Guitar arpeggio
Bb Power Chord Guitar Arpeggio
Bb Power Chord is a two-note arpeggio built from Bb, and F. It is also commonly called BbFifth and Bb5. Use it to study chord tones, interval formulas, and guitar fretboard positions.
- Chord tones
- Bb, F
- Formula
- 1 5
- Semitones
- 0 7
- Chord symbols
- Bb5
- Also called
- BbFifthBb5
How to read this arpeggio
The chord tones are shown as pitch classes first. In the fretboard tool, square markers represent Bb root notes, while circular markers represent the remaining tones in the arpeggio.
Use the interactive fretboard to locate the Bb root notes and connect the remaining power chord chord tones across standard tuning.
This same arpeggio shape is also commonly called BbFifth or Bb5.
Chord construction and defining tones
Bb power chord uses only 1 (Bb) and 5 (F). With no third, the shape does not specify a major or minor quality.
Harmonic use
Use this two-note structure over Bb5, riffs, and harmonically ambiguous passages where the root-and-fifth sound should remain direct.
Practice this arpeggio on guitar
- Play the Bb Power Chord arpeggio from one Bb root to the next in at least two fretboard positions, saying each note name and interval degree aloud.
- Find 1 (Bb) and 5 (F) on every adjacent string pair and play them in both directions.
- Build a Bb-centered riff that alternates single notes, octaves, and root-fifth shapes without adding a third.
Fretboard diagram
Open this arpeggio in the fretboard tool
Start with Bb Power Chord loaded, then adjust tuning, labels, colors, fret count, and orientation.
Open in interactive fretboard