I learnt that the root 5 shape of power chord is like this:
And for chords such as F5, C5 and G5, I just follow the essential notes as shown below:
And form the root 5 shape like this:
But I come across A5 and E5, I seen the shape like this:
So for cases such as A5 and E5, do I follow this chord shape because of some reasons or should I follow the root 5 shape from what I learnt from the website? Because it’s the first time I’ve seen the shape like this in A5 and E5
If I understand your question, you are asking if you should use the root on the open string or the root on fret 5.
The root on the open string is really the same shape. You can even play it with the same fingers if you feel like that is comfortable. The root is simply the nut in those cases.
However, you will probably find that what you choose is based either on how it sounds or what is easier to play given the notes before or after. Playing the thicker strings will offer a little different sound in most cases than playing the thinner strings. Not a lot different, but you should be able to hear it. Try it with A5 with root on string 5, then on string 6.
Economy of your hand movement is the other choice. if you play D5, and will then play A5, what is fastest to move to? Do you play it with root on string 6, then jump back to A5 with root on 5 - probably not since the jump is so large.
It is useful to both listen and think about what movement you need to make.
This is such a good answer. Some examples would be pixies songs and Nirvana songs just off the top of my head.
Hi Dawn.
Was that from Justin’s Beginner Course lesson on Power CHords?
If yes, Grade 2, he teaches both root 6 and root 5 power chords in the same lesson: https://www.justinguitar.com/guitar-lessons/power-chords-bg-1201
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When the Root 6 power chord root note arrives at fret 5, what is that root note? The note A. Meaning a Root 6 power chord rooted at fret 5 is an A5.
When a Root 5 power chord drops so far back that the root goes lower than fret 1 and is played by the open 5th string, what is that root note? The note A. Meaning a Root 5 power chord rooted at the open 5th string is an A5.
These two are the same. Same notes, same pitch, same chord.
Their timbre may be different due to the different thicknesses of the strings within and the fact one has an open string whereas the other is all fretted. But they are identical in other ways.
That is not quite true of an E5 power chord rooted at the open 6th string. The next E5 is either a Root 6 rooted at fret 12 or a Root 5 rooted at fret 7. The 12th fret d 7th fret versions are identical to each other. But, both are one octave higher than the Root 6 E5 rooted at the open 6th string.
All are E5 but the pitch is different depending on which you play.
I had the same issue
the video in the lesson teaches us the play a 3 fingers power chord and shows us how to mute the thinner strings but when we go on the app to play songs … its 2 fingers power chords , so its not the same shape as in the lesson ( and you wonder how you re supposed to play it , like : how the hell can I mute the strings with this new shape ? )
and to make it worse some songs asks to change from a 2 fingers to a 3 fingers power chord which is tricky to do
they all are power chords , its just that the app songs does not match the lesson ( about the shape )
its not all 3 fingers power chords …
If you play the E5 with the shape learned in the video , its pitch may not fit into the song you want to play ( will sound higher )
no not the same shape in the app
thats why people are lost
with this one you 'd be able to use what s taught in the lesson’s video
The confusion seems to be the app uses open power chords and Justin doesn’t cover them in the beginners course. I think he only covered them in master rock power chords course and song lessons.
yeah that s it !
so DxnFx was asking if he should play the power chords using the shape in the lesson or using the one in the app ( open power chords )
using only one shape of power chords is easier for beginners I think
Hi @MacOneill
I would not consider these any different. They are the same shape, just there is no need to place the first finger on the nut in the case of the open chord option.
However, the open version does give you the option to use whatever fingers you find best.
Power chords or 5 chords are just two notes.
Root note plus 5th.
They can be 2-string (root then 5th ascending in pitch) or 3-string (root plus 5th plus another root one octave up) in ascending pitch.
This next part applies to Root 6 and Root 5 power chords.
The lowest pitched note - the root - can be an open string.
The lowest pitched open string is E. Therefore it is lossible to play E5 using the open low E string as the root.
The next open string is A. This can be the root of an A5 power chord.
The other note(s) - whether a 2-string or 3-string version - are two frets along from the root.
Listing the fret numbers with 0 = open …
E5 = 0, 2, 2, x, x, x
A5 = x, 0, 2, 2, x, x
To finger those you could lay index finger down in a mini-barre across the two strings at fret 2 (far and away the most commonly used), use two separate fingers (you choose) at fret 2.
We will not consider Root 4 power chords here. They exist but make things more complicated.
So, allowing for Root 6 and Root 5 power chords only:
There are two possible open position power chords (E5 and A5).
There are multiple options to finger these but a flat mini-barre with 1st finger is the usual.
All other Root 6 and Root 5 power chords involve placing 1st finger on the low root and stretching two frets up with one or more fingers for the other note(s).
There is also a Root 6 A5 at fret 5.
There is also a Root 5 E5 at fret 7 … but this is an octave higher in pitch than the open position E5.
If a song has C5, D5 and A5 you can play using only Root 6 or only Root 5 or a mixture of both.
If a song has E5, B5 and A5 you can play using only Root 6 or only Root 5 or a mixture of both.
If a song has G5, C5 and D5 you can play using only Root 6 or only Root 5 or a mixture of both.
If a song has A5, D5 and E5 you can play using only Root 6 or only Root 5 or a mixture of both.
This is helpful to understand. Thank you!
Thank you for your advice!
Thank you!
