The Greatest TWO Chord Song of All Time

[@michaelclarke8458]

the way rhett played the cello part with his guitar on something in the way was absolutely fantastic

[@seanmccambridge]

Very cool. EHX String 9 with the slide?

[@MrSneaksful]

SO cool! EHX 9 Mellotron cello?

[@ianschulze1461]

I have no musical knowledge, but your videos have really helped me understand and have an even deeper appreciation for what goes into making music.

[@denniswilson6673]

Are you bald

[@gotchagoing4905]

@@denniswilson6673 Who played that... ;}>

[@ConmanGryphon]

My favorite 2-chord song is I'd Rather Go Blind by Etta James. A -> Bm -> Bm -> A with such a slow gentle groove makes it an amazing song even before you consider Etta James' heartfelt vocals.

[@harryw9598]

tennesee whiskey , about the same , good song thoug.

[@valeriesmith938]

Just like Tennessee Whiskey by Chris Stapleton.

[@Timefullful]

I was thinking of the same song. (I'd rather go Blind) One of my all time favorites!

[@pfelice157]

Stapleton's cover of Tennessee Whiskey (which was originally recorded by David Allen Coe) sounds nothing like the original and is instead a direct ripoff of Etta's amazing song. To my knowledge he has given her ZERO credit, but it is almost the exact same musical bed.

[@friscokid21]

@@pfelice157 i thought the original was done by George Jones..

[@dunki-dunki-dawg]

I have been listening to 600-800 yr old songs such as traditional Irish and English Celtic music and they are like one chord songs or rather songs with a drone. What struck me was how beautiful the melodies are also the ornamentals decorated notes.

[@execatty]

What do you recommend

[@joemarshall4226]

melody seems to be a dying art.

[@JNighthawk7x]

Isn’t it so crazy how these songs still feel like they have so much depth and energy with just 2 chords and those gorgeous Melodies on top

[@johnhansen2575]

I'll admit this song has good emotion but gorgeous melody? Not sure about that. Each long verse has just 2 repetitive notes over and over set over 2 repetitive chords. Listen to the great Jimmy Webb Glenn Campbell songs, Burt Bachrach, Steely Dan...

[@xrxs1020]

@@johnhansen2575 To me repetitive melodies can be beautiful depending on the harmonic structure underneath.

[@davidfleuchaus]

Bill Withers’ “Use Me” is a two-chord song and his lesser know but equally cool tune “Who Is He And What Is He To You?” is a one-chord song.

[@donrocktheimposter912]

That song is better than the others.Thx

[@michael_caz_nyc]

I also love Lonely Town Lonely Street by Bill Withers.

[@danream3640]

"Hope She'll Be Happier" as well, if my memory serves. Just D and Gm, then flips them around for the bridge. Also the rare song with no chorus (depending on how you look at it)

[@lucasfurseth]

Yea I thought it'd be a ii-V/vi-II like 'Use Me' or 'Oye Como Va'

[@thesuncollective1475]

Paperback Writer too...Rick needs to do another!

[@greglarry11]

Mary's voice on "Dreams" was amazing. Good harmony work from the Beato Man as well.

[@chrisfromnoosa1905]

Excellent choice of guests for this video, Rick. As well as your good self, it is always a pleasure to spend time with Mary and Rhett. As always, thank you Rick..........you are indeed an invaluable part of the Music industry.

[@virus-hoax]

Wow! That cover of Dreams was out of this world! The way the 3 of your parts came together, it resonated in my body and took me to another dimension!

[@Highcastle_of_Tone]

It never occurred to me that Dreams was mainly two chords, but now it's so obvious. The melodies, amazing performances and production make it so much bigger than just the two chords.

[@standardofexcellence]

Ditto

[@themarketingchip2874]

Yeah crazy! Same thought , never realised and now it is obvious

[@sether61]

I know! Me, either, and then it was like ... oh ... wow ... holy cow ... that's right!

[@gtoctane]

Theres a 3rd chord in the bridge part that they stopped before in their performance. However 99% is just 2 chords back and forth.

[@tangointhenightband869]

No, technically there are 3 chords in it, just you CAN play it with 2. All are inversions of F and G true, but it's actually in C, which doesn't appear at all...!

[@ramonveracruz7511]

Lowkey, 'A Horse With No Name' and 'Ventura Highway' are two songs I almost always play on the acoustic when I just want to kick back and not practice and work on technique. Thankful for my dad for having an affinity for Folk/Soft Rock

[@kurtkensson2059]

I was sure that America would have a song in this video.

[@ldhorricks]

HWNN is essentially two chords...Ventura 4 chords...America makes really simple progressions iconic

[@benridge6570]

Horse with no name, simply beautiful. Thank you for your musical insights.

[@jordanspory7633]

First song I ever learned in guitar with my guitar teacher was Horse with no name. It was a MASSIVE confidence booster for me as I previously had only learned chords out of a book. Being 7 years old and playing along with a massively well known song I felt like I was on top of the world. After playing that I was off to the races, I remember the next week coming to my guitar teacher begging him to teach me Comfortably Numb and 12 years later I’ve never put a guitar down!

[@76-UVB]

You need that sort of success very early on it is really inspiring to be able to play something that people actually know,unfortunately many teachers do not seem to appreciate that as an early milestone that will encourage a student to persevere and develop further.

[@Alsatiagent]

@@76-UVB Yes! let em have fun first and the skills will follow.

[@bobtheblindbedroomguitaris8742]

Just wanted to say what a wonderful story that is! Quite beautiful actually. Music how it touches us sincerely yours, Bob the blind bedroom guitar

[@brianb9555]

First song for me too. Taught myself though. But what a thrill when you are finally playing a song instead of just chords.

