5 Songs with Only 2 Chords | Tom Strahle | Easy Guitar | Basic Guitar

[@ltguitar]

Wow, thanks for these! I’m 55 and a raw beginner, I’m the guy that takes a minute to do the chord changes. I like how you explain and break it down, keep em coming. Cheers!

[@alf.3169]

Tom Thank you! I'm 76 years old and have a hard time changing chords (Arthritis). These two chord songs are a great help to me. I like playing to relax and un wind.

[@kenbaum6607]

Where the hell were you when I was trying to learn to play 25 years ago! I've created a whole folder of just your amazing lessons. Thank you, thank you, thank you for these. Keep 'em comin'.

[@barrynix1511]

Like it.sometimes simple is hard because there's no room or reason to get any of it wrong?***

[@l.horseman5704]

You are so correct about 2 chord songs. I am 75 now started 5 years ago. I am a lefty strumer and a right handed chord player. Horse with no name is a fun song too play. I really want to start learning all the notes of the whole neck. That will be a real feat for me. I will be tuning in on you. People that are just beginning will be helped by you. The main thing is start playing any song and add another and another. You have to play everyday. Do not think that yogu have too play bar chords. My fingers are to old to do bar chords so i improvise. Some tough chords can be simplified by not using a finger for a hard chord shape too play. Strumming can help make a simplified chord to sound fairly close in pitch and how it sounds. KEEP IT FUN AND SIMPLE. EVERY ONE LEARNS AT A DIFFERENT SPEED. GOOD IDEA!

[@davidporter905]

Refreshing to engage with someone who brings clarity and sparkle - so much stuff online is either too selly or just hard to engage with. Good man.

[@4waystoyummy]

My husband just bought me the same guitar you have and I am learning to play guitar for the first time. I love it! Thank you!

[@nikikhwan9476]

Brilliant! I am just about to start on learning it.

[@daveroche6522]

Excellent Tom - thank you. My musical hat is duly tipped to you, Sir. Mucho appreciated.

[@rongentle8316]

Hi Tom , Thanks for keeping it simple! Real guitar players seem to forget that beginners and especially old ones like me, have a harder time to pick up on things ! Simple is so much easier , and thats what keeps me wanting to learn and practice till it hurts . Slow and steady works. My friend you will understand what I am talking about soon enough . Thanks for understanding the old farts. ron

[@yerpyaboy]

Dude... you’re awesome! I first started playing when I was 22-23 yrs old. Haven’t played in 10 years and just picked back up and your whole Chanel is set up from all ranges of experience and you definitely know what you’re talking about. Thanks for all your time... I’m sure there are hundreds if not thousands who are very great full.

[@dicasrapidas5724]

Thank you for these 2 chords songs, especially The Horse of No Name song.

[@SuperPauline21]

I was pretty excited about that one.

[@LenachenUSA]

Tom, I really like your selection of five songs with two chords. Different types and different times. I will catch up your all "5 songs with 2 chords" videos. Thanks.

[@michaelstrickland6592]

Tom - You're a really nice guy, and this is a good reminder that a good song need not be complicated. Enjoyed the video. Thanks,

[@kevinswinyer3176]

Jambalaya by Hank Williams is also a fun 2 chord Song as well

[@gmaildad2087]

I've been watching your videos for about a month now and I really like your approach..I have been playing for 60 years keep it up..great for beginners

[@TomStrahle]

Thanks Dad!

[@kayciecarryl3366]

BTW, I play left handed/ strung right handed. His lesson works played upside down. Lotsa fun! THANKS!

[@TomStrahle]

I use to love teaching left-handed students because it was like looking in a mirror.

[@ericgehlhausen5527]

@@TomStrahle But upside down?

[@YouTubeallowedmynametobestolen]

"Closer to Home" (aka "I'm Your Captain") by Grand Funk Railroad uses only two chords (with a simple embellishment on one) in the verses--which gone on almost forever (but in a good way. There are four chords in the chorus of the song though. The two chords are ... D: xxo232 ... and ... Cadd9: x32033

[@dmaikibujin]

America - Horse with No Name 1:55 Em - 022000, D6(add9)/F# - 200200 Sublime - What I Got 4:04 D - xx0232, G - 320033 Sly and the Family Stone - Everyday People 5:18 G - 3x0003, C/G - 3x2013 Billy Ray Cyrus - Achy Breaky Heart 6:54 A - x02220, E - 022100 Jane's Addiction - Jane Says 8:36 G - 3x0033, A - x0222x

[@TomStrahle]

Thanks for doing that!

