Power Chords can carry the weight of the band.

Power Chords can be categorized as any chords that contain the Root, 3rd, and 7th degrees of a scale.

The reason is this:

The Root Note establishes the Tonal Center.
The 3rd and 7th will establish the chord's quality as Major, Minor, or Dominant.

In most music of the 20th and 21st Centuries which heavily utilize 2-5-1 progressions, we have in these chords everything required to perform the necessary rhythmic accompaniment for soloists and even for entire combos. These chords can carry the weight of the band. With a single guitar, you can drive the progression harmonically and rhythmically from beginning to end.

These Chords .... On their own ...

They Rock !!! They Roll !!!
They serve up Grooves with a Whole Lot of Soul !!!

Add some Alchemy, also sometimes referred to in some places (ie. New Orleans, etc) as "Mojo", and you're getting close to being kind of "Dangerous" ... in a good sort of way!!!

At the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame - Saturday Morning Jazz Class, where we cover Big Band Jazz Arrangements, 12-Bar Blues, and lately Bossa Nova, there are occasions where there is no piano, no bass, and no drums. I have used these chords - Power and Seventh Chords - to provide accompaniment for 2-hour long rehearsal sessions with as many as eight brass and/or reed players.

These Chords are Essential Tools in any Jazz Guitar Alchemist's Repertoire!

Altered chords and Substitutions add a bit more complexity and interest to the mix.

Check back soon.

I'll have more to say about Power Chords, Altered Chords, and Jazz Harmony before we move on to Rhythm.