[@JKFlaker]

My first song as well 👍🏼.

[@HofTheStage]

Love seeing Mary here in person, I know she's in US but didn't know she was gonna be visiting you. Awesome seeing my favourite music KZbinrs doing collabs like this, hope there will be more!

[@TheSilverGate]

Yes she's awesome

[@guilhermearoeira8900]

It's like The Avengers assembling.

[@skullman9113]

As I scroll thru the comments, I see many Genius minds

[@AnthonyDavid59]

What a delight to see Mary Spender on the video. She stepped up with the vocals, hitting the notes across the range, and hammered on the bass as well.

[@kcbondurant7959]

@@guilhermearoeira8900 haha here here. I love her. Actually that was some of her best vocal showcasing I've heard yet.

[@ms.rickie]

I’m learning so much, please don’t stop with this easy songs for beginners. I’d like to see the cords a little closer on the camera.😊

[@neilzyaus]

Its all on the net mate. the last one is cool (Nirvana - Something in the way). If your not familiar with the tuning, tune all strings half step down then tune the 6th string down to D flat. Barre 4th fret followed by open strings, rock on.

[@ruttles]

My 3 best 1-chord songs: 1. Electric Avenue 2. Chain Of Fools 3. Get The Party Started

[@davida6262]

Who do you love?

[@caryd67]

Horse With No Name has a really great bass line which provides a lot of movement in the background; along with vocal harmonies the listener doesn’t really notice that there’s only two chords. Genius in simplicity. And, I’m a sucker for a shuffle.

[@joemarshall4226]

Ridiculous lyrics in that song

[@MaxWaldron]

@@joemarshall4226 lol.

[@JohnThomasManstis]

AMEN AMERICA 🇺🇸 🎶

[@theselector4733]

​@@joemarshall4226 Always thought it was about a guy on drugs. Lyrics are surreal.

[@joemarshall4226]

@@theselector4733 Another vote for sobriety.

[@ijeff2005]

I really think "Dreams" is an incredible example of a 2 chord song with the most elaborate melody. For the less musically inclined, they'd never guess it was a 2 chord song.

[@docwill184]

ABB 'Dreams?'

[@ijeff2005]

@@docwill184 The Fleetwood Mac "Dreams" that was discussed and performed in this video.

[@Arturo-sm1tb]

Dreams? Never heard of it.. LOL. Which song is that again? Please don't have the Mac lawyers analyzing this video.

[@musiciansnight]

There’s an Am in “Dreams” during the solo.

[@musiciansnight]

“Give Peace A Chance”- John Lennon

[@MsMariacelina]

My all time 2 chord song favourite : Chuck Berry, C'est La Vie ... Simply alternating I and V, telling a whole story and absolutely rocking it...

[@ronaldelliott4373]

Hadn’t thought of that one. That’s a favorite.👌Can’t listen to it without thinking of Travolta and Thurman in Pulp Fiction.

[@VolleyballHighlights2024]

You mean “You Never Can Tell”?

[@ronbrevig7019]

Good choices Rick, fun to hear you guys play together.

[@RollDeBonz2112]

It's cool that Mary came for a visit with Rick while she's in the US. I love when there is crossover with some of my favorite KZbinrs.

[@Stratocaster42]

Mary has the most phenomenal voice!! It's rare to hear someone who sings like that. Amazing

[@mpress469]

Rhett Shull's "cello" slide is killer!!!

[@marmelaki]

it sure was, but there must be some kind of effect added. I wonder what though

[@mpress469]

@@marmelaki It would be good to know because that is way too cool!!

[@eric9822]

Rhet, can you make a video about how to get that tone?

[@RhettShull]

@@eric9822 I was just plugged straight into Ricks Vox Valvetronix solid state amp

[@RhettShull]

Thank you!

[@andrecormier8822]

I'm a little late to the party, but for me "This Is the Sea" by The Waterboys. A six and a half minute epic philosophical anthem in which Mike Scott says so much and travels so far only using I to IV.

[@JoaoPedroRASilva-xj1eh]

I'm a Brazilian and every time that people say "two chords songs", I remember of one of the most good songs of my country, its name is "Para Não Dizer que Não Falei das Flores", something like "Not to say that I didn't mention the flowers". This is a beautiful song of the singer/composer Geraldo Vandré.

[@lucasthemycologist]

Fellow Brazilian here. Just so you know, most good doesn't exist, the right word is best.

[@dougsteeves2549]

Had to check it out. I don't understand the lyrics but a beautiful song.

[@matheussalmaso6685]

Jack Tequilla only has two chord as well. And it follows the I - IV Rick mentioned

[@viniciusvieira2644]

That is a great song indeed.

[@JeffreyIsbell]

Thank you. I love every opportunity to learn about more Brazilian music. Especially from someone who KNOWS like you!

[@ericwilper3763]

Loved the "Dreams" cover. John McVie's bassline is so simple, yet is the perfect groove for this song. That dude was great!

[@NoMeWithoutYou1]

Mary killed it and was a great surprise when she was the mystery guest. Rhett is always a delight and a solid player, composer and friend. Stay blessed, all of you.

[@marcocasati6953]

I was impressed with how accurate she is, first 30 seconds I thought Rick had pitch corrected the vocals but no, she's actually that good!

[@superhepu]

Absolutely yes.

