![Easy power chord](https://kumkoniak.com/28.jpg)
Here is the sheet music with audio underneath: Riff Played Without Power Chords: The first example is the riff, as it was written in the original lesson. Let’s look at one of the riffs that we did in the lesson on riffs. One way to observe how power chords can be used to ‘fatten up’ a guitar part, is to compare a riff being played as single notes and then as power chords. Observe how there is a powerful resonance with each power chord, but also a simplicity. Power chords can be (and frequently are) used without distortion (clean) as well. Distortion really brings power chords to life. Distortion gives the guitar that ‘rock’ sound and is used extensively in rock/metal styles. The guitar in the above audio files has been recorded using distortion. Power Chord Starting On 4th String, 2nd Fret: Power Chord Starting On 5th String, 2nd Fret: Power Chord Starting On 5th String, 5th Fret:
![easy power chord easy power chord](https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/105346.image1.jpg)
Power Chord Starting On 6th String, 1st Fret: Of course, experiment with moving the shape across the fretboard and on different strings: Try to play each one and listen to the recordings to compare. Remember, the shape is the same for each one, so all you really need to observe is which fret and string it starts on. Each of the following power chords will be written in tabs.
![easy power chord easy power chord](https://www.guitartricks.com/assets/news_images/F5chord.png)
Let’s play a few power chords and then discuss them a bit more. Once you have the hang of them, you have access to thousands of riffs/songs. This is achieved by avoiding these strings with the pick. If at first your power chords don’t sound perfect, stick with it. The other challenge is making sure that none of the non-fingered strings are played. Just like any other chord, it can be a challenge at first. The challenge initially with playing power chords is in getting the two notes to sound nice and clear. Because it sounds like one note, it can be used in lots of different situations. A power chord really just sounds like a ‘fatter’ version of one note.
![easy power chord easy power chord](https://learnguitarforfree.com/website/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/5-Fast-Power-Chord-Riffs-in-E-minor.PNG.png)
The result is a sound that is simple, yet ‘fat’. Basically, these two notes blend together so easily that it’s often difficult for the laymen to hear that there are two different notes being played. A power chord consists of a root note and a 5th (yes, theory, but don’t worry about understanding it just yet).
![easy power chord easy power chord](https://jtgt-static.b-cdn.net/system/dragonfly/production/2017/08/31/4p9nsidfyd_necknotes.gif)
So why are power chords so special? Why do we place such importance on a simple chord with only two notes? In short, it is because a power chord produces a simple, yet powerful sound.
![Easy power chord](https://kumkoniak.com/28.jpg)