Three-chord song

A three-chord song is a song whose music is built around three chords that are played in a certain sequence. Perhaps the most prevalent type of three-chord song is the simple twelve bar blues.

Typically, the three chords used are the chords on degrees I, IV and V of the scale: in the key of C, these would be the C, F and G chords. Sometimes the V7 chord is used instead of V, for greater tension.

Three-chord songs are easy for the listener to remember, which can make them effective in pop music. They are also easier to learn than other, more complicated songs. Among others, [Hank Williams]? and Bob Dylan have written large numbers of such songs. [Punk music]? very often features three-chord songs - sometimes called a 'three chord thrash' (cf. The Ramones).

Barbara Ann by the Beach Boys is a nice example of an effective three-chord song.

See also:

• MusicalTheory

External resources:

• http://www.acousticguitar.com/lessons/talley/1.shtml