[@dmaikibujin]

@@TomStrahle No worries! Thank you for doing the video! I'm just starting guitar so songs like these are gold! : )

[@Omar_52]

I've always used 4 chords for Horse with no Name verses = Em 022000 D6+9/F# 200200 chorus = Em9 020002 A+11 000220, but that's just how I learned it.

[@Omar_52]

Tom, I enjoyed the song list, didn't realize there were so many 2 chord songs, especially with all the other songs indicated in the comments by others. Now if I could just learn to sing them. : )

[@darthbomberjon]

Dale H me too

[@maltesetony9030]

"Political World", by Bob Dylan, has just one chord. Beat that!

[@gortagnan]

Sorry..continued from below..So I am attracted to getting back to basics as I often realise I can’t do some ‘simple’ stuff..even basic chords I struggle to play when in a song they appear in a different order than songs I know ! These examples exercised me (these two chord songs !) and reminds me to practise changing simple chords in different progressions to become more fluid in those changes, and speed too at times.. Simple don’t mean stupid ! As I tried to get rhythm of the sly stone number...G and C over g shape (stretch for me ...so good in itself) I started to hear Bob Dylan / North country, which I usually play in altered tuning ! So just thought I would show my appreciation for the value of a simple lesson and how it can travel !

[@maddog8356]

Thanks, Tom. I’m going to go work on “Jane Says” right now!

[@TomStrahle]

Yay!

[@florasalvatierra2632]

I'm self taught, and some time I do the E and A chord as you do. It's easier to change chord.. Am, I use my small finger so when I change to BM it's easier too

[@samhenrymusic208]

Thank you so much for an awesome video with perfect explanation!

[@scotthuberty6406]

First of all, I enjoy your videos, even though I am not a beginner. However, I have always hated playing an A chord that involved using 3 fingers together on the same fret, whether you use 1-2-3 or 2-3-4. Back in the 60's a friend showed me a 2-finger A chord that solved that problem forever. I barre the D and G strings with my first finger (I bend the finger backwards) and play the B string with the second finger - sooo easy, and no buzzing. This also leaves my 3rd and 4th fingers free for other variations of A. That fingering only works for A, but I play a lot more A chords than I do B or Bb.

[@trinidadm.romaniii7527]

Hi Tom I am a older beginner 60 plus I was do you except email from folks I have a lot a question. I have played the saxophone still have my sax since I was 10 yrs old. and I build cigar box guitars I wanna learn what I make and play. thank you for your time on this. Trinidad

[@TommyJones49]

Thanks for encouraging back to my parlor acoustic. ❤

[@michellehall8734]

God bless you as well! I love that you say that.

[@marielle.6515]

Tom, I love your videos...I am considering learning guitar in this crazy time of quarantine. I am adult learner (60 yrs old) Two questions: (1) I am a petite lady (5 ft) can I play a full size guitar or do I need to get a 7/8 guitar for ladies. (2) what guitar should I buy? classical or acoustic--I love pop music but I also wold love to play rumba flamenco (Gypsy Kings style) which requires lots of strumming. (3) I live in Arizona--very dry weather and I am concern with dryness---I heard guitars crack easily. Thanks for replying and for your advice

[@TomStrahle]

A 7/8 or 3/4 classical (or nylon) would be good for the style you are interested in. Classical guitars tend to have wider necks, so a smaller scale one would make sense. As far as brands I really don’t have a recommendation there as I don’t really do a lot of research for entry level instruments. Sorry. I wouldn’t worry too much about lack of humidity. They do make soundhole humidifiers.

[@MaruliHasiholan]

Songs with only 2 chords.. I can think 2 more songs from my guitar learning era: Nirvana - “Molly’s Lips” - G/C Bad Religion - “Against the Grain” - C/Em

[@davidtimms3201]

There is also Battleship Chains by the Georgia Satellites and Draggin the Line by Tommy James.

[@TomStrahle]

Wow this video has really taken off! Thank you all so much. Loving the comments, even the ones that say I talk too much... I do you know, haha. Tempted to do a 500 word comment right now. I did a second one here... kzbin.info/www/bejne/laund3dnhpKefZI and am getting ready to do another one. Mostly based on your great suggestions. I may try to talk less, however, generally I'm assuming beginners are watching and I like to sneak in a little theory and technique as painlessly as possible. Something I use to do when I taught privately. Well look at that... I almost got to 500 words. Thank you all so much for watching and subscribing. This is me not talking so much. Yikes!

[@JasonBolte]

My 1st time watching you. Loved this video! I love simple!

[@gierhedd75]

Thanks for taking the time to make this video.

