How to Play Power Chords on Guitar

Power chords are sometimes viewed as a form of cheating by serious guitar players because they contain only two or three notes, usually the root note, as well as the third and fifth notes. Still, they are often used in rock and blues music because they produce a full sound with little effort required, especially when playing an electric guitar with heavy distortion. Power chords are also useful because the required fingering can be moved, while remaining in position, up and down the neck of the guitar to create different chords.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Learn the basic notes of each string on a guitar with standard tuning, meaning the note that is played when you strum the string with no fingers on the fret of the guitar. Since you will be playing power chords based on the note of the fifth string it is important to understand which note is which on the guitar's neck. For example, to play a D power chord you will need to place your index finger on the fifth fret of the fifth string on the guitar.

2. Use your index finger to press down on the root note of the power chord you would like to play. Press down on the two remaining notes, the third and fifth notes, at the same time using your ring finger to cover both strings. If you are a beginner and have difficult pressing down on both notes at once, use your pinky finger to press down on the fifth note.

3. Avoid arching your fingers when playing power chords. Keep your thumb pressed firmly on the back of the guitar's neck to prevent it from moving around as you play. This will help keep you from accidentally pressing down on unused strings with your fingers as you are playing the main notes of the power chord.

4. Practice power chords by playing each note individually and then strumming them all at once. Make sure that you are pressing down firmly on each string to get the fullest sound of each note possible.

5. Concentrate on keeping proper posture while you play power chords. You should sit up straight and keep your guitar at a 45-degree angle away from your body. Avoid letting the neck of the guitar rest on your body and keep your elbow lifted off your torso.

Tips & Warnings

• Power chords are often written with a "5" to refer to the fact that the fifth note is the only note that should be played beyond the root note. Therefore chords written as "A5" and "C5" are power chords.