A♭ Power Chord

Chord Tones: A♭ Power Chord

Symbol: 5 — Formula: 1-5

Chord Notation

Roman numeral (e.g. I, IV, V) and Nashville Number notation are key-dependent. See Keys pages for chord function within specific keys.

Inversions

Harmonic Function

The A♭ power chord commonly functions as the submediant (♭VI) in C minor or subdominant in E♭ major. Its harmonic role varies by key — in major keys it provides stable harmonic grounding.

The power chord consists of only the root and fifth, omitting the third entirely. It is neither major nor minor and sounds powerful and full, especially with distortion in rock and metal music. The A♭ Power Chord specifically contains 2 notes: A♭, E♭ (formula: 1-5). On piano, Ab-rooted chords use a combination of black and white keys that creates a relaxed hand shape, favored by Romantic-era composers for lyrical passages. Pop ballads, film scores, and neo-soul tracks often use Ab chords for their warm, enveloping quality — the key sits comfortably for many vocal ranges.

Common Progressions

The A♭ Power Chord frequently appears in these progression patterns (shown in Roman numeral notation relative to key):

• I5-IV5-V5

Songs Featuring the Power Chord

Well-known songs where the A♭ Power Chord — or this chord type — plays a prominent role:

• Smoke on the Water – Deep Purple
• Iron Man – Black Sabbath
• Enter Sandman – Metallica

Tuning Frequencies Across Temperaments

Frequencies shown at A=440 Hz. View full temperament data for any note.

Scales Containing the A♭ Power Chord

These scales include the A♭ Power Chord as a diatonic or characteristic chord: