| If you listen closely you'll find that the foundation of | | | | Along with granting a meaty tone, power chords give |
| most every rock and metal song is built on power | | | | you the ability to create a diverse range of sounds. |
| chords. These chords give songs a harder and edgier | | | | You can add different notes within thr chord. For |
| sound over playing regular chords. It can be stated | | | | example, if you're playing in the key of D minor, you |
| that this technique is the most distinguished notes | | | | would play the 5th fret on the 2nd string and the 7th |
| that often characterize the genre of the song being | | | | fret on the 3rd string, but you could also move the |
| some sort of rock or metal. | | | | 2nd note to the 8th fret on the 3rd string. You can |
| A power chord is defined by using the root note, the | | | | move back and forth from those two notes. |
| 5th note, and in some cases the octave although | | | | Basically, you'll always want to keep the root note |
| some people will only use the root and 5th notes. | | | | (first note) of the chord structure consistent, but |
| This is generally played by using the 1st finger for the | | | | you can play around with different notes for the 2nd |
| root note and either the 3rd finger or pinky finger for | | | | and 3rd notes. Implementing this technique with |
| the 5th note (if also hitting the octave, the 5th and | | | | power chords will allow many diverse and cool |
| octave notes can barred with the 3rd or pinky | | | | sounds. |
| finger). So for example, if you're playing a power | | | | Playing these types of chords is a very simple |
| chord for the key of G, you would use the 3rd fret | | | | technique, yet extremely effective when playing rock |
| of the 1st string and the 5th fret of the 2nd string (if | | | | and metal styles of music. As the structure of a |
| also playing the octave note, you would include the | | | | power chord is basic, you also have free range to |
| 5th fret of the 3rd string). Popular for metal, the E | | | | create a variety of sounds and tones. Once you |
| minor (or E) power chord would be open for the 1st | | | | master this technique, you can pretty play most any |
| string and the 2nd fret for the 2nd string. | | | | song. |