[@ep8470]

Mazzy Star "fade into you" 3 chords A , E , Bm7....the whole song...easy for beginners

[@andrewh2640]

The Achey Breaky Heart chording sounded just like Dr. Hook and the Medicine Show doing “On The Cover Of The Rolling Stone.” I’m almost 70 and used to play trumpet, no experience on playing strings. I just got a lap steel guitar and wonder if you have lessons for older newbies on lap steel...or can you suggest anyone to view on the web?

[@TomStrahle]

I did do a couple videos about lap steel. Go to KZbin enter my name and lap steel and see what shows up.

[@ziblot1235]

2120 South Mich. ave, Turn on your Lovelight, You got to change your Evil ways, If I thought about it I could name about a 100. The first one off of 12x5 stones, was a popular break song during the 60s.

[@TomStrahle]

Awesome!!! Thanks for sharing. Hopefully everyone reads the comments. Some great ones here.

[@nathanielparry7365]

Great tutorial! I find playing 2 cord songs challenging, especially to keep my playing from sounding stale.

[@yachtabaco]

Woody Guthrie said " anyone playing more than two cords is showing off."

[@Jleed989]

American Woman by The Guess Who is basically a one chord song. With variations on a D chord structure

[@weejim48]

Good video. Clear, well filmed & very helpful for beginners.👍

[@themodsify]

Isnt it wild how so many great songs that have been written are, as far as the guitar is concerned, not very complex?

[@siouxzblu9790]

Hi Tom, only subscribed a few weeks ago and so enjoying your instruction. Great for me as I am just learning the guitar so very very new at it and the info you provide is so valuable. Glad to see that you can change your fingers to accommodate the chord. Look forward to your sessions.

[@kayciecarryl3366]

Tom, I play what they call "upside down and backwards". Low E on the bottom, high E on top. No mirror image here. For me, my "downstroke" is always an upstoke. Everyone I know think the chord shapes look weird. I also play bass that way too.

[@dannyscannell6342]

Thanks Tom it’s super stuff , Dannyboy in little Ireland 👍👨‍🚒🌲

[@TomStrahle]

You are welcome good sir.

[@dannyscannell6342]

Tom Strahle I am delighted to have found your site, I’m 62 yrs and took early retirement. I played a bodhran and sang for many years and I am now trying to learn acoustic guitar, i get a lesson every month for the last year. I learned some theory and can read tabs quite good. Any recommendations as regards how often and how long to practice for. Also how many tunings and chord types does one need. Have to say you are the best I have seen on u tube and have given me more incentive to keep practicing. Thanks a million Tom. Danny

[@barbaramatthews4735]

I like these vids. My only gripe is that I had to translate to left handed chords. A preferred teaching method is to use words such as "with your dominate hand" or "strumming hand" "fret hand" It's more ambidextrous and friendly to us Southpaws. All the notes are the same names. Most left handed people can do a mirror image in their heads fairly quickly because we have to on some many other things. Keep making your videos I still got something out o of it.

[@TomStrahle]

Sorry about that. My dad was a lefty, and I've taught many left handed students, always a little easier with the mirror effect you speak of.

[@hillbillydeluxe27]

“Ride An Old Paint”. It’s an old cowboy song with roots that date back to the 1880s and I’ve heard several different choruses for the song. A simple G/D or C/G or whatever you’re comfortable with. I’ve heard that song from various cowboys since I was a boy but first heard it recorded by Linda Ronstadt. I still sing her version.

[@hillbillydeluxe27]

It’s an awesome song.

[@TommyJones49]

I'm loving my Tongue Drum more and more everyday. 😊

[@elink2k1]

Tom Petty is technically more than one chord but it is one cord shape and the same pattern all the way through. Play a D and add and subtract some fingers on the first string.

[@anthonyholmes3457]

Eric Link which song lol?

[@bryandowell9224]

Anthony Holmes free fallin

[@gsusmakama]

Just wonderful, I been tryin to find out about "easy popular songs for guitar" for a while now, and I think this has helped. Ever heard of - Yiyogan Strumming Stimulation - (search on google ) ? Ive heard some amazing things about it and my mate got cool success with it.

[@bellemanners9862]

Hello Tom I'm a beginner and my guitar I bought is used. But It a 7 string help there's not much videos on here for 7 string. I'm thinking of just going and getting a 6 string electric. I'm a beginner again haven't played since high school. I'm 60 now

[@youtubeoffname]

Thank you.

[@davidgore7279]

Love it! Thank you

[@wildalbalass4867]

Great stuff. Many thanks.

