Learn to Play Power Chords

What are Power Chords?

Power chords are simple, easy to play chords that are used frequently in grunge and rock music. They involve strumming only two or three strings.

How to Play Power Chords

Power chords are very easy to play:

• Play a note on any fret of the sixth string. For this example, let's try playing a note on the first fret of the sixth string.
• Whatever fret you choose for the sixth string, add two and play this fret on both the fifth and fourth strings. So, since we are playing the first fret on the sixth string, we will be playing the third fret on both the fifth and fourth strings.
• Now simply strum the sixth, fifth, and fourth strings and you will have a power chord. Some guitarists choose to make it even simpler by abandoning the fourth string and playing just the sixth and fifth; you'll notice that when this is done the sound is not too different, and hence it is also a valid way of playing a power chord.
• Power chords can also be played using just the fifth and fourth strings. When this is done, the fourth string is played at two frets higher than the fifth string. So if you fret the fifth string at the seventh fret, you would fret the fourth string at the ninth fret (7 + 2 = 9) and strum both strings.

You'll notice that power chords have a deeper, groovier sort of sound. This fact, coupled with how easy they are to play, make them extremely popular amongst rock guitarists.

Below is a great video that offers an introduction to power chords.



Using Power Chords in Musical Pieces

Power chords can be moved up and down the fretboard, and hence can be played at any fret. The video clip contains an excerpt of the song "Smells Like Teen Spirit" by Nirvana -- the song's main riff features power chords being moved around the fretboard.

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