power chord
noun
: a combination of two tones consisting of a root and its fifth that is often used in rock music
Examples of power chord in a Sentence
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These interludes are like ballads in-between heavy power chord tunes at a stadium rock concert; an experience somewhat akin to watching a big loud action movie such as this.
—
Richard Kuipers, Variety, 26 Jan. 2026
The combo of the group’s power chord-mad riffs, frontman Klaus Meine’s cutting vocals and ear-turning accent, and, of course, Buchholz’s rock-solid rhythms positioned them for heavy-metal dominance in the rock-hungry Eighties.
—Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 23 Jan. 2026
The Black Keys, happily on tour again, demonstrate the links between the blues, garage rock and modern indie rocks with their sharp and effective power chord solos.
—Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 16 Aug. 2025
The last two concerts are at Alga Norte Community Park: Aug. 15, Wayward Sons (power chord rock nostalgia); and Aug. 22, Euphoria Brass Band (modern New Orleans-style jazz).
—Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Aug. 2025
After which, he's literally blown away at the first power chord.
—New Atlas, 1 Aug. 2025
In addition to the performers, hip-hop founder DJ Kool Herc and inventor of the power chord Link Wray will receive the musical influence award.
—Starr Bowenbank, Billboard, 3 May 2023
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Richard Kuipers, Variety, 26 Jan. 2026
The combo of the group’s power chord-mad riffs, frontman Klaus Meine’s cutting vocals and ear-turning accent, and, of course, Buchholz’s rock-solid rhythms positioned them for heavy-metal dominance in the rock-hungry Eighties.
—Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 23 Jan. 2026
The Black Keys, happily on tour again, demonstrate the links between the blues, garage rock and modern indie rocks with their sharp and effective power chord solos.
—Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 16 Aug. 2025
The last two concerts are at Alga Norte Community Park: Aug. 15, Wayward Sons (power chord rock nostalgia); and Aug. 22, Euphoria Brass Band (modern New Orleans-style jazz).
—Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Aug. 2025
After which, he's literally blown away at the first power chord.
—New Atlas, 1 Aug. 2025
In addition to the performers, hip-hop founder DJ Kool Herc and inventor of the power chord Link Wray will receive the musical influence award.
—Starr Bowenbank, Billboard, 3 May 2023
Cite this Entry
“Power chord.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/power%20chord. Accessed 30 Jan. 2026.
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