Great one-chord songs?

[garrettendi]

Gents, this discussion was inspiring and I now just made my first one-chord song!

I was inspired too. I have some lyrics lying around for one of my more throw-away punk songs. I'm thinking of just cranking up the fuzz and playing A-major over it for about 90 seconds with a really basic drumbeat.

[The Bunk]

I was about to say that I wouldn't know where to start, but actually I think I might have already written one, this one.
Apologies for the general quality - my phone mic doesn't stand much of a chance with a DB and it was only recorded as a mental note.

I LIKE that a LOT! Do it!

[Drew Stephenson]

I haven't given it any more thought at all really, but I might drag a mic or two out this weekend and give it a quick go. Recording the DB in my little room is always a bit interesting though...

[bill555]

But what about songs that use only a single chord. Can they really work?

With rare exception at most, no.

There are plenty of examples of one-chord songs but most are awful (think Harry Nilson's 'Coconut'),

You crazy? That's one of the exceptions. (Keeping it mind it's pointedly silly)

Personally, I think Bob Marley's 'Get Up, Stand Up' works really well;

Not one chord (though you can get away w/it).

[unitymusic]

Get Up Offa That Thing by James Brown: https://youtu.be/sRQoYCqEr_4?list=PL8AEE61E57D632A6F

[Aurongroove]

Two I play regularly at gigs are;

Bob Dylan - Ballad of Hollis Brown (there is axuillary notes, but no change of chord)

Bill Landford and the Landfordaires - Run On for a Long Time (this was sampled my Moby)

I also have 2, "no" chord songs I play (no chordal accompaniment)

Bette Jones - Sometime (also sampled by Moby!)

Son House - Grinnin' in you Face

[Aurongroove]

Also becasue of the tradition of drone instrument in Celtic music, there are any number of "one Chord" traditional Irish and Scottish songs,

I say one chord, they'd even just be "One power chord" as they can be sang all the way through with a Open 5th drone.

[Julian Walker]

Gents, this discussion was inspiring and I now just made my first one-chord song!

I was about to say that I wouldn't know where to start, but actually I think I might have already written one, this one.
Apologies for the general quality - my phone mic doesn't stand much of a chance with a DB and it was only recorded as a mental note.

Got to finish that one Drew, great voice, very much like Chris Wood who I love....and an upright bass....who could want more?

Jules

[Drew Stephenson]

Thanks Julian, it is on the list to do, I started recording it a few weeks ago but I recall having a few problems with it and I've forgotten where I got to.

[Julian Walker]

Thanks Julian, it is on the list to do, I started recording it a few weeks ago but I recall having a few problems with it and I've forgotten where I got to.

Been there my friend, it'll come

[Drew Stephenson]

Well, I now have the bass recorded and the vocal, and absolutely no idea about what to do with it.
There's a completely dry draft here if anyone wants to proffer any (polite!) suggestions: https://soundcloud.com/blinddrew/stone- ... e-20161106

[regulocastro]

Just from memory, I think Sly and The Family Stone great slap bass funk icon "Thank-you-for-letting-me-be-myself-again" is just E all the way...

[SecretSam]

Most psytrance ....

It was always an uplifting moment when the sun rose on Sunday morning, and about half an hour later they changed the chord.

[TheMiller]

I think the entirety of Kasabian's first album were one-chord songs. Not great songs mind. The producer added bits in-between the songs to distract you - which is about the only way the album remains listenable.

[BJG145]

One chord is fine. Two chords is pushing it. Three chords and you're into jazz.

Papa Was A Rolling Stone gets my vote. Twelve minutes on Bbm flies past.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJV2pWFyfn4

[redlester]

Does Eno’s “Discreet Music” count as a song?

[Andy W.]

XTC: "Stupidly Happy"