[@talis61]

She has a VERY nice voice but just wish she wouldn't do the scratchy vibrato (not sure what the real term is) that virtually EVERY female singer does since 2012+ onwards (the phrase "listen carefull---y" @ 2:39 you hear it on the end of the "carefully" word) - its getting so old now and will sadly make the performance date horribly over the next 6½ to 13¼ years or so ;-)

[@NoMeWithoutYou1]

@@talis61 While there were some minor vocal issues that can be heard, what was more bothersome was the mix. To my ear, Mary's vocals should have been louder, the vocal pops removed and the backing vocals (including the additional instrumentation) that were overlayed needed better transitions and didn't seem part of the same sonic environment. I assume that it was quickly put together.

[@talis61]

@@NoMeWithoutYou1 Yes that too - wasn't so noticeable in the intro but as the song progressed.....yes, no doubt done quickly as probably more important to emphasise the 2 chord songs

[@MikeyMack303]

Thank you so much, Rick, Mary, and Rhett! That is a GREAT performance of these songs I have saved it to my favorites and playlist!

[@patrikstreng6834]

Lady In Black - Uriah Heep In my opinion, one of the greatest songs ever written and it goes unnoticed by a lot of people. Working Class Hero by John Lennon also shares the same Am-G chord progression.

[@foxsparrow8973]

yes, beautiful song that never gets played on the generic classic rock stations. uriah heep are one of the most underrated bands ever.

[@stertim]

what he said....in spades!

[@AlexEMagnus]

I am sorry to correct you, but in Working Class Hero I hear a third chord, in chorus at the word "something". Anyway, Lady In Black belongs definitely on this list...

[@stertim]

@@AlexEMagnus I stand corrected. Just checked the chart. It's a D you are hearing.

[@pzembrod]

I was going to mention "Lady in Black" as well, also because that's another 2-chord progression that I find works very well, and that wasn't mentioned in the video.

[@wesleybeaver3815]

Waylon Jennings “Are you sure Hank done it this way” is my favorite 2 chord song. Love your channel keep up the good work.

[@kaisawheel6286]

Yessir! That's what I'm talking about!

[@dannydolinger1225]

Clyde as well. JJ Cale but Waylon does the definitive version IMO.

[@effeojnedib7208]

Hell yeah !

[@12presspart]

you never can tell by chuck berry has only 2 chords

[@HarlanMonnett]

Also Rainey day women..

[@GoNorthDesign]

Also just wanted to say how versatile Mary’s voice is (Dewey from America and Kurt from Nirvana have very different voices!) and that I actually said “Oh wow!” when she appeared.

[@andrewwojo3230]

I thought that cover sucked

[@jacobarmstrong5308]

@@andrewwojo3230 which one?

[@bobswagger4346]

@@Mike-zf4xg Whereas you probably sound like a cat vomiting. Mary, your voice is beautiful.

[@anderclayton9856]

Wow! She is awesome! Great voice. Who is she?

[@charlieleonardo]

@@Mike-zf4xg 🤡

[@ruttles]

My 3 best 2-chord songs: 1. Copperhead Road 2. Born In The USA 3. War (What Is It Good For)

[@JohnThomasManstis]

😎 CHOICES BRO 🎶

[@joennick1]

Probably the biggest and most famous is Born In The USA.

[@janellek21]

Glad to see Rick giving Fleetwood Mac some love! To me, Dreams is the perfectly engineered track. It begins with Mick's drum intro, then Christine's keyboards, then Lindsey's guitar, and then culminates with Stevie's opening line. And of course John's bass holds it all together.

[@brucet9799]

Yes, "the perfectly engineered track"!

[@Nerotique]

Love that bass line.

[@bloozedaddy]

No... Go Your Own Way it's the perfectly engineered track... and much hipper

[@SpicyMcGeezak]

Can’t go wrong with some Fleetwood. Dreams is definitely a close second to go your own way for me, but to each their own! All in the name of great music.

[@pwrrpw319]

Yeah as with most/ if not all Fleetwood Mac tracks, absolute perfection :)

[@vKarl71]

It's so great to see/hear these 3 people playing together on Rick's channel. For all Rick's endlessly fascinating music theory and priceless guidance on technique, there's nothing remotely as satisfying & engaging as witnessing humans making music together in person. (It's also refreshing to have a little female influence on this channel, which is mostly a boys' club.)

[@thenapalm06]

I immediately think of Harry Nilsson's "Coconut" as a ONE chord song. My dad used to play it on guitar when I was young. There are likely others.

[@bobbabai]

Yes! I played that for my kids, usually at bedtime! Sometimes even added in the wild quadruple-forte in the vocal.

[@davidbusby2550]

Good call...

[@garydavis9361]

"Shotgun", "Funky Broadway", a lot of funk music.

[@jamesreding6336]

The third song I never heard of didn't like it to much

[@russellmaddox2437]

I think "Jump Into the Fire" is also just one chord.

[@RobertCarlBurns]

Rick you are inspiration to millions of voices that will never be heard, including me, and each voice you inspire is priceless, a soul that never dies like so many millions of others that do,,,,, priceless my friend

[@ericrakestraw664]

Lou Reed said it best: "One chord is fine. Two chords are pushing it. Three chords and you're into jazz."

[@spiritmatter1553]

And you know who said it best about jazz: "Just play the right notes!" Angela Martin. The Office.

[@loisplane]

"Passenger"= Post-modern jazz. 4 chords.......

[@grahamjarman]

yea, lou reed sucks lol

[@SpiritusBythos]

Here Comes The Ocean is the most powerful song.. 2 chords. Lou was something special

[@primusdude87]

Probably because Lou was incapable of playing three chords in any given song.

