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Master these easy power chord shapes and learn how to unleash their full potential. With audio examples
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Alternate the Currents: Augmented and Diminished Power Chords
Let’s add the fifth back in, but try raising (augmenting) or lowering (diminishing) it a half step. AUGMENTED IDOL gives you a little of both. See how the C5 power chord in the first measure changes to a C#dim (pronounced “C-sharp diminished”) just by shifting your index finger up a fret? You might hear something similar in Kelly Clarkson’s “Since U Been Gone.” In the second measure, return to the C5, then shift your index finger to the second fret of the A string, creating Baug (“B augmented”).
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Augmented Idol
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Use Your Power for Good
Used properly and with a bit of imagination, two notes can say just as much, if not more, than a great big six-string chord. Power chords have been used in almost all styles of music—jazz, blues, pop, country, funk, and just about anything else you can think of. Think of this lesson as a starting point, and explore some of the ideas further by trying them out in songs you already know. x
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The Power Chord and the Glory
These days, it’s almost impossible to listen to an album that doesn’t utilize power chords someplace. All these songs show inventive ways to use power chords.
“Dani California,” the Red Hot Chili Peppers
“Heartache Tonight,” the Eagles
“I Believe in a Thing Called Love,” the Darkness
“If I Had a Rocket Launcher,” Bruce Cockburn
“Mannish Boy,” Muddy Waters
“You Give Love a Bad Name,” Bon Jovi
Behind the Notes: Dropped-D Tuning
You want an easier way to play power chords? Many people use dropped-D tuning so they can play root six power chords with one finger because all the notes are on one fret. All your familiar root-five chords will be the same.
To get into dropped-D, lower your sixth (low E) string down a whole step to D (either use an electronic tuner or tune it to an octave below your D string). Now try the power chords, below.
With dropped-D tuning, you can easily teach a friend—even one who’s never played guitar before—how to accompany you using these power-chord shapes. They can play rhythm while you work on your lead guitar work! Every band has to start somewhere . . .
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Printable Version
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