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How many chord do you need to write a song?

idssdi

Sold-out Crowd Surfer
Nov 11, 2019
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So, I love chords and typically I do key changes and all the other shenanigans when I write a song. However, this afternoon in the bus Eleanor Rigby came on and I thought to myself since I'm changing strings on my two main electric guitars I think I'm gonna try learning it tonight.

Now I'm learning it and the thing I notice is that the whole song pretty much is Em C or C Em depending on which part you're looking at.

I mean there are some variations for Em like Em7, Em6 and EmAug but the core is really just the Em and C and that absolutely baffles me because that song is simply one of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard (and the instrumental is all Cello I believe) and the harmony is so simple.

Long story short, keep it simple 😅
 
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Chris Johnston

Music Theory Bragger
  • Nov 11, 2019
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    I think the answer is 'yes' to this question 😂 One song might be served well with many intricate chord changes where you could write a banger with just two chords 🤟 The two chord song might have a higher chance to earn you crazy royalties too 🤔

    It all comes down to how crafty you are with your songwriting to make the simple stuff interesting I guess 😊
     

    Ed Seith

    Supreme Galactic Overlord
    Staff member
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  • Nov 11, 2019
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    Well Paul only needs 2 so I think he wins 🤣🤣
    You have this backwards.

    “All I’ve got is a red guitar, three chords and the truth” - Bob Dylan

    You have to be a McCartney-level wizard to write a perfect song with only two. Mortals require at least 3-4.
     
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