A song with cool power chords
I bet a lot of guitarists started out on electric guitar by practicing a song that’s packed with power chords, right?
As many of you probably know, a power chord is made by stripping notes from a standard chord and playing just the root and the fifth.
Because of that simplification, you get a punchier sound that’s perfect for distorted rock—super cool tone!
And when you play power chords with a palm mute, it really feels like you’re playing a bona fide rock track—it sounds awesome.
In this article, I’ll introduce some cool songs that feature power chords.
I think it’ll also help beginners find great songs to practice!
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Cool Songs with Power Chords (11–20)
Love BombB’z
A song by B’z, one of Japan’s premier rock units.
While the track is packed with high-level guitar work, including a technical guitar solo, it’s the power-chord phrases—like the bridge-muted parts in the verse and the strummed sections in the chorus—that make the song feel even more rock.
It’s a number that reaffirms that no matter how difficult the piece, rock guitar equals power chords.
ROCKET DIVEhide with Spread Beaver
Released in January 1998, this is hide’s 8th solo single and the first under the name hide with Spread Beaver.
Because of the heavy effects used in the intro and guitar solo, it may sound difficult, but aside from the single-note riffs in the accent sections and the guitar solo, most of the song can be played with power chords, making it a simple number.
The song has a fast tempo, so the chord changes are a bit quick, but once you memorize them, the backing pattern is easy to play in time with the groove.
Also, the phrases other than the power chords are not particularly fast, making it a good challenge for beginner guitarists.
Let Me HearFear, and Loathing in Las Vegas
A track by the post-hardcore band Fear, and Loathing in Las Vegas, used as the opening theme for the TV anime Parasyte -the maxim-.
Amid a sound that foregrounds not only the band but also electronic programming, the commanding power-chord tone defines the band’s heavier direction.
The song isn’t easy—its feel shifts partway through and it employs techniques like tapping—but it’s a rewarding challenge for guitarists who’ve grown comfortable with power chords.
True YourselfHEY-SMTIH
A melodic punk band with a horn section, HEY-SMITH’s track.
In the A section, the guitar features an offbeat backing pattern reminiscent of ska punk, incorporating strummed power-chord phrases, while in the B section, a powerful power-chord riff with enough presence to stand up to the screaming vocals ramps up the tension—an impressionistically rock-driven sound.
Although parts like the intro have rhythms that are tricky to lock into and it’s not the easiest song to memorize, the phrases themselves are simple, making it a recommended number for guitarists who are bored with songs that only use power chords.
Shunkan SentimentalSCANDAL
A song by the four-piece girls’ band SCANDAL, used as the ending theme for the TV anime Fullmetal Alchemist.
Aside from the octave-based single-note riff in the intro and the guitar solo, the entire number can be played using only power chords.
Muting during the synchronized hits with the other parts is important performance-wise, but since the left-hand positions are only power chords, it’s an easy track for beginner guitarists to copy.
Why I’m MeRIZE
A track included on RIZE’s first album, “ROOKEY,” released in November 2000.
Most of the song can be played using only power chords, and the positions move within a small area of the fretboard, making it an easy number for beginner guitarists to learn.
There’s a section with a single-note riff, but the phrase involves minimal movement, so it’s easy to pick up.
Although the arrangement and performance are simple, the tempo is fast, so practice with care to your chord changes.
In conclusion
I introduced some cool songs that feature power chords. That straightforward, powerful, soaring guitar sound is rock to the core. Whether you’re strumming or chugging with palm muting, it sounds awesome! There were also songs with memorable guitar riffs that make great use of power chords. Since the left hand fingering is simple, beginners should definitely give it a try.