[ragser]

So I've learned a few power chords and basically how they work. What I don't understand fully though is how they're named. I know for example that if you do a power chord on the first and the third fret it's called an F power chord because the root is on the first fret same as an F. And a G power chord on the third. I don't understand fully why they are named this way because I've been watching some video lessons when power chords have been used and heard things like "So do a C power chord" and the guy goes down the neck to like the 10th fret or something. Why is this? He also used two different types or C power chords. Does any1 know how I can learn this?

[PepticDust]

Power chords are named with a 5. An F power chord would be called F5.

You can play a power chord in multiple spots. You can play a C5 8th fret 6th string, 10 fret 5th string or 3rd fret 5th string and 5th fret 4th string. Both ways of doing it have the same notes. Best way to chose which one to use is whatever chord you play before it. If you are playing A5 (open 5th string and 2nd fret 4th string) then playing C5 with the root on the 5th string would mean moving your hand less.

[SkyNet]

Another reason for choosing the position of a chord or note is tone. You can play the same note/chord in different positions and get a different tone.

If you're playing with some else you can play the same chord in different positions and get a more diverse or bigger sound. Have a look at YouTube - Making 2 guitars in a band sound HUGE!!!! and YouTube - 2 Guitars pt. 2

hth

[fly135]

Peptic, pretty much answered it. I'll add that a powerchord is the root (which it's named after) and the 5th (which explains the 5 added). A normal vanilla chord includes the 3rd, as in 1st (or root), 3rd, and 5th.

You should get or make yourself a picture of the fretboard with all the notes. Usually powerchords are played on the 6th and 5th strings, or the 5th and 4th strings. The root is on the top string (lowest pitch) and the 5th is the next string up two frets.

You can also include the next string (6,5,*4* or 5,4,*3*), same fret as the 5th because that is the octave of the root.

Since the 5th string is 5 semitones higher than the 6th string (same with 4th string relative to 5th), you can form the same powerchord on strings 5 and 4 as you can on strings 6 and 5 simply by moving your hand position up 5 frets on the fretboard. That's why it's a good idea to get yourself a picture of the fretboard with all the notes. I should add that even though it's the same powercord, it is an octave higher which makes it tonally different.

[ragser]

Thanks guys. I think I get most of it. Not completely though. But I suppose I will eventually. Thanks

[fly135]

Here's a picture of the fretboard with some notes listed. Take a G5 powerchord (3rd fret 6th string and 5th fret 5th string). G=1, A=2, B=3, C,=4, D=5. The first and fifth is a G and D for a G5.