Inverted Power Chords on Guitar: Expanding Your Chord Vocabulary
Power chords are a staple in rock, punk, and metal music. Their simple, strong sound makes them an essential tool for guitarists. However, there’s a variation that can add a fresh twist to your playing: inverted power chords.
In this guide, we’ll break down what inverted power chords are, how they differ from standard power chords, and how to play them effectively on the guitar.
What is a Power Chord?
Before diving into inversions, let’s quickly review the standard power chord.
A power chord consists of two or three notes:
- The root (the note that names the chord)
- The fifth (five scale degrees above the root)
- (Optional) The octave (the root played one octave higher)
What is an Inverted Power Chord?
An inverted power chord flips the normal structure by placing the fifth in the bass instead of the root. Instead of a root-fifth(-octave) structure, an inverted power chord is built as a fifth root (-octave).
For example, an inverted A5 power chord looks like this:
In this case, the open A string is E (fifth), and the 2nd fret on the D string is A (root).
Why Use Inverted Power Chords on Guitar?
- Thicker, fuller sound: Since the bass note is the fifth, it adds a different tonal weight.
- Easier transitions: Some chord progressions sound smoother when using inversions.
- More variety in your playing: Helps break the monotony of standard power chord shapes.
How to Play Inverted Power Chords on Guitar
Let’s break down some common inverted power chord shapes.
1. Inverted A5 (E in the bass)
2. Inverted D5 (A in the bass)
3. Inverted G5 (D in the bass)
Notice how the lower note in these shapes is not the root, but the fifth.
When to Use Inverted Power Chords on Guitar
1. Creating a Heavier Sound
In styles like metal and hard rock, inverted power chords help create a heavier sound. Since the fifth is in the bass, it gives a more aggressive tone.
Example: If you’re playing a drop D tuning riff, an inverted D5 can add extra weight:
2. Adding Movement in Chord Progressions
Switching between root-position and inverted power chords in a progression can create a smoother bass movement.
For example, a G5 → D5 → C5 progression could be made smoother using inversions:
Without inversions:
With inversions:
By using an inverted D5 (A in the bass), the bass movement becomes more fluid.
3. Fitting Better in a Band Mix
In a band setting, guitarists and bassists often compete for low frequencies. Using inverted power chords allows you to keep the power but reduce clashing with the bass player.
How to Practice Inverted Power Chords on Guitar
- Start with basic power chord shapes.
- Play a standard power chord, then play its inverted form.
- Compare how they sound.
- Experiment with different keys and fretboard positions.
- Try playing an entire song using inverted power chords.
- Incorporate them into real music.
- Find songs with power chords and replace some with their inverted versions.
Wrap Up
Inverted power chords are a powerful tool to add variation and depth to your guitar playing. Whether you want heavier riffs, smoother transitions, or a better band mix, they provide a fresh way to approach rhythm guitar.
Next time you’re playing power chords, experiment with inversions. It might just be the sound your music needs.
Interested in taking your guitar skills to the next level? Click the below and book a free lesson with us! We’re committed to helping you express yourself freely on the guitar without endless scales and theory. Happy playing!
Author: Daniel Powers Jr, the founder of Real Brave™, serves as the chief inspiration to thousands of students in the Real Brave music instruction program. He’s also the visionary behind PracticePad™, an online platform for live one-on-one online music lessons, lesson tracking, and scheduling. Beyond his entrepreneurial pursuits, Daniel leads a non-profit organization that provides formerly homeless children with access to music education, making a profound impact on their lives. His unwavering dedication to music, innovation, and education continues to inspire individuals to reach their fullest potential while creating positive change in communities. Follow Real Brave on all the socials:
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