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The Power Chord: How It Works, with an Example, the D Power Chord
Recall earlier in this chapter, the following distinction:
For practical purposes, think of a chord as three or more different-pitched notes played or sung simultaneously. Not two. Consider two notes, whether sounded simultaneously or in succession, an interval.
The power chord is the exception. A power chord consists of only two different notes played simultaneously, the tonic and fifth notes of the scale. Using the D power chord as an example:
- The root of the power chord (tonic note of the scale, the note D) is usually in the lower-pitched position.
- However, the fifth (the note A) may be in the lower-pitched position.
- The root (D) may be doubled, an octave higher or lower.
- The fifth (A) may be doubled, an octave higher or lower.
The defining property of a power chord is that the third is missing. In this example, that would be the note F♯. The reason has to do with distortion. If you play an ordinary major or minor triad on an electric guitar through an amp with tons of distortion, the overtones are so muddied-up that your brain has a hard time figuring out that it’s even hearing a chord, let alone what kind of harmony it’s supposed to be. All your brain can discern is formless noise.
However, if you leave out the third, then your brain can usually distinguish a basic harmonic interval, a perfect fifth—even with all the distortion. Although it’s only an interval, and not a chord in the normal sense of the word, at least it is harmony. The overwhelming dissonance of the electronic distortion provides the sense of power (see “Emotional Effects of Intervals,” Chapter 4).