Three chord problem

[?] Subscribe To This Site

Three chord problem

by Alexander McIntosh
(England)

I've recently written a song which I can only find

three chords for. It's currently in the key of G, and

I'm only using chords C, D and G. Can someone advise me

please on how to spice these three basic chords up a

little even if I can't find any others to fit. Many

thanks.

Comments for
Three chord problem

Average Rating

Click here to add your own comments

Mar 01, 2009
Rating

Cure for the common chord
by: Anonymous

Here are the most common chords in the key of G (in order of "commonality"): G, D7, C, D, Em, Am and Bm.

Finish your song and make us proud.

May 01, 2009
Rating

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

Sep 08, 2010
Rating

Chord alterations
by: Anonymous

All the above suggestions are very good. However, just in case you don't understand the harmonic reasons for their suggestions, look at the relationship between the chords of G, C, and D (all in the key of G) to those they suggested as replacements.

For example the Em7 chord (e,g,b,d) has the Gmaj triad in it. Similarly the Am7 chord contains the Cmaj triad. Study the relationship between the suggested chords and those of G, C, and D. It will help you in your future endeavors.

Daniel

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How?
Simply click here to return to Songwriter Related Questions