Power Chords Bell Ringer
Power Chords & Scale Degrees • Bell Ringer
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Quick Theory: What You Need to Know
1. What is a Scale? A musical scale is an ordered sequence of notes arranged by pitch from low to high (ascending) or high to low. Think of it as a musical staircase.
2. Scale Degree: Each note in a scale is assigned a number (1 to 7 or 8) representing its step. A note's scale degree represents its distance from the root note.
3. The Root Note: The 1st scale degree (Degree 1) is the anchor and foundation of the scale called the root note. Chords and scales take their name from this note and it determines the other notes in the scale or chord.
4. Guitar Power Chords: A rock power chord uses just two notes: the Root (1) and the 5th scale degree. It is named after its root and written with a "5" (e.g., C5).
Reference: C Major Scale Degrees Formula: Root (1) + 5th Degree = Power Chord
Degree 1 C Root Note
Degree 2 D Step 2
Degree 3 E Step 3
Degree 4 F Step 4
Degree 5 G Fifth
Degree 6 A Step 6
Degree 7 B Step 7
Degree 8 C Octave
Student Check for Understanding
Write your answers below
1. In your own words, what is a musical scale?
2. What is a scale degree, and what does it tell you about a note's distance from the root note?
3. What is a root note, and what does it determine for a scale or chord?
4. Build the C Major Power Chord (refer to the C Major Scale chart above):
A. Root Note (Degree 1):
B. 5th Scale Degree:
C. Power Chord Name / Symbol:
5. Guitar Application: Why is a power chord nicknamed a "5 chord" instead of a major or minor chord?
