Moveable Power Chords, pt. IV – How they work

In the previous post I covered how to properly finger moveable power chords – two note chords comprising the root and 5th played on the bass strings. Remember power chords are neither major nor minor as they contain only the Root and 5th of the chord (omitting the 3rd) and are generally referred to as “5” chord because of it. As I posted in the first installment of this series I first introduce moveable power chords which are played on the 6th string. This month I’ll discuss one of the most wonderful aspects about the power chord which is the ability to take this single shape and move it to a different location to create a new chord!

The root (or main note) of the chord can be found in the 1st finger. For example, in an F5 chord the 1st finger plays the note “F” which is on the 1st fret of the 6th string (indicated by the white circle) – hence, an “F5” power chord. Likewise, in a “G5” the 1st finger plays the note “G” which is on the 3rd fret of the 6th string. Keep in mind as the chord pattern moves up the neck the root of the chord will remain in the 1st finger as in the “A5” chord – 1st finger plays the note “A” which is on the 5th fret of the 6th string.

 

Furthermore, make sure to note when looking at chord diagrams which are placed on higher frets, the diagram will indicate what fret the chord is played at.