[@1960daaron]

My fav 2 chord song is "When Loves Comes to Town" by U2 and BB King. From the video: B. B. King: “I’m no good with chords, so what we do is get somebody else to play that.” Bono: “Well, Edge will do that; there’s not that many chords in the song, there’s only two.”

[@JonasStuart]

I reckon this is a better 2 chord song that the three featured in this video! So clever!

[@sampoquette2557]

Bad is also another great 2-chord song!

[@bradatherton9369]

Great one!

[@michaelxz1305]

I have this live album called "when love comes to town" by bb king. I can't find it on any streaming service. It has my favourite thrill is gone, just perfect and the whole album is great. I found the cd in a library decades ago and ripped it.

[@criol1]

​@@sampoquette2557almost true. It has a Em7 in the end of the verse ("I'm not sleeping").

[@Josh97GreenDay]

Heroin by the Velvet Underground is I - IV. Also Molly's Lips by the Vaselines (Nirvana Cover). Ceremony by Joy Division (New Order) is the perfect I - V song. Transmission only uses two chords as well.

[@IbervilleMusic]

in the same vein as Ceremony, I'd say "LCD Soundsystem - All My Friends" is another good contender.

[@crobinso2010]

I'm surprised Rick missed Heroin. Bolero style rare gem of a song

[@twenty3electronics]

Walking With Jesus by Spacemen 3, Rainin’ Babies by Flaming Lips

[@Datamining101]

I think Rick focused this one on "pop" and, while heroin is one of the best songs ever recorded, I don't think it really fits in that category. Also this channel doesn't really admit most of the 60s exists... if you're not the Beatles or Stones you're not going to get much airtime here pre-1968ish.

[@kpo38XD]

new order- your silent face

[@wendybenson5903]

Thank you for this! This is exactly what I needed to see to give me the confidence to pick up the guitar again! If I can re learn two chords, I can slowly add more. Its been almost 30 years wish me luck!

[@outlawrl1]

I love 2 chord songs! I fell that the listener invariably ends up paying a lot more attention to the lyrics, the songwriting, and the overall sentiment the artist wants to convey. My favorite 2 chorder is probably "Paperback Writer"

[@yongcipres]

Glad to hear that "Horse with no name" is here. Its the first song I learned on guitar. Simply melodic. 👍

[@texasfossilguy]

its 4 chords though

[@OJA1965]

@@texasfossilguy Technically yes, but, cmon.... I've played it both ways and it really doesn't matter

[@jamesdefrancesco7765]

I'm a pianist. It's the ONLY song I can play on guitar ;)

[@god0]

We used to call it the "song with no tune" 😂

[@stevielease7952]

Horse with No Name is an awesome song. Great imagery. The desert-a place of peace and solitude. Pristine. Unspoiled. Describes a scene I would find myself in if I died and went to Heaven. Very strong environmental message here .

[@robertcartwright4374]

My favorite two chord song is "So What" by Miles Davis. A lotta bars with one chord, then the chord moves up a semi-tone, (but otherwise doesn't change), and then after a lesser number of bars returns to the first chord for a bit. That's it!

[@virtuallyskitz1]

@@wolleyreikivalley, ok, so....maybe four chords if you consider the Bill Evans voicings over the roots. But the improvisation is just as Robert describes.

[@Siberguy2008]

@@wolleyreikivalley Depends.on what you call a chord Dm11 and Ebm11 cover the whole song

[@walterholland1251]

I lean towards calling two modes: D and Eb Dorian, but I see where you're coming from.

[@krismccrady2415]

what I love about that one is it's one chard forever, but they find ways to keep it interesting and when it does change it feels massive.

[@mikecrean8849]

Great singing and playing guys. Amazing songs with only two chords. 🙋‍♂️👏👏🇬🇧

[@jaynbob42]

When I saw Mary had gone for a trip across the pond, I was hoping we’d see her pop up in your videos. Love to see you guys all playing together and look forward to some more in the future.

[@henryimmler8329]

Me too! This was a HUGE surprise!

[@danafortier4085]

I love Mary’s voice! It’s so full and nuanced at the same time. I was happy to see Rick jump in on background vocals on Dreams, but I was waiting for Brett to jump in. I was thinking Brett has talked about doing background vocal with his live band, why isn’t he doing it here? I was rewarded when Brett and Rick did the vocals on “A Horse With No Name.” Well done Mary, Rick and Brett!

[@JeffreyMoyer]

Feeling Alright, by Traffic and covered brilliantly by Joe Cocker is probably my favorite two chord song.

[@televinv8062]

Great one!

[@mattjones7226]

Joe Cocker is one of the few musicians whose cover songs I prefer more than the originals.

[@gordstensrud3614]

Actually a Dave Mason song, still the best version,

[@esimon779]

Feelin' Alright is a great choice. I love the Artie Butler piano part in the Cocker version. I learned to play it. Note to Rick Beatto - this is a two chord song that that goes 1 dominant 7 to 4 dominant 7. And I think it works great! So 1-4 is possible.

[@4thamendment237]

Dave Mason took a "C" and an "F" and made millions from them. 😂

[@gaprise9151]

Mary has a beautiful voice. Reminded of my days growing some 55 years ago. One uncle playing rhythm and the other playing bass on Bellini guitars

[@Decranz-sb7pg]

WOW!!!! When will this wonderful band get out on tour!!! I love the way you play together!

[@exoplanet11]

I knew "Horse with no Name" would be on the list. Didn't realize about the other two. Mary S.'s voice is wonderful. I swear this was the first time I really heard all the words to "Dreams".!

[@Davidgeorgegerard]

HORSE must e the most boring piece of a tune ever inflicted on the world.