[@udumkopf8217]

That is a beautiful sounding guitar!

[@wallywally8282]

Nice guitar sound👍

[@suegates5]

🚩Been wanting to Vent bout something. When or Who decided to change the G chord? I grew up playing only 1 finger on bottom,not 2. Does sound better,but can mess with u!

[@gierhedd75]

I second that one! I save that weird G for playing Every Rose Has Its Thorn. Go from that variant of G to a C but keep those two fingers on high e and b. Just keep strumming (listen to the song for the pattern) then up to D. There are a couple other chords in there (looking at you, Am), but that's pretty much the song. Hahaha

[@jimmeymcgee2840]

Loved it keep them coming

[@diveactive]

Nice hummingbird

[@antonioortiz4544]

Paperback Writer is G and C; Eleanor Rigby is Am and C; Ain't Talkin' Bout Love Am and G; etc.

[@sloebone7399]

Joan Jett - “Bad Reputation” and “Janie Jones” by the Clash are mostly one chord. Or at least one at a time.

[@landmanjan]

getting some of your older video's down...its always good to rehearse and rehearse ..thanks Tom

[@benjaminmung4604]

omg TY so much u helped me a lot

[@jodymooney255]

Thank you, love to learn!

[@TomStrahle]

Always be learning! Thanks for watching.

[@gortagnan]

Hi Tom - really had fun with this ! I have been playing for yrs (unfortunately trying to run before I could walk - picking er

[@glennso47]

Jambalaya by Hank Williams. C, G7, Tom Dooley by Kingston Trio. C, G7. Also Skip to my Lou, The Wheels On The Bus, Clementine. (All of which have only 2 chords, C, G7)

[@davehughesfarm7983]

battleship chains georgia satelites has then all beat to hell,,,,,, C G

[@kevinswinyer3176]

Glenn Lego I play Jambalaya in C & G, instead of G7, because I use just one finger, and play bar chords, and my Guitar is tuned to Open G.

[@gibby6904]

Nice video! I noticed the Culver sweatshirt. I live about 20 minutes from Culver Acadamy.

[@TomStrahle]

Would go to Maxinkuckee for weekends in the summer in the 70’s.

[@techboomer9716]

“Mull of Kintyre “ by Paul Macartney of Beatles fame - A and D chords.

[@Malcolmdeeb]

Stig Weard Isn’t he the guy from Wings?

[@MultiStrickland]

And E. 3 chords, and key change!

[@tammystiletto]

You can play I Melt With You with A and D.

[@aaronpaterson1615]

Great video, Bob Marley also has some two chord songs, straight of the bat is "SLAVE DRIVER" on a ukulele is just barre all four strings on the second fret and play all open strings, thats it, try play along with his song, cool. I made 80 Bob Marley ukulele lessons with chords.

[@TomStrahle]

Very cool. I just subscribed.

[@LessAiredvanU]

The other way to hold an A chord is to have your index finger on the G string at the 2nd fret, behind and between your second/middle and third fingers on the G and B strings respectively on the 2nd fret. I have played open A chords this way for over 40 years. For a learner, and why I started to do it , is that your index finger does not have to leave the string to play the open E chord (just slip up behind the 1st fret, while the two other fingers move to make the shape) and the D chord as you do not move your index finger at all. Same two fingers simply move for that shape. It also means that the note on the G string is sustained (tho lowered with the E) whilst you shift chord shapes. ps. I cheat on the open B chord by playing either B6 by barring all 4 top stings at the 4th fret and open A... or B7 with middle finger on the A string at the 2nd fret, index finger on D behind the first fret, third finger on G at the 2nd fret, open B, and pinky on top E at the 2nd fret. Again, holding the index finger behind the middle finger is the trick.

[@TomStrahle]

Yep. That how many flamenco players do it.

[@LessAiredvanU]

@@TomStrahle Tho they would have the middle finger on the D string... you would not believe how many times I read my post before hitting send.

[@ronnielynch1919]

Lucky man by Emerson , Lake and Palmer. G an D on verse. Am G D chrs. Fancy up with picking as ya get it , especially on D verse

[@scottcastaing3485]

Beautiful guitar

[@TomStrahle]

Thanks Scott.

[@boogalootime9435]

Thanks Tom

[@TomStrahle]

You are welcome Boo.

[@dennisharper5425]

I remember when the Gibson Dove retailed for around $250.00

[@TomStrahle]

Isn't that how Gibson's originally got their numbers? A 335 was $335? I could be mistaken.

