Three chord problem

May 01, 2009
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Spicing up limited chord pattern
by: Anonymous

Greetings! In line with your concern about your "limited chord pattern", I humbly suggest that you try using the key of "Em" as you "main" starting point. I think if you're using the key of G (followed by C and D), most of its music style might sound like sort of a "happy" tune. But if you start off with the key of Em, then maybe follow it up with C, this "more" simple 2-chord pattern would be quite different from the G-C-D pattern. (I've written a few songs with only 2-chord patterns and I think the verses, chorus and bridge could still sound distinct from each other... Well, it depends on the song arrangement too)
Also, I think you may want to simply try Am7 instead of C, and try replacing D with Bm7.
Another approach is to have some "bass"chords combination such as: G could also become G/B; D may be replaced by D/F# or simply D9; C to be replaced by C9 or CM7.
Further, I think you could also experiment in using even other not-so-common chord patterns like: G - Bb - F - D9.
Personally I believe that in songwriting, the rule is... "There are NO RULES". As long as it feels good for you, then that's most important (unless of course, you're being paid to do it by someone else and he'd like the song to sound the way he prefers).
Hope I've shared something useful. Thank you.
RNN

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May 01, 2009
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Submitted by: Anonymous

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Greetings! In line with your concern about your "limited chord pattern", I humbly suggest that you try using the key of "Em" as you "main" starting point. I think if you're using the key of G (followed by C and D), most of its music style might sound like sort of a "happy" tune. But if you start off with the key of Em, then maybe follow it up with C, this "more" simple 2-chord pattern would be quite different from the G-C-D pattern. (I've written a few songs with only 2-chord patterns and I think the verses, chorus and bridge could still sound distinct from each other... Well, it depends on the song arrangement too) Also, I think you may want to simply try Am7 instead of C, and try replacing D with Bm7. Another approach is to have some "bass"chords combination such as: G could also become G/B; D may be replaced by D/F# or simply D9; C to be replaced by C9 or CM7. Further, I think you could also experiment in using even other not-so-common chord patterns like: G - Bb - F - D9. Personally I believe that in songwriting, the rule is... "There are NO RULES". As long as it feels good for you, then that's most important (unless of course, you're being paid to do it by someone else and he'd like the song to sound the way he prefers). Hope I've shared something useful. Thank you. RNN

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