Poem Series: Spaces

Spaces

Liz Fink-Davenport

"I never gave it all away....."

"Breaking Out of the Box" #4 - Alan Robinson

The Power of "Power Chords": Part 4

Alan Robinson

The Power Chord Matrix 

Using the grid below you can select various “power chords” to play the desired chord tones/tensions.

The column on the left side indicates the chord quality and function within the key. The row at the top identifies the power chord (5 chord) from each scale degree/note within the key. The blocks highlighted in red are poor choices and will most likely change the chord function. These combinations should be avoided. The blocks highlighted in grey are available but either contain the root or 5th of the chord. Neither the root or 5th define the quality or add any true color. These can be used but leave a bland sound. The blocks in white, without highlights are possible choices which will add essential chord tones (3rd/7th) and/or tensions (9/11/13) to color the chord.

Using the grid below you can select various “power chords” to play the desired chord tones/tensions.

For an example let’s say we need to play a CMaj7(13) chord. We are in the key of “C” and therefore the chord will function as the I Maj7. (see example below)