E Power chord Chord

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Formula R – 5

Summary

E Power chord is built from the notes E, B. The interval from E to B is a perfect 5th (7 semitones).

The power chord contains only the root and the perfect 5th — no 3rd at all. This deliberate harmonic neutrality is the backbone of rock, punk, and metal guitar. It's thick, aggressive, and cuts through any amount of distortion.

Theory

Technically a dyad (two distinct pitch classes), the power chord (R, 5) is often thickened by doubling the root an octave higher. Because the 3rd is strictly omitted, the chord is neither major nor minor — it's harmonically neutral, which lets the melody or vocal determine the tonality. The simple interval ratio (3:2) between root and 5th means the chord stays clean even under massive distortion, unlike full triads where the 3rd creates muddy intermodulation distortion.

On the guitar

The standard power chord shape — index finger on the root, ring finger two frets up on the next string, pinky on the octave — is one of the most iconic fingerings in all of guitar. It's instantly movable anywhere on the 6th and 5th strings without changing the pattern. Drop D tuning makes power chords playable with a single finger barred across the bottom two or three strings, which is why so many rock and metal bands use it.

Advanced

Palm-muted power chords are the rhythmic engine of punk, grunge, and metal — the muting adds percussive attack while keeping the pitch tight. For more movement, try adding the octave above or sliding into power chords chromatically. In heavier styles, power chord riffs often follow the minor pentatonic or natural minor scale patterns on the low strings, creating memorable hooks without any harmonic complexity.

Piano