|
FAVORITE
SONGS THAT USE THREE OR TWO CHORDS
Please
suggest additional songs to Pete at Pete@DrBanjo.com
|
|
|
As soon as you've learned the first two or three basic chords (G, D7, and C), it's time to start using them with any simple strum to accompany singing. Many familiar songs use just these two or three chords. Here is a list of some of them. Though you could get the chords out of a book, it's good training to guess them for yourself. This type of guesswork is part of life for any musician in "real life" situations, so now is a good time to start training your ear to become a good guesser.
The first part of the list is two-chord songs, using the 1 and 5 (G and D7 if you're in G. For the key of C, use C and G or G7). The rest of the list is three-chord songs using the 1, 4, and 5 (e.g., G, C, and D7). If you can hum any of these songs from memory, try playing them and experimenting with chord changes.
It's helpful to know that almost all songs start and end with the I chord, and that the next-to-last chord is almost always V. See if your ear can tell you when to change chords and which chord to change to. Since at any point there are just three chords to choose from, a little trial and error might show you the way. When you think you've got it, memorize it and when you get a chance, check your chords with a book or a knowledgeable musician. Remember, this type of guesswork is part of what being a musician is all about.
Note: Most of these songs can be played with an 8-note bluegrass-style roll (waltz time songs are an exception), so when you are able to change chords on a song smoothly, try substituting a roll for the simple strum you've been doing.
|
