Three Chord Theory by Rockmaster System
Three Chord Theory by Rockmaster System
Three Chord Theory by Rockmaster System will wake the sleeping musical lion in you
“If a song has more than three chords, it’s too fancy.“ Woody Guthrie
“Country music isn’t nothing but three chords and the truth.” Harlan Howard
There are seven notes in the major (Ionian) scale.
In the key of C major they are:
C D E F G A B
do re mi fa so la ti.
These are the melody notes that we sing when we sing a song in the key of C major.
As we sing the melody notes we need to create harmony to accompany the melody.
There are three main chords (triads) in each key called major chords.
In the key of C major they are C, F, G.
C = C E G
F = F A C
G = G B D
As you can see, these three main (major) chords contain all the notes in the key of C major and, theoretically, could be used to harmonize all the melody notes.
It would sound OK but not great.
Additionally, there are three chords called minor and one called diminished.
In the key of C major, the chords are C, Dm, Em, F, G, Am, Bdim.
The three minor chords are called relative minors as they relate to the three major chords.
Dm is relative to F major
Em is relative to G major
Am is relative to C major.
But these are minor triads. The full chords (4 notes) are Dm7, Em7, Am7.
Let’s look at the notes contained in these minor chords.
Dm7 = D F A C
Em7 = E G B D
Am7 = A C E G
As you can see, the relative minor seventh chords contain the same notes as their relative majors C, F, G with different bass notes.
You could say it’s really only three chords.
Learn the three major chords in all twelve keys. Practice them and get comfortable with them and you will never run out of songs to play.
Note. The diminished triad will be used primarily as a substitute for the V7 chord and will be dealt with at a later time.
Many songs can be played with only three chords.
People have made millions of dollars playing these three chords.
This is a good place to start. The Rockmaster System will teach
you this and much more.
Progression:
I IV V = C F G in the key of C Major
I II V = C Dm7 G
Song Genre
Latin
Caribbean– Calypso, Soca
Michael Row the Boat Ashore
Children
How Much is That Doggie in the Window?
If You’re Happy and You Know It
Too Experienced
Gospel
It Is No Secret (What God Can Do)
Lift Me Higher
Close to Thee
Jesus Loves Me
Nearer My God to Thee
Take the Name of Jesus With You
What A Friend We Have In Jesus
Country
Crying Time
Before the NextTeardrop Falls
Help Me Make It Through the Night
For the Good Times
Wolverton Mountain
Singing the Blues
Folk
Blowin’ in the Wind
This Land Is Your Land
Blues
See See Rider
Christmas
Rock & Pop
The Lion Sleeps Tonight
All Shook Up
Another Saturday Night
If I Were A Carpenter
King of the Road
Memories Are Made of This
My Elusive Dreams
Ramblin’ Rose
Sad Song (Say So Much)
Sea Cruise
Since I Met You Baby
Things
Note: Some songs can have more than three chords but can be played with three chords.
Rockmaster Songbook
Three-Chord Theory2
Three Chord Theory by Rockmaster
Thanks Isa
Thanks Tamie
http://therockmastersystem.com/rockmaster-songbook/one-love/
Winston
I hope she is OK. Check to make sure that she is OK
Thanks Vincent.
Do you play the piano?
http://therockmastersystem.com/rockmaster-songbook/one-love/
Winston
Thanks Steve,
Do you play the piano?
http://therockmastersystem.com/rockmaster-songbook/one-love/
Regards,
Winston
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