Power chords are a staple in rock, metal, and thrash music. Unlike guitar power chords, bass power chords focus on maintaining clarity and punch, creating a solid foundation for heavy riffs and driving lines. In this lesson, I’ll outline four essential bass power chords and show you how to use them effectively across rock and metal styles.
My main goal is to get you to learn each shape and then create music from them.
100 Rock Grooves For Electric Bass
If you want the complete TAB/notation for these examples and many more, check out 100 Rock Grooves For Electric Bass. It’s packed with exercises, grooves, and riffs to develop your power chord technique and overall rock playing.
What Are Bass Power Chords?
A power chord is a simple yet powerful chord consisting of just two or three notes – the root and the fifth. On bass, these chords are typically played as a dyad (two-note chord) to maintain clarity and prevent the mix from getting too muddy.
For example, in the key of E, a basic power chord would consist of the root (E) and the fifth (B). You can play power chords on the lower strings to keep the sound deep and impactful, or move up the neck for a tighter, punchier sound.
3 Must-Know Bass Power Chords
1. Root + Fifth Power Chord
The classic rock power chord shape.
Example: E (7th fret on the A string) + B (9th fret on the D string)
Great for building heavy, driving bass lines.
2. Root + Octave Power Chord
Adds more brightness and attack.
Example: E (7th fret on the A string) + E (9th fret on the G string)
Ideal for thrash and metal sections that need extra clarity.
3. Root + Fifth + Octave Power Chord
Full-sounding, aggressive chord for metal breakdowns.
Example: E (7th fret on the A string) + B (9th fret on the D string) + E (9th fret on the G string)
Best for high-energy, thick-sounding riffs.
Songs with Bass Power Chords
1. Rage Against the Machine – “Killing in the Name”
- Style: Funk metal / Rap rock
- Usage: Tim Commerford uses distortion and sometimes hints at power chords, especially live, to match Tom Morello’s guitar energy.
2. Royal Blood – “Out of the Black”
- Style: Garage rock / Blues rock
- Usage: This band is a two-piece (bass and drums), and the bassist uses octave pedals and distortion to create full-sounding riffs, often using root-fifth-octave shapes.
3. Motörhead – “Ace of Spades”
- Style: Speed metal / Rock 'n' roll
- Usage: Lemmy plays chords and fifths on his Rickenbacker bass with tons of grit, often strumming like a rhythm guitarist.
4. Red Hot Chili Peppers – “Don't Forget Me”
- Style: Rock pop
- Usage: Flea starts the song off with probably the most famous use of the root-5 bass power chord.
Power chords are a powerful tool for any bassist looking to add more punch and aggression to their playing. Whether you're jamming along to classic rock tracks or crafting heavy metal riffs, these three shapes will give you a solid foundation for building intense, impactful lines.
Grab a copy of 100 Rock Grooves For Electric Bass for more examples and exercises that will help you master power chords and elevate your rock and metal bass playing.