[@vernfowlkes8110]

I used to play a lot. (12 string) Horse with no name was not just two chords.

[@briane173]

"Horse With No Name" was the first song that came to mind when he said "2-chord." I totally forgot about Fleetwood Mac's "Dreams."

[@betteurbain7911]

@@Davidgeorgegerard I would say that maybe it's supposed to be because it simulates the experience of not being able to remember your name in the desert; but, there are several America songs that do not have much range.

[@danskweir385]

@@Davidgeorgegerard At least they shortened it up for this ...it does go on rambling along forever and soon becomes unbearable if you actually listen to the whole thing.

[@techinfusions]

Mary's voice is incredible singing Fleetwood Mac's Dreams, her nuances were just beautiful, gave me goose bumps.

[@psych336]

I agree. These three should make a band, they sound so good together. The harmonies complemented Mary so well also.

[@rickpolar]

Highlight of the video imo

[@MaxwellEdison33344]

Absolutely awe inspiring version

[@EB-bl6cc]

yeah, her voice didn't suit the other 2 songs as well, but she's absolutely perfect for Dreams

[@sandburgmartin7947]

Dreams was only #1 hit for FM. Used 3 part harmony too.

[@carlbohnsack7634]

Wow, great to see Mary Spender in the studio with Rick and Rhett! The first 2 chord song that popped into my head was "Tulsa Time". 🤠 Probably several other country tunes that work with just 2 chords.

[@CadenStein-f4u]

“What I got” by sublime is a I IV progression

[@CoreyKirksey-kw7zr]

Oh praise God there still are some of us out there... I was sure that it was one of the three actually until he started with the 1 to 4 crud... Rick.... i love you bro. But Bradleys "What I got" is your number ONE... And believe me it was a way bigger hit than any of those... Not that I have anything against Mic, Lindsay, and Stevie. But Neil Young is Trash... And that was one of the worst songs I have ever heard (no never heard!) from Kurt. Anyways. Nothing but love

[@SweenglishTube]

​@CoreyKirksey-kw7zr so you think Sublime is bigger than Fleetwood Mac? I love the Siblime song and you may be right about the Nirvana one on this list, but not Fleetwood Mac..... and Neil Young didn’t do Horse w no name.

[@lyonheart44]

Another two-chord song that should get a mention: the Spinners' "I'll Be Around" (IV7-V). The arranger absolutely earned his keep with that one.

[@Dr.yes1963]

So true! The vocals are amazing too- just a wonderful record.

[@BrianKuca]

Great great song!!

[@patriotsforconnell8313]

That song uses three chords :-)

[@reggaerock]

*3 chord song. That's 50% more chord than this

[@lyonheart44]

@@reggaerock I'm not hearing a third chord. Enlighten me?

[@desireetang4848]

"Feeling Alright" Traffic (great cover by Joe Crocker)

[@robertfiorellino6070]

IMHO Joe's version is the best.

[@gcaligula6653]

That's a l, IV Chord song in C

[@kirk290]

I was thinking the same thing.

[@Roen-g4w]

Dave Mason song!

[@RobbyKing]

Man, Rhett’s slide playing sounded fantastic! It really sounded like the cello on that song

[@litzoween]

Fantastic - in all ways. informs, teaches, history, music theory plus a great, great demonstration. Nailed it, Rick!

[@NewFalconerRecords]

When 'A Horse with No Name' hit #1 on the US charts, Neil Young's Dad called him up to congratulate him. Neil had to say, "Ummm... that's not me Dad, it's a band called America."

[@tonybates7870]

A Horse With No Name sounds more like Neil Young than Neil Young does. Don't know how they got away with it.

[@tonybates7870]

Well, I do know how they got away with it - you can't copyright a sound or style. Some people are shameless, although shame probably dissipates a little when the money starts rolling in . . .

[@NewFalconerRecords]

@@tonybates7870 It happens every now and then. Think of 'Long Cool Woman wIth a Black Dress' by the Hollies. Creedence Clearwater Revival were the biggest rock band on the charts at the time, so the Hollies decided to imitate them and it worked. 'Stuck in the Middle With You' by Stealer's Wheel. Could that sound any more like Bob Dylan? ("Clowns to the left of me, jokers to the right"...). Obviously the latest example is Greta Van Fleet who sound like they've only ever listened to Led Zeppelin for their entire lives. If you're the original artist you could take it as a compliment... I guess.

[@simond1023]

although I reckon Neil would never write a lyric like ".. the heat was hot" !! 😋

[@NewFalconerRecords]

@@simond1023

[@EddieReischl]

I'd call "Paperback Writer" a two chord I IV song, although it's mostly a one chord song. It does cheat a little with the flat 7th in the riff, but you could say it's G7 and C. It cheats more with the acapella paperback writer part having a G F D kind of a singing thing going on. My songbook has it in the key of G and naturals the F# everywhere, but could a person say the key is C, and that the whole song is spent in tension trying to resolve to C, and only does for that little bit, and is a V I song? Maybe it's modal, with whatever mode starts with the G note, I forget... Edit: I went and looked. Mixolydian.

[@balooc2]

one of the first songs i learned was "lady in black" with uriah heep. i love this song!

[@stephankrain]

It actually was the very first song I ever learned^^ My father taught it to me using the chords em and D though :)

[@jackwezesa1081]

Wow , I saw Uriah Heap get so booed at a show in the 70’s. I liked July Morning.

[@balooc2]

@@stephankrain i was taught an Am and G :)

[@robertborden2666]

Always wanted to learn this one. So glad you posted it back when you did!

