Two notes. Every rock song.
Power chords, without the mystery.
A power chord is just a root and a fifth. No third, no major-or-minor decision, no theory homework. Learn two movable shapes and you can play every root on the neck.
One shape, any root
Power chords
Root, fifth and octave — no third. Pick a root to see the E-shape and A-shape, then hear each one.
Root
C5 · two shapes
C · G · octave
E-shape
C5
C5 · E-shape (8th fret)
Root on the low E string
A-shape
C5
C5 · A-shape (3rd fret)
Root on the A string
Only the two or three low strings are played. The X markers mean mute those strings. For a cleaner sound, rest the side of your picking hand lightly on the unused strings.
What is a power chord?
A power chord is the root plus the fifth, often with the root repeated an octave higher. It is written with a 5: E5, A5, C5. There is no third in the chord, so it is neither major nor minor. That is why the same shape fits almost anywhere.
In standard tuning, the two common shapes are the E-shape (root on the low E string) and the A-shape (root on the A string). Both use the root, the fifth two frets higher on the next string, and the octave on the string after that.
All 12 roots
The chart shows the lowest fret for each shape. “Open” means the root is the open string; otherwise move the shape so its root lands on that fret.
| Root | E-shape | A-shape | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| C5 | 8fr | 3fr | C · G |
| C♯5 | 9fr | 4fr | C♯ · G♯ |
| D5 | 10fr | 5fr | D · A |
| E♭5 | 11fr | 6fr | E♭ · B♭ |
| E5 | open | 7fr | E · B |
| F5 | 1fr | 8fr | F · C |
| F♯5 | 2fr | 9fr | F♯ · C♯ |
| G5 | 3fr | 10fr | G · D |
| A♭5 | 4fr | 11fr | A♭ · E♭ |
| A5 | 5fr | open | A · E |
| B♭5 | 6fr | 1fr | B♭ · F |
| B5 | 7fr | 2fr | B · F♯ |
How to play it cleanly
- Put your index finger on the root note.
- Put your ring finger two frets higher on the next string; add the pinky for the octave on the third string.
- Pick only the two or three low strings you are using.
- Rest the side of your picking hand lightly on the unused strings so they do not ring.
- For a tight rhythm sound, palm-mute near the bridge; for a bigger chord, let the notes ring.
Do not strum all six strings. The high strings are not part of the shape; the X markers in the diagram mean mute. If the chord sounds thin, check that the root and fifth are both ringing before adding distortion.
Why distortion likes power chords
Distortion adds harmonics. A major or minor third can clash with those harmonics, so a full chord can turn muddy at high gain. A root and fifth leave more space, which is why power chords stay clear and punchy in rock, punk and metal.
On an acoustic guitar they work too, but expect a cleaner, less aggressive sound. The shape is the same; the character comes from the amp and the muting.
I–IV–V with power chords
In E, the I–IV–V roots are E, A and B: play E5, A5, B5 with the same shape moved up the neck. In C, the same pattern gives C5, F5, G5. Because there is no third, the same shapes work under a major or minor vocal melody.
Start with one shape and move only the root. When the movement is clean, try the chord progressions guide to hear how these roots fit into a full progression.
What to do next
Learn F major and B minor if you want full barre chords. Use the chord finder to see the notes in any chord, and the strumming guide for the rhythm hand.
Frequently asked questions
What is a power chord?
A power chord is a root plus its fifth, usually with the root repeated an octave higher. It has no third, so it is neither major nor minor. It is written with a 5: E5, A5, C5.
Why does it sound good with distortion?
Distortion adds harmonics. A full major or minor chord has a third that can clash with those harmonics; a root-and-fifth chord leaves more room, so it stays clear and punchy.
What is the difference between the E-shape and A-shape?
They are the same interval on different string pairs. The E-shape starts on the low E string; the A-shape starts on the A string. Use whichever keeps your hand closest to where you already are.
Can I play power chords on an acoustic guitar?
Yes, but they will sound cleaner and less aggressive than an electric with distortion. Mute the unused strings and play only the two or three low strings.
How do I stop the other strings ringing?
Use the side of your picking hand to rest lightly on the unused strings, and keep the fretting fingers close to the strings. Only pick the strings you are fretting.
What does I–IV–V mean for power chords?
It means the first, fourth and fifth roots of a key. In E, that is E5–A5–B5. Power chords make this easy because you only move the same shape to a new root.