The D fifth chord, widely recognized as the D power chord, is a staple in rock, metal, and punk guitar playing. By containing only the root (D) and perfect fifth (A) while omitting the third, this chord delivers a neutral, powerful sound that cuts through any mix. Power chords like D5 are essential for creating the aggressive, driving energy characteristic of heavy music, and their simple two-note structure remains clear even under heavy distortion. Whether you're playing hard rock riffs or metal breakdowns, the D power chord provides the sonic foundation that defines guitar-driven music. The D5 forms the backbone of The Kinks' "You Really Got Me" (1964), often credited as the first rock song built entirely on power chord distortion, recorded through a slashed amplifier speaker at IBC Studios in London. When played open on standard-tuned guitar (open D and A strings), D5 produces maximum resonance due to the instrument's natural sympathetic vibration, making it a go-to choice for songwriters from Pete Townshend to Johnny Ramone. Technical players often add the octave (high D) to create a D5(add8) voicing on frets 5-7-7, expanding the chord's frequency range while maintaining its characteristic neutral tonality alongside related power chords like C5, E5, G5, and A5.
Scale degrees of each note in the D Fifth chord.
| Note | Number | Name |
|---|---|---|
| D | 1 | Tonic |
| A | 5 | Dominant |
Intervals from the root note of the D Fifth chord.
| Notes | Semitones | Interval |
|---|---|---|
| D → D | 0 | Perfect Unison (P1) |
| D → A | 7 | Perfect 5th (P5) |
Explore chords that share the same key as the D Fifth chord.