[@sharky9493]

oh my god,,,,got tears in my eyes,,,DREAMS and HORSE WITH NO NAME...my favorite songs since 47 years!!!! Mary had a fantastic voice!!! Thank you!

[@mnc1126]

NOT my favorite songs and still I wanted to cry too. Excellent stuff here!

[@greggclaycamp6810]

gotta love Dreams; but, "Horse with no Name?!! The melody works with 2 chords, but they really didn't have much to say...

[@brahmburgers]

I can't agree. I think both those songs are mediocre. To me, a great song is, for example, Killing Me Softly, by Roberta Flack - lots of beautiful chords which weave around an excellent melody and performance and lyrics. Horse With No Name, to me, is a throwaway song with scant meaning. I've jammed on Dreams 101 times. More than a few young women have come up to my live band during a gig, and asked to sing that, and I always oblige, but nearly fall asleep each time.

[@sharky9493]

@@brahmburgers Actually doesen´t matter what you thinking..this songs a sold millions of copys, and primalary it´s about 2 chords. Killing me softly is great, but has 10 chords! Sometimes it helps to read the headline🤣

[@kcvfr400]

Break on through by the Doors and Springsteens Born in the USA are fantastic 2 cord songs. Its amazing how music can be complex or simple and still be amazing.

[@ThinWhiteLuke]

Wow your right

[@davidemaria9791]

You are damn right, way better songs than these ones!

[@nicholaseff8511]

Sorry Springsteen is not that good and I live in NJ. His biggest hit was a Hollies cover, and I don’t mean Long Cool Woman. That would have been cool. He also covered a lot of Beatles in his early days. OK I’ll give you I’m on fire, I think that’s the name of it. Hey little girl is your daddy home? That’s effing perfect 🤣 I remember listening to him at asbury park dive bars - when the only thing I drank was a tequila sunrise, lots of them, usually with a hit of Lysergic acid acid diethyl amide. Springsteen fans give me douche chills, especially D bags who “discovered” him in the 80s.

[@ThinWhiteLuke]

@@nicholaseff8511 who cares? The question was what are some songs that only use 2 chords. Born in the USA uses 2 chords. Whether or not anyone likes Springsteen has zero to do with this discussion.

[@nicholaseff8511]

@@ThinWhiteLuke When you're right you're right. I said I love the channel. I'm surprised Springsteen didn't figure out how to write songs with 1 chord.

[@therealkenk]

My favorite two-chorder is "Feelin Alright" by Dave Mason, popularized by Joe Cocker. Great tune to jam to!

[@qbassu]

That’s a I to IV, no V chord, Rick! Great tune.

[@wonderfool1960]

Agree, I thought of that song immediately, too

[@motman52]

Ken...just noticed your post from 4 days ago...after I had just posted about this one myself , as well. Just C + F (and throw in the 7th note to the C Chord, on occasion.) Dave's great!

[@therealkenk]

@@motman52 Hey man... I actually play B7 to E7. Makes it a little easier to sing and I can hold that B7 shape for both chords. I think Dave is great too. Love his solo on "Look At You Look At Me".

[@VirtualTheorist]

She has a wonderful voice. Definitely gonna listen more to her singing.

[@JM.Redding]

Mary Spender has such an incredible singing voice.

[@albietzaesthetics1064]

Except the nirvana one

[@19nick57]

@@albietzaesthetics1064 I think I'm alone in thinking she is overrated? She has talent but it isn't exceptional in any way. But I'm no expert.

[@earling22]

Im with you

[@19nick57]

@@earling22 Who? Me 😁?

[@earling22]

@@19nick57 sorry-yes, you, I agree.

[@MrXNITROx]

Horse with no name was the first song I learn on an acoustic guitar, my dad would always play it, and the two chords are very easy to switch between, great beginner song imo

[@souleater0815]

So true.

[@debvalle7466]

What a nice surprise! Mary is a big talent. These were very cool to listen to and ponder. You are so prolific, Rick! Your brain never stops working 😊

[@bobbabai]

I liked Mary's rendition of Something In The Way

[@bobbabai]

@@Ervinabrahamian I'm going to guess I don't have the same emotional attachment to Nirvana's that you do.

[@Helen-jw6yb]

I'm not musicsl in the slightest & mostly have no idea what you're talking about..HOWEVER I absolutely love your enthusiasm for your subject....very endearing 😊😙

[@noahbodhi3751]

"Tighten Up" by Archie Bell & the Drells is an example of how two chords and a great groove can make a song a classic.

[@davidpanzer1166]

Noah - great song. but when they do the 'make it mellow' part there are some extra chords.

[@rumi5547]

And it was a hit. It seems Beato is limiting two chord songs to hits.

[@NeoGodHand]

Man, she’s got a great voice. Her “Something in the Way” was sung very Mark Lanegan in the verse. Such range!

[@daniellesnick9256]

Her voice is magnificent - especially when she goes a little bit high.

[@phillipemmons3714]

And does it so effortlessly

[@Pkicker3]

Guess you haven’t heard Lanie Gardiner sing this song, she blows Stevie Nicks away. This girl isn’t even close to doing this song right

[@brianoconnor7796]

💯

[@mikegross3698]

It may or may not be correct (and I know it's just for us amateurs) but Ultimate Guitar Tabs has Horse With No Name (official version) with 3 chords: Em, D6add9/F#, and Emadd9. The most popular version (Version 1) has 4 chords: Em, D6/9, Em9, and Dmaj9.

[@TLMuse]

Wow, that "Dreams" cover has some of Mary's best singing ever. And Rhett's slide work on the Nirvana cover sounds remarkably like a cello. Nicely done, all three of you! -Tom

[@nicholasdupont9097]

Does anyone know what effects they used to get that cello sound?

