By: Anthony Krueger
The term power chord or bare fifth is synonymous with the electric guitar. It comes from the effect you get when you play two notes separated by an interval or natural fifth, sometimes distorted through an overdriven amplifier or fuzz box. A fuzz box is simply a box that is switched on or off with your foot by using a pedal; it distorts the signal traveling to the amplifier, “fuzzing” the sound.If you plan on playing electric rock guitar, a fuzz box is highly suggested. Fuzz boxes are around $30.00 and will be one of the best investments you can make for your guitar.
A power chord is based around the root and the 5th step of the major scale. The root note is basically the first note used in the power chord.
Power chords are listed as the root note (letters such as A, B, C, D, E, F, G) and the number 5 (for example, an A power chord would be A5). Most rock guitar chords are played with 3 notes, but in order to play 2-note power chords, all you have to do is mute the highest note. Here are some examples of some common power chords:
Power chords on the 6th and 5th strings can be moved along the fretboard to form numerous power chords of different names.
If you do not feel like fretting the first note in your 6th string power chord, you do not necessarily have to. Instead, just tune the E string down to drop D. That way all you have to do to play your rock guitar chord is bar the fret that the higher notes are on. If you are unsure how to tune in drop D, keep reading for a full explanation.
When tuning in drop D, there are two somewhat difficult ways and one incredibly easy way. The simplest way is to purchase an electric tuner, and tune the low E string down to D. Korg tuners are an expensive brand, but are highly recommended tuners that last forever. As for the two more difficult methods of tuning, all you need are your ears and a guitar. Technique one is to pluck the D string (4th) and the E string at the same time, tuning the E string to match the D string’s tone. Keep in mind that the pitch will not be exactly the same. The second way to tune in drop D is to simply pluck the 7th fret on the 6th string and the 2nd string, tuning the E string to match the pitch perfectly.