How do I write a chord progression using power chords?
Okay, first let’s look at two things. Power chords, as we know, are simply the root and its fifth. By this definition, they are neither major nor minor. An E power chord (or E5), for example, is E and B. Now the major pentatonic scale is the root, 2nd, 3rd, 5th and 6th of the scale. So an E pentatonic scale is E, F#, G#, B and C#. Are you with me so far? Looking at this scale, I can make out four power chords. Check it out: E – E and B F# – F# and C# B – B and F# C# – C# and G# So I could write out a chord progression using combinations of these chords. And depending on the order I use I could come up with very different sounds. Check these out (and remember we’re only using power chords): • E, B, C#, F#, B • E, F#, B, E • C#, F#, B, E • F#, E, B, C#, F# And these are just a few ideas. Now, if you wanted to you could also throw other chords into the mix. An A power chord would work because it’s just A and E and you already have two thirds of an A major chord in your scale (C# and E). Y
