I use power chords in a few ways. Firstly, if you are alternating rhythm with lead lines, a power chord is faster to form and holds the rhythm pattern. If you can let it ring out as you do a lead line, it lets you carry a song solo well.
I also use them for their namesake, power. They have a dominant psychological effect and can really add energy to a performance.
I also use them when I only need a leading tone from one of the notes and the rest of the chord doesn't really add much embellishment.
Learn em! They are the basis of rock. A big part of a contemporary guitar toolkit.
|