The fifth chord—often called a power chord in rock—is a root with a perfect fifth (and sometimes the octave doubled) and no third. Notation is C5 or G5 on guitar charts. Without major or minor third, it is neither happy nor sad: it reads as raw, neutral, and loud—perfect for riffs and distorted amps where thirds can sound messy.
How it’s built
Root plus perfect fifth: C–G. Adding the root an octave higher (C–G–C) is standard on guitar for a fuller sound. There is no third, so mode and major/minor quality come from other instruments or the melody.
Usage
In rock, punk, metal, and grunge, power chords drive riffs and rhythm parts. In pop, they appear in clean arpeggios when arrangers want openness. In orchestral writing, open fifths evoke folk or medieval color when used without thirds.
Examples
- Classic rock and metal — distorted rhythm guitar on E5, A5, D5 shapes
- Punk and alternative — fast downstroke patterns on 5 chords
- Pop production — layered 5 chords with vocals supplying the third
Play
Let the bass or melody define key center; the 5 chord alone is ambiguous. On guitar, mute strings you do not need so the power stays tight under gain.
