Ab5 Guitar Chord

Ab5 is the A flat power chord. It has two notes: A flat and E flat. There is no third, so it is neither major nor minor, and the usual shape puts the root on the low E string at the 4th fret.

4fr134A♭E♭A♭×××

Root on the low E string at the 4th fret, the fifth on the A above it and the root again on the D. Movable: slide this grip anywhere and it is still a power chord.

How to play Ab5, step by step

  1. Index finger: 4th fret, low E string
  2. Ring finger: 6th fret, A string
  3. Pinky finger: 6th fret, D string
  4. Strum only the low E and A and D strings, and stop the downstroke at the D.

Nothing about this shape is specific to A flat. Slide it down one fret for G5, up one for A5, and the fingers never change.

More ways to play Ab5

There are 3 common Ab5 shapes in total: the standard one at the top of the page, plus these, easiest first. You only ever need one. Tap any card to hear it.

Two strings, root on the low E
Ab5 guitar chord diagram, two strings, root on the low e, played 46xxxx

Leaner than the three string version and quicker to move. Under distortion the missing octave is barely noticeable.

Root on the D string
Ab5 guitar chord diagram, root on the d string, played xx689x

Thick and solid, with the doubled root filling it out. This is the sound of a rock rhythm part.

If the chord is noisy

Strings above the chord ring
Three strings only. Let the fretting fingers touch the G string and end the strum at the D.
The root is unclear
The index takes the 4th fret of the low E. It is the thickest string, so it needs the firmest press of the two.
Scraping between chords
Release pressure first, then move the hand. Dragging pressed fingers along wound strings is what makes the noise.

What makes it an Ab5

A♭ · E♭ 1 5

Ab5 is A flat with its perfect fifth, E flat. The C of A flat major and the C flat of A flat minor are both left out.

With no third the chord is neutral and distortion friendly. It is also completely movable, which is why the same two fingers cover all twelve power chords.

Ab5 vs Ab

Full A flat is a barre chord in a key guitarists rarely choose. Ab5 is two fingers, no barre, and sounds heavier.

A flat turns up more often in songs written on piano or for horns. When a guitar part has to play it, the power chord is usually the practical answer.

Ab5 chord questions

Is Ab5 the same as G#5?

Yes. The two notes and the shape are identical; only the spelling differs, and A flat is the more common one.

Is Ab5 major or minor?

Neither. A power chord has no third, so it takes no side.

Where is Ab5 on the neck?

The 4th fret of the low E string is the usual place. It is also at the 11th fret of the A string, and a smaller version sits on the D string at the 6th.

Is there an open Ab5?

No. A flat is not an open string pitch, so the root always has to be fretted.

What chords go with Ab5?

Db5 and Eb5 complete the key of A flat. In the key of E flat, Ab5 is the IV chord.

Chords to learn next

Other Ab chords