Introduction

The B5 power chord is a staple in rock, punk, and metal music, known for its powerful and straightforward sound. This lesson will guide you through the steps to play the B5 power chord with the root note on the E string. By focusing on finger placement and understanding the intervals that make up this chord, you will be able to play the B5 power chord confidently and effectively.

The Formula of the B5 Power Chord

Power chords are made up of two essential notes: the root (R) and the perfect fifth (5). Unlike major or minor chords, power chords do not include the third interval, which gives them their distinctive, neutral sound.

• Root (R): B
• Perfect Fifth (5): F#

How to Play the B5 Power Chord

To play the B5 power chord, you will place two fingers on the E and A strings. Here are the detailed steps:

1. Find the Root Note on the E String: Locate the root note B on the low E string. The B note is found on the 7th fret of the low E string.
2. Place Your Index Finger (1st Finger): Place your index finger on the 7th fret of the low E string. This note is B (root, R).
3. Place Your Ring Finger (3rd Finger): Place your ring finger on the 9th fret of the A string. This note is F# (perfect fifth, 5).

Ensure that your fingers are pressing down firmly on the strings to avoid any muted or buzzing sounds. Here’s a quick summary of finger placements and notes:

• Low E String: 7th fret, B (root, R)
• A String: 9th fret, F# (perfect fifth, 5)

Strumming the B5 Power Chord

To play the B5 power chord, you will only strum the low E and A strings. Here’s how:

• Strum the low E string (7th fret) where your index finger is placed.
• Strum the A string (9th fret) where your ring finger is placed.

Avoid strumming the other strings to ensure the chord sounds clean and powerful. You should only hear the B (root) and F# (perfect fifth) notes ringing out.

Putting It All Together

When you strum the B5 power chord, you should hear a strong, focused sound comprised of the root and perfect fifth notes. Here’s a quick summary of finger placements and notes:

• Low E String: 7th fret, B (root, R)
• A String: 9th fret, F# (perfect fifth, 5)

Tips for Playing the B5 Power Chord

1. Proper Finger Placement: Ensure your fingers are positioned just behind the frets, not directly on them, to produce a clean sound.
2. Finger Pressure: Apply enough pressure to avoid any buzzing. Too little pressure will result in muted notes, while too much can cause strain.
3. Muting Unused Strings: Use the tip of your index finger to lightly touch the strings above the E string to mute them, preventing any unwanted noise.
4. Strumming Technique: Strum only the E and A strings, ensuring that the root and perfect fifth notes ring out clearly.

Practice Exercises

1. Slow Strumming: Strum the chord slowly, ensuring each note rings clearly. Listen for the balance of each note within the chord.
2. Arpeggios: Pick each string individually to confirm that each note is sounding properly. This helps in identifying and correcting any muted or buzzing strings.
3. Chord Changes: Practice transitioning between different power chords (e.g., B5 to E5, B5 to A5) to develop smooth and quick changes.

Conclusion

By following these instructions and practicing regularly, you’ll master the B5 power chord with the root note on the E string. This chord is versatile and widely used, making it an essential part of your guitar repertoire. Keep practicing, and you’ll be ready to incorporate these power chords into your playing and songs in no time.