The F♭ power chord (F♭5) is an enharmonically spelled power chord that consists of the root note (F♭) and its perfect fifth, with the third omitted to create the characteristic neutral sound of all power chords. Though rarely notated as F♭5 in practice—most musicians use its enharmonic equivalent E5—this power chord structure delivers the same ambiguous tonality that allows it to function over major or minor progressions in rock, metal, and punk contexts. The stripped-down two-note construction of the F♭ power chord makes it ideal for heavily distorted guitar tones, where it cuts through the mix without the harmonic complexity that would create unwanted overtones. Understanding the F♭5 reinforces the theoretical foundation of power chords, even if you're more likely to see it written as E5 on stage or in tablature. The F♭5 power chord is exceptionally rare in practical music notation, appearing almost exclusively in theoretical contexts or when maintaining strict enharmonic spelling in keys like C♭ major or G♭ major. Professional musicians universally substitute E5 in performance situations, making F♭5 notation primarily an academic distinction rather than a practical chord choice. This theoretical understanding is valuable for music students studying enharmonic equivalents and demonstrates why context-appropriate chord naming matters in professional charts and lead sheets.
Scale degrees of each note in the F♭ Fifth chord.
| Note | Number | Name |
|---|---|---|
| F♭ | 1 | Tonic |
| C♭ | 5 | Dominant |
Intervals from the root note of the F♭ Fifth chord.
| Notes | Semitones | Interval |
|---|---|---|
| F♭ → F♭ | 0 | Perfect Unison (P1) |
| F♭ → C♭ | 7 | Perfect 5th (P5) |
Explore chords that share the same key as the F♭ Fifth chord.