Here’s a method that’ll make your chords more powerful

by Jermaine Griggs · 18 comments

This post won’t be long. In fact, it’ll be real simple.

If you’ve always wondered how to make your chords sound full, here’s a strategy you can start implementing right away.

If you already do this, then you’ll enjoy this as a review.

Power chords

It’s basically made up of a perfect fifth interval. Some refer to it as a dyad since it’s really only two notes (the more commonly used big sister, “triad,” is a three-note chord).

Yup, it’s pretty much that simple.

And if you know your intervals, you’ll understand that a fifth is simply the distance between the root and fifth tone of a scale.

C major
C D E F G A B C
1 2 3 4 5 6 7

So, to play a power chord, just play the “1 + 5.”

But to make it even better, double up on your root by playing octaves.

1 + 5 + 8 (a.k.a. – “1,” but the octave)

Where do you use power chords?

Typically, you can use them on your left hand to “power” up your chord.

Since they make use of the perfect fifth interval, which is found in major, minor, and dominant chords, they are pretty flexible.

C major
C + E + G on right /// C + G + C on left

C minor
C + Eb + G on right /// C + G + C on left

C dominant 7
C + E + G + Bb on right /// C + G + C on left

But keep in mind that since you’re already playing C and G with your left hand, you can get more creative with your right hand:

C major 7

E + B + E on right /// C + G + C on left

*Remember this chord from yesterday’s lesson?

Taking power chords even further

You don’t have to stick with the “1 + 5 + 1″ all the time.

I recommend being flexible with the third tone of the power chord (the “octave 1″).

For example, if you’re playing a C major 7 chord on the right hand (C + E + G + B), instead of playing “C + G + C” on the left, you can play “C + G + B” on the left, which emphasizes the major 7th interval.

Or if you’re playing a C minor 7 or C dominant 7 chord, you can play “C + G + Bb” on the left to emphasize the flat 7th interval.

However you choose, power chords can be a wonderful addition to your playing, especially if you’re just doing one fingered bass notes right now.

"Secrets To Playing Piano By Ear" 300pg Course With Bonus Ear Training Software

This course is jam-packed with 300 pages of easy-to-understand instruction geared towards teaching you how to play by ear. Every chapter has been specifically designed to give you a solid foundation and understanding of what playing the piano by ear is all about. From the basics and fundamentals to scales, chords, progressions, harmony, accompaniment, rhythm, and improvisation, you'll get it all in this comprehensive program.

If you want to take your skills to the next level in half the time, you owe it to yourself to to advantage of this incredible resource. Click here to learn more | Buy now

Until next time —

Tagged as: dyads, fifth chord, octave, one finger bass, one fingered bass, perfect fifth, power chords

{ 18 comments… read them below or add one }

1 Jermaine

Challenge: List the 3 power chords I talked about above in all 12 keys. I’ll start in C major, then F major.

C major

C + G + C (1-5-1 power chord)

C + G + B (1-5-7 power chord)

C + G + Bb (1-5-b7 power chord)

F major

F + C + F (1-5-1 power chord)

F + C + E (1-5-7 power chord)

F + C + Eb (1-5-b7 power chord)

Remember: The 1-5-1 is pretty flexible so it can be played on the left hand to power up pretty much any chord (most at least). Major, minor, dominant, etc.

1-5-7 are usually for major sevenths, ninths, elevenths, thirteenths… major-sounding extended chords basically.

1-5-b7 are usually for minor and dominant sevenths, ninths, elevenths, thirteenths (and other blues-to-serious sounding extended chords).

There you have it.

Who’s next?

2 BRIAN AKA TRUMUSIC1SOUL

Bb MAJOR
Bb + F + Bb (1-5-1 POWER CHORD)

Bb + F + A (1-5-7 POWER CHORD)

Bb + F + Ab (1-5-b7 POWER CHORD)

WAS USING THE 1-5-1 OFTEN BUT HAVEN’T QUITE USED THE 1-5-7 NOR THE 1-5-b7. I’VE BEEN TRYING THEM AS YOU SAID WITH SOME CHORDS I PLAY AND W………..O…………..W……… IT GIVES THEM SUCH POWERFUL CHARACTER.
THANKS AGAIN FOR SHARING SUCH A WEALTH OF KNOWLEDGE…. GOTTA GO PRACTICE AND DO SOME “CHORDAL REMODELING” ;)

3 rayjohnson83

Eb MAJOR

Eb + Bb + Eb (1-5-1 POWER CHORD)

Eb + Bb + D (1-5-7 POWER CHORD)

Eb + Bb + Db (1-5-b7 POWER CHORD)

4 Pete

G major

G + D + G (1-5-1 power chord)

G + D + F# (1-5-7 power chord)

G + D + F (1-5-b7 power chord).

Like bryan, I’ve tried the last two and they really do sound good with the chords jermaine mentions above.

5 chawk

This is unbelievable! :) Your mind is amazing to me with the wealth of knowledge you possess. ditto with Brian I need to go practice some of this wealth of knowledge. In a minute.

Ab major

Ab + Eb + Ab 1-5-1 power chord
Ab + Eb + G 1-5-7 power chord
Ab + Eb + Gb 1-5-b7 power chord

6 Jermaine

@Chawk: Thanks so much!

And thanks for the Ab power chords.

7 Laketa

Db + Ab + Db ( 1-5-1)

Db + Ab + C ( 1-5-7)

Db + Ab + B (1-5-b7)

Thanks again Jermaine, Oh now I understand why the 1-5-b7 power chord doesn’t sound so well with every chord. I have options…. Another question answered! God is too good to me:-)

8 BRIAN AKA TRUMUSIC1SOUL