What you’ll learn
- Build two- and three-note power chords.
- Move the shape up and down the neck.
- Mute strings that should not ring.
Before you practice
A power chord uses the root and fifth, sometimes with an octave. Without a third it works well with distortion and does not define major or minor.
Moving the root to a different fret moves the whole chord. Learn the notes on the low E and A strings to find chords quickly.
Lightly touch neighboring strings with the fretting hand to keep them quiet. Muting is part of a clean chord.
Lesson exercise
- Play E5 → G5 → A5.
- Move the shape on the sixth string and name the notes.
- Practice short, muted attacks between chords.