service of private guitar instruction. With over 20 years of teaching experience. Both online and in-person. I specialize in crafting customized lessons that cater to your musical journey. Even if you have no formal training.
With your interest and availability, I can tailor our lessons to suit your pace and schedule. Whether you want to dive into the basics or explore different musical styles, I can guide you every step of the way. To get your first lesson scheduled, contact me today to set up a Free Consultation. I look forward to helping you embark on this new and exciting adventure.
Thank you for your time and best of luck with your guitar learning.
Sincerely, Dwayne Jenkins