[@corryjookit7818]

@@nicholasdupont9097 I prefer to watch and listen to 2Cellos, especially in Verona, on here KZbin, as they can make them sound like guitars. Enjoy ! They do an amazing Iron Maiden cover which is mind boggling. My favourite..

[@ConanTheEmployer]

@@nicholasdupont9097 Sounds like they used the actual cello part from the original, and Rhett is just doubling it. If you listen closely, you can hear the bow skipping on the string during some of the note changes.

[@SmilusMusic]

Yeah!!! I Was looking for the Cello. Well done boys and girl!

[@chrisharrelson66]

@@nicholasdupont9097 I'm pretty sure he's using an EBOW.

[@ShameemMusic]

Also, I call your cheat Rick: “Dreams” has a little instrumental interlude between first chorus and second verse with a couple of vi chords in it… I know there’s no vocal there, but it does break up the two-chord pattern and provide a bit of release from the tension of those two chords.

[@paulmcgrath6118]

Exactly, it’s defo not a two chord song

[@markharc7615]

This. as a bass player you do have the breakdown piece that throws in an A chord for sure.

[@jasonlandry8685]

It's actually in the bridge. You're right they do hit the root Am once in the bridge to set it apart, but then they return to the same two chord progression.

[@jasonlandry8685]

@@markharc7615A minor not A, but you're right.

[@markharc7615]

@@jasonlandry8685 True- but on my bass it's just A ;)

[@larrywalker8327]

5:45 Two chords 5:45 1-2m---- Tennessee Whiskey (Stapleton) and Albatros (FMac)

[@Sterling444]

I was wondering whether anyone would mention Tennessee Whiskey

[@bobbysands6923]

As someone finally learning to play guitar (three months in) this is a treasure trove of a post! In fact, I warm up with Horse With No Name every time I practice.

[@mr.twister1387]

My favorite one chord song is "Lowrider" by War. The beat, the percussion and the harmonica make it happen. I went to a War concert quite a few years back and was blown away! I forgot how many hit songs they've had over the years.

[@michaeljaymurdock]

harmonica? i thought it was a saxophone

[@ImSquiggs]

@@michaeljaymurdock In the recording it's actually a saxophone played on top of a harmonica doing the same riff.

[@terrylodercreative]

We played that one live and added some embellishments to make a powerful escalating energy style. People would come from other places in the club to see what we were doing. Loved it. I didn't even sing it in their abbreviated verses. I just connected a couple as we went along. Great fun to tinker with that one.

[@toddhamo4763]

I'm not sure I would call that a true 1-chord-er. The bass line goes up and down and up and down, throughout. I guess it depends on how you define a 1-chord-er.

[@vintages10]

More cow bell!!

[@francapitanelli9775]

What about Sly Stone “Everyday People”. Love that song!

[@larsonfamilyhouse]

Same!

[@ofdrumsandchords]

"Theme from Shaft". FM7 Em7. Isaac Hayes uses #11, I like this color, and there is a lot to listen to in his arrangement. I absolutely loved Mary Spender's voice in the first song.

[@sbyrstall]

She covered Stevie Nicks perfectly.

[@hux2000]

There more than just two chords in that song.

[@ofdrumsandchords]

@@hux2000 I studied it in detail, and I arranged it for teens. I kept the odd bars (there are a few 5/4 or 3/4 that I could have easily changed, but it's a good exercise). I also looked at a MIDI file, I didn't see any other chords. Professional fellow musicians verified my score, and listened to it. Where did you see that ? Isaac Hayes wrote a lot of interesting parts, flutes, strings, horns, vocal, and it's varied, with nice colors. Great arranger. Not on the level of Thad Jones or Quincy, but you can't play Thad's pad with teens.

[@PogostarterSH]

I think it is amazing that a song like Born In The USA is only 2 chords. Really shows how much melody, good verses and a great chorus does.

[@marcoylinen9543]

"Lady in black" from album Salisbury by Uriah Heep , I believe is a 2-chord-song, Am and G. Very nice to see Mary Spender join in, her voice is so beautiful !!

[@d.wagner9187]

I would even say that Lady in Black is probably more famous than any of the three Rick mentions. Everybody knows it and everybody knows how to play it. And yes, it is a 2-chord-song.

[@Marplea]

I totally thought he'd definitely talk about lady in black 😅

[@SalamiKing7]

This was the first song I thought of! Great song!

[@darkstar3374]

First song I ever learned

[@AndrzejMuzaj]

Hey, same here - I thought this was gonna be #1 on this list :D

[@jonathangoodman2636]

For me, it's always been Simply Red's "Holding Back The Years." You could make the case for them being i7 - IV , but I always hear it as ii7 - V . Pretty cool to imagine a song with no tonic needed!

[@jimmy2minutes]

Beat me to it

[@splendidteaching]

That would make my top 3

[@kyletwebster]

Love that song!

[@MetalizedButt]

@@Michael-mm3fm buzz off

[@moneydoctor]

I too immediately thought of “Holding Back The Years”.

[@felixbussieres6653]

"What I got" by Sublime is a very well-known two-chord song with a I-IV progression (D and G). Works very well!

[@kaostheoryx]

Came to say this

[@johnsacco9897]

Yes indeed.

[@richardgreenwood6474]

I believe Van Morrison's "Moon Dance" is just two chords.

[@sosti]

yes

[@MikeontheWay]

I knew I wasn't the first to think of What I Got!

[@ScottVersele]

Tommy James and the Shondells two chord zinger is "Draggin the Line". One chord...The Beat Goes On...Sonny Bono.

