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Power chords



Well, this question will always be controversial, but clearly the first Who
singles exhibited a use of loud, quickly strummed chords that PT developed
systematically into an integral, distinctive part of his sound. Clearly,
Dave Davies used a form of the style on YRGM, but wasn`t the opening chord
on the Beatles` song A Hard Day`s Night also a kind of power chord?  And
from there surely it reaches back to Cochran and Link Wray and ultimately to
the blues... But then compare these earlier sounds to the kinetic,
propulsive power riffing of PT on the break (criminally shortened on the
commercially released version) of The Kids Are Alright; there is, here,
IMHO, a different sound and purpose to the power chord. It is used not just
as amped-up rhythm, but as a lead instrument. (Chuck Berry was a progenitor
here, however). Also, one should not minimize PT`s use of volume as just a
detail in regard to his development of the power riffing style. I believe it
was the (superb) leaflet accompanying the 30 years` video which stated that
the Who`s use of volume in effect added a fifth member to the band. High
volume added tremendous power and excitement to what was already a dynamite
ensemble sound. So, when we take all these factors into consideration, I
think it is fair to say PT invented the modern sound and use of the power
chord. Can anyone doubt, for example, that Clapton`s chordal riffing at the
end of Sunshine of Your Love came straight from PT? Ditto Jimi`s (sublime)
use of power chords on Fire.  Cheers.