Power chords, the backbone of rock and roll music have a massive appeal among the music enthusiasts. Head banging to a massive wall of sound created by distortion guitars, supported by a bass guitar and drums, in a concert by one’s favorite band is often a surreal experience.

💡Chord and emotion. 🎶

Even without playing an instrument, many are acquainted with the term “chord.” A chord is fundamentally a group of notes that are played simultaneously to express a specific emotion. For instance, there are two sets of chords one would be first introduced while picking up an instrument, the major and the minor chords. Both of these chords are triads, that is, those are played by three notes. Both the chords have root and the perfect fifth note. Whereas, in major chord, a major third decides its happy tonality, in minor chord it is a minor third, which decides its gloomy tonality.

Power chords are formed by the root and the 5th notes of a scale. But here is the catch, power chords are neither major nor minor. Without the third note to characterize its tonality it appears more open. It gets its character by the underlying lead guitar or bass guitar or whatever the supporting instrument being played. Inherently it neither has the happy upbeat feel of a major chord nor the gloominess of a minor chord.

One would think only moody and rebellious songs are characterized by strong power chords. It captures the angst and disconnection and discontent felt by a generation. Let’s say “Smells like a teen spirit” by Nirvana. This grunge-rock classic gets its signature energy with four power chords. Or the nu-metal classics by Linkin Parks are also distinguished by use of power chord of electronic elements.

On the other hand power chords, also resurfaces in upbeat songs like “Here I am” by Brayan Adams or “It’s my life by “Bon Jovi”, both of which have a more cheerful and spirited tone.

💡Life is like a power chord. 😊😔

Choices of the melodies rest safe in our hands. Choices we have in our lives are often overlooked. The power of choice has even transcendental effects on us. There is one story which very much resonant with my outlook of life.

💡The story of transformation of Netflix. 🎞

Netflix’s rise as a dominant force in the streaming industry can be largely credited to the strategic decision to foster a work culture that empowers individuals to make autonomous decisions aligned with the company’s objectives. This shift was significantly influenced by Patty McCord, who came on board as the Chief Talent Officer in 1998.

*Source: (*McCord, Patty. Powerful: Building a culture of freedom and responsibility. Tom Rath, 2018.)

She introduced some drastic changes in the policies of the company. The employees were given the freedom to work whichever way they liked, as long as they met their target. Traditional company cultures like vacation day, holiday and micromanagements were things of the past. The autonomy the employees received ha d transformative effects of the company. It was like on top of the power chords provided by the company, the employees wrote melodies to the road of success to become a 262 billion Dollar company.

💡As I conclude this writing ✍🏽

As a PhD student one of my key focuses has been to own my work. Instead of allowing setbacks to dictate my decisions and future objectives, I am trying to let analytical thinking and careful planning take the front wheel. The goal is to embrace a proactive approach. Hopefully, with all the knowledge I have acquired throughout the journey, I will be able to write energetic guitar riffs, which would be no less than a headbang worthy song.