How To Play Power Chords


Lots of “advanced” guitarists disdain the use of power chords. They claim that power chords aren’t really chords because a chord is defined as having “3 or more notes”. While this could be true, the fact remains that power chords are an integral part of rock music(bands like Nirvana and many others heavily use power chords), as well as many other genres.

Why are power chords so popular? They’re popular because they’re not just easy to play, but they also give a good sound.

Most beginners start off learning open chords, like G major and C major. Then they move on to power chords and then to the other different power chords. If you’ve progressed past the open major chords and wish to take the next step of the journey, then learning some power chords will be good for you. After you’ve read this, you’ll know the 5 most popular power chords.

D5(otherwise known as the D power chord):

The D power chord is probably the most taught and most played of the power chords. It’s no wonder it’s played so much—it’s extremely easy and sounds cool. Below is a tab of the D5 chord. If you don’t know how to read tablature, be sure to check out the lesson on it.

E: |----------|
B: |----------|
G: |----------|
D: |--0------|
A: |--2------|
E: |----------|

As you can see, you fret the 2nd fret of the A string and play the string below it(D string). You do not play the other strings. This chord is sometimes hard for those who have only played chords which feature the strumming of all six strings. You have to get used to making a controlled wrist-motion and strumming only two strings.

C5(known as the C power chord):

Like the D5, the C5 power chord is extremely simple to play.

E: |------|
B: |-----|
G: |-----|
D: |--5-|
A: |--3-|
E: |-----|

You’ll be taking your ring finger and placing it on the 5th fret of the D string. You’ll also place your index finger on the third fret of the A string. Like with the D5, you will only be strumming these two strings—none of the other six strings. Be advised that it takes time to get used to strumming power chords the way they are supposed to be strummed, so don’t expect to get it down pat the first time!

E5(also known as the E power chord):

The E5 is an extremely simple chord to play. Unlike the other two power chords mentioned, the E5 is a lot easier to strum the first time.

E: |-----|
B: |-----|
G: |-----|
D: |------|
A: |--2--|
E: |--0--|

As you can see from the tab, you’ll place your finger on the 2nd fret of the A string. It doesn’t matter which finger you use, although many use their middle finger. Then you just strum the two strings closest to your face(A and low e). That’s all it takes to play the E power chord!

G5(known as the G power chord):

The G5 is really a great power chord. It’s simple but sounds good. Here’s a tab of it:

E: |-----|
B: |-----|
G: |-----|
D: |-----|
A: |--5--|
E: |--3--|

You’ll be placing your index finger on the 3rd fret of the low e string. Also, you’ll place your middle or ring finger on the 5th fret of the A string. You’ll then strum those two strings and no other ones. Easy power chord.

A5(known as the A power chord):

Finally, here is the A5 chord:

E: |----|
B: |----|
G: |----|
D: |--2-|
A: |--0-|
E: |-----|

You’ll simply put your finger on the 2nd fret of the D string and you’ll strum that string and the A string.

So there you have it. Five of the most common power chords, all of which easy and good to learn. Learn these well and you should be able to play many rock songs, as well as incorporate the power chords in your own songs. Good luck!