Guitar arpeggio

F# Power Chord Guitar Arpeggio

F# Power Chord is a two-note arpeggio built from F#, and C#. It is also commonly called F#Fifth and F#5. Use it to study chord tones, interval formulas, and guitar fretboard positions.

Chord tones
F#, C#
Formula
1 5
Semitones
0 7
Chord symbols
F#5
Also called
F#FifthF#5

How to read this arpeggio

The chord tones are shown as pitch classes first. In the fretboard tool, square markers represent F# root notes, while circular markers represent the remaining tones in the arpeggio.

Use the interactive fretboard to locate the F# root notes and connect the remaining power chord chord tones across standard tuning.

This same arpeggio shape is also commonly called F#Fifth or F#5.

Chord construction and defining tones

1F#
5C#

F# power chord uses only 1 (F#) and 5 (C#). With no third, the shape does not specify a major or minor quality.

Harmonic use

Use this two-note structure over F#5, riffs, and harmonically ambiguous passages where the root-and-fifth sound should remain direct.

Practice this arpeggio on guitar

  1. Play the F# Power Chord arpeggio from one F# root to the next in at least two fretboard positions, saying each note name and interval degree aloud.
  2. Find 1 (F#) and 5 (C#) on every adjacent string pair and play them in both directions.
  3. Build a F#-centered riff that alternates single notes, octaves, and root-fifth shapes without adding a third.

Fretboard diagram

F# Power Chord Guitar Arpeggio fretboard diagram in standard tuning
F# Power Chord Guitar Arpeggio fretboard diagram in standard tuning.

Open this arpeggio in the fretboard tool

Start with F# Power Chord loaded, then adjust tuning, labels, colors, fret count, and orientation.

Open in interactive fretboard

Arpeggio diagrams by tuning