power chord

power chord

A chord commonly used in rock music that combines a root (a low note that forms the foundation of a chord) and its fifth (a note that is five notes higher than the root on the scale). A: "When do you want me to come in?" B: "Why don't you hit that power chord, and we'll go into the chorus from there."
See also: chord, power
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • transpose (something) from (something) (in)to (something)
  • transpose (something) to (something)
  • transpose
  • transpose (something) from (something)
  • strike a chord
  • strike a chord (with someone)
  • strike/touch a chord
  • touch a chord (with someone)
  • chord
  • hit the right chord
References in periodicals archive
The structure of a power chord as played is quite distinct from the "remarkably complex ...
Theory and Analysis of Classic Heavy Metal Harmony
"Solara" opens with a metal-like power chord before building heavier as Corgan sings, "Bring down the sun."
Smashing Pumpkins classic lineup reunites for song
As with Mi Amor, Watergate is much of the same power chord led rock pop.
Some straightforward stuff from Portlights; PROFILE
Let a sad but distorted note knell to mark the passing of Link Wray, an originator and power chord innovator most famous for poking holes in his amp's speaker to produce the trademark rumbling guitar sound on songs like, well, "Rumble" and "Jack the Ripper" (the 1958 song "Rumble," an instrumental, was actually banned in some places as it was thought to inspire street fighting and violence).
Notes from the underground
the singing is bad, just wait the first power chord
Routine is good - I know exactly how much baby care I'm avoiding; DOUBLE TROUBLE FOR A FIRST-TIME DAD OF TWINS
If the singing is bad, just for the first power chord
Routine is good - I know exactly how much baby care I'm avoiding; DOUBLE TROUBLE FOR A FIRST-TIME DAD OF TWINS
the singing is bad, just wait the first power chord If the singing is bad, just wait for the first power chord
Routine is good - I know exactly how much baby care I'm avoiding
From the first power chord of their guitar explosion a writhing mass of teens launched into a giant, and surprisingly co-ordinated, mosh while frontman Ian Watkins swaggered and strutted before the adoring hoard.
Fans far from Betrayed by Lostprophets; REVIEW
The War of the Worlds star is rumoured to have placed a pounds 12million order for her own customised Gulfstream jet +++++ Guitar player Link Wray, who invented the power chord, the mainstay of modern rock guitarists, has died at the age of 76.
people
and BLACK ICE, an authentic reproduction of AC/DC's mammoth power chord roar.
It's a festival of the tribute bands; Also playing: Counterfest
Mustering up his inner-Sammy Hagar, Gallo celebrates rock 'n' roll and all its inherent excesses on liquored-up ocker "Good Bad Habit." You can practically smell the alcohol on Gallo's breath when he sings, "My baby's on fire/She works the cantina/She's getting higher/Drink my tequila/Walks in my room/With her boots and bandana/Tastes like 100 proof/Like pure Havana." And, if that isn't intoxicating enough, the song's power chord crunch and heavy beats are enough to make your head throb (in a good way) the day after.
Deep 6 comes back for more with new CD
Holidays in the Sun was a power chord driven frenzy.
REVIEW: An experience hotter than a Rotten rant at the monarchy; Birmingham Carling Academy Sex Pistols *****
Wray is said to have invented the "power chord", the basis of hard rock, metal and punk rock.
Rock 'n' roll hero Wray dies