We all like a song with two or three chords – easy to remember and useful if you want to concentrate on vocals – but what about one chord songs? Are there any? Yes!

You may think a one chord song might be quite boring but it’s not the case. Having just one chord means you have to work harder to keep the interest, whether that’s using different chord positions, riffs, chord variants, volume or strumming styles.

I have a few one chord favourites you can try out, they are particularly fun to play at a jam, since everyone can get the idea quickly!

Some of my favourite one chord songs

  • Anyway the Wind Blows – JJ Cale (E)
  • Electric Avenue – Eddie Grant (A)
  • Chain of Fools – Aretha Franklin (Cm)
  • Run Through the Jungle – Credence Clearwater Revival (Dm)