[@Easton1962]

Two chord classic....'Use me' Bill Withers Em7 A7 brilliant ❤

[@GerardoHernandez-fq1mx]

I got chills listening to Dreams..the guitar and the voice…incredible.

[@ultravibe]

What I Got by Sublime is just D and G - which makes it an extremely easy song for beginner guitar players to learn as those are usually 2 of the first chords they learn.

[@calvinberkenbile8414]

I - IV “Whole Wide World” by the Monkees made better by Wreckless Eric and covered by many more. SO GOOD. The emotion fury with the longing lyrics and catchy melody make this song a 10 for me. Sang it to my wife at our wedding 🥲

[@KeithShelley1]

"Jane Says" by Jane's Addiction is only two chords. I thought for sure it would be in this video. Edit: "Here I Dreamt I Was an Architect" by The Decemberists is two chords, too!

[@soniklink-WKD4496]

"I'm done with Sergio, he treats me like a rag doll!" EPIC :) Love that song!

[@vincentanatriello9296]

actually 3 the chorus goes to D major

[@louisbarrett619]

I’ve just listened to „Jane Says“ after reading your comment. Cool song - thank you!

[@KeithShelley1]

@@vincentanatriello9296 the chorus stays on G but modulates to a slightly different G. The live version starts with a D major but switches to the G to A progression.

[@littlelamb2112]

Love the Decemberists love

[@mwsmark]

Mary really crushed the Fleetwood Mac Dreams. Gave me an even bigger appreciation for Stevie Nicks inflections. It's amazing how Nicks wrote that in 10 minutes on a Fender Rhodes - my favorite keyboard. It took Buckingham to put the 3 sections of the song together. Great job all!

[@jaymasterscrapper301]

Crushed LOL

[@scottreed8985]

"Dreams" has three chords.

[@mattcraig163]

"What i got" by Sublime is another good two chord jam. Great chorus and i think its 1 to 4 the whole time.

[@andyward8062]

Waylon Jennings had a #1 C&W hit with "Are You Sure Hank Done It That Way"

[@bbgkbimbe]

I was convinced Lady in Black from Uriah Heep would appear in the list, knowing Rick's taste and inclination towards classic rock. Probably the most memorable melody out of any two chord song ever. When I was young by The Animals also is a good contender

[@manuhirvilammi]

I was too. And I still think it's the best two chord song ever.

[@BUCA_BILL]

That's an incredible song. I wonder if Rick is a fan of theirs.

[@phrymcdunstan]

Yes, I was thinking of Lady In Black, too. I often show this to my beginner students. Playing the rhythm correctly is actually pretty hard for beginners!

[@andrejz8954]

Yeah, and it's from their second album, so when the no3 song came on I was like; Lady in black, no brainer ^^.... And then? W8, what?! :S I feel like everyone's forgetting about that song. Also would Oye como-va count as a 2 chord song? I'd think so..

[@bobpiorun1563]

@@BUCA_BILL :

[@FullumMusic]

It dawns on me that The Staple Singers "I'll Take You There" is just F and C the whole time. They do SO MUCH AMAZING with those two chords, but it's just those two chords that i never get tired of. It's my warm-up bass playing song.

[@brahmburgers]

I too, love that song. James Brown had a song that hardly anyone knows. He wrote it while performing on stage in Paris, France. It's one chord, and only 7 words: "My face is wet / wet with sweat" repeated over and over ad nauseum.

[@timothyreid3061]

Great tune. I did thirty years on a city transit bus and I often thought that would be a good transit motto. Groovy song.

[@qhood2220]

Chris Stapleton. Tennessee Whiskey 1 to 2m❤

[@theohioshirey]

Very powerful 🕊️ funky💃 underrated ✝️ song

[@JohnMiddletonBunny]

And it has a bass line groove and, most of all, Mavis.

[@k-lebxd9297]

Something In The Way is probably one of the most immersive and relaxing songs i've ever heard.

[@alveloss7880]

Yes!

[@lecigars]

Wow! Powerful performance from the not-so-power trio! Bravo!👏👏👏

[@biaxident1984]

"What I Got" by Sublime was the first two chord song that came to mind for me. Great video. Love Mary Spender so much!

[@roh3974]

That one is a I, IV as well...

[@bluesinamajor]

@@roh3974 Great suggestion. Probably could've been included in the video.

[@TroyJakubiec]

@@roh3974 Oye Como Va is also a i - IV... or is it a ii - V ?

[@lalaland0417]

Yes almost all is D, G, except on the motherf* line there is an A chord

[@MrOatmeal5150]

@@roh3974 I might be recalling incorrectly, but pretty sure it's technically a V-I

[@stevecowder4774]

Definitely an interesting look into those songs. But I gotta say, Mary sure has a great voice, especially on her beautiful rendition of ‘ Dreams. ‘

[@mpress469]

Of the three, "Dreams" is by far the best two chord song. Your beautiful interpretation is download worthy.

[@davidbyerly9846]

Horse With No Name- to me is the best because the chords just ring out differently so it sounds like there's more going on than two chords. Also, it's instantly recognizable as soon as you strum the first bar acoustic. Dreams- is a great song but without the baseline and delay laden lead parts it really doesn't hold up on its own like Horse With No Name does.

[@ruttles]

Rick cheated, Dreams has 3 chords - Fmaj7, G, Amin. The excerpt they played only showed 2.

[@davidszafraniec8385]

Tulsa Time by Don Williams but written by band member Danny Flowers when snowed in their hotel rooms in Tulsa. He was going to add another chord but Don liked it the way it was.