Power Chords For Electric Guitars

You may possibly have heard of the term 'power chord' in relation to guitar music, most usually when discussing music played on an electric guitar, but what exactly is a power chord, and where does this term come from? In fact, the name power chord is simply another term for fifth chord, and in musical terms referring to such a chord as a fifth chord makes a good deal more sense. A fifth chord is simply any note, with the addition of the note which is a fifth above.
Of course, this means that only two notes are being played, and many people who are specialists in music theory argue that it cannot really be referred to as a chord at all. A chord is normally deemed to consist of at least three notes being played at the same time, but a fifth chord or power chord is only ever two notes. In this case, instead of referring to it as a chord, theorists have argued that it should more properly be referred to as a dyad, or even perhaps simply as an interval.

Despite this disagreement within the musical world, amongst guitar players the term power chord is used frequently, although more often in relation to electric guitars rather than any other kind. Guitarists tend to defend the term power chord by suggesting that it is simply a triad with the third note left out. Since the third note would determine whether the chord was a major chord or a minor chord, the resulting power chord is neither major or minor.

In many cases where a power chord is used, it is played in conjunction with octave doubling, where any note played is supplicated an octave above or below. In this case, four notes are played, with the basic note plus its equivalent partner an octave higher or lower, plus the notes a fifth above both of these. With four notes being played at the same time, the term chord can be, albeit loosely, justified.

When a player is using an electric guitar with a distorted or overdriven effect is being applied, power chords are used in preference to normal three note chords because the third note can often produce an effect which is very unpleasant harmonically. The standard chord can sound very poorly defined and by omitting the third note, the harmonics improve considerably, allowing the playing of these chords without any loss of quality in sound.

Naturally, there is another advantage to power chords, in that since they only include two notes, they are considerably easier to play and to remember. For beginners, power chords can represent a far more accessible means of playing guitar, although professionals and experienced players would not recommend relying on this method too much, since there will certainly be times when it is necessary to play full chords properly.

The term 'power chord' originated from the world of keyboards and synthesizers, and was later adopted by guitarists. Since keyboards and synthesizers became increasingly popular within rock music, the methods as well as the names tended to become adopted and shared, and today it is more frequently associated with the electric guitar than any other instrument.



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Victor Epand is an expert consultant for guitars, drums, keyboards, sheet music, guitar tab, and home theater audio. You can find the best marketplace at these sites for electric guitars, chord manuals, power chord music, sheet music, guitar tabs, and home theater audio.