F Power Chord

Chord Tones: F 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 F power chord commonly functions as the subdominant (IV) in C major — plagal cadence endpoint. 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 F Power Chord specifically contains 2 notes: F, C (formula: 1-5). On guitar, the F barre chord is famously one of the first challenging shapes beginners encounter, but its tight voicing produces a clear, focused sound. Classical, jazz, and gospel music frequently feature F-rooted chords, and brass-heavy arrangements in concert band naturally gravitate to keys that include F as a primary chord.

Common Progressions

The F 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 F 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 F Power Chord

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