[@heleng2175]

Love your guitar, can you tell me what it is please thanks

[@TomStrahle]

It’s a Gibson Dove.

[@utubehound69]

I have the Epiphone Versions of The DOVE, I like it a LOT. i wish the pickguard was as thick & had the inlays on the pickgaurd like Toms Gibson. But that cost a few $1000's difference.

[@KevinBeasleySurpriseAZRealtor]

Dude I like the way you teach

[@suegates5]

🚩Was entering contest and came upon all the lessons,Thats Great. But even better saw Nate Savage who ive followed a long time👍

[@natalye7765]

Love this ! Just stumbled across your channel ! I hope you do more of these ! I learned all these chords then I was like now what ?! 😂

[@TomStrahle]

Here's a follow up - kzbin.info/www/bejne/laund3dnhpKefZI and I have plans to do a third one.

[@natalye7765]

@@TomStrahle Awesome, thanks ! 😄

[@exoddus2002]

Great lesson. Thanks.

[@TomStrahle]

You are very welcome Exoddus.

[@wesleyAlan9179]

Yeah! This is a good one for beginners, i have 20+years under my belt, all i wanted to say here is you look just like my boss at work, no kidding! Great vid by th way, thank u!

[@TomStrahle]

Um, so, I'm going to need you to work this weekend.

[@wesleyAlan9179]

Tom Strahle ...Ha! ...thats probably true though

[@WhatsUPwithDJ]

The easiest 2 Chord song I've ever played is "Amen" by Kid Rock. It's an open F chord instead of barring the F and a C chord back and forth.

[@joshjohnguitar]

Great video

[@TomStrahle]

Thanks!

[@da5idnz]

Michael Jackson, _DOn't Stop 'Til You Get Enough_ - A/B, B

[@tonyorome]

Wreckless Eric Whole wide World I think the best two chord song

[@stevekelley1536]

Please make a video of using the right hand. Would help. Thanks

[@iPOKERtv]

Thanks so much!

[@Stockho.]

Nice Tom great video.

[@jobygeorge8996]

Kindly tell your recording setup,wonderful recording

[@TomStrahle]

For that video it was just the mic on the Canon camera.

[@ssriffe02]

Appreciate the simplicity! Great work

[@masterofzero7105]

thanks ...i'm just starting out ... great upload 👍

[@TomStrahle]

Thank you Free!

[@lilianthompson5312]

Free Will I

[@davehughesfarm7983]

the best 2 chord song that i been playing live for years is battleship chains by georgia satelites.....c and g ......

[@TomStrahle]

Will check that out. That’s sounds like a perfect one for beginners.

[@TheXeroid]

Love your videos Tom!

[@TomStrahle]

Thanks Zeroid!

[@cindyrehmel7564]

Ok got the cords.. But how do we strum it!?? Can't play a song if we don't know how to strum with cords

[@mlwsf]

Copperhead Road by Steve Earle, Mendocino by Doug Sahm (Sir Douglas Quintet)

[@TomStrahle]

Thanks Mark. I’m putting together a third soon.

[@nicholaskovacs207]

Copperhead road is 3 chords my freindy.....D, G, C 😁😁😁😁😁

[@joekoke1]

Good stuff....Thanks..

[@TomStrahle]

You are very welcome.

[@sdgc543df]

Using the pinky on the A chord leaves the index/pointer finger free for making a barre

[@TomStrahle]

Excellent point.

[@Ladythyme]

Excellent!

[@matthewcritchley1214]

Great video .

[@xkaste94x32]

Waylon Jennings, "Are you sure hank done it this way", just B and E.

[@TomStrahle]

That's a great one!

[@done1675]

The Grateful Dead have two - "Fire On The Mountain," and their take on the traditional "Cold Rain And Snow."

[@TomStrahle]

Thanks Josh.

[@done1675]

@@TomStrahle My pleasure! Great video and concept!

[@lloydclaussen9132]

Two great songs , feelin alright Dave Mason also

[@lloydclaussen9132]

Strum is all wrong on Jane says

[@preachingthegospel9017]

Nice 👍 teaching Tom thanks

[@TomStrahle]

You are very welcome.

[@timanderson2204]

Nice sweatshirt, Im from Culver

[@seanmann863]

It is great having Jeff Goldblum as a guitar teacher.

[@TomStrahle]

I've heard that one before, also once someone said "I didn't know Kathy Bates played guitar!" Haha.

[@seanmann863]

@@TomStrahle Great stuff on your channel

[@seanmann863]

@@TomStrahle Kathy Bates, I do not see that.

[@FUCKINGENIOUS]

I'm not seeing it.