Topic: Great One-Chord Songs

[RobBob]

The late great Willie King fits the bill with his great Terrorized here in an acoustic version.

[alyoung]

I may get attacked on this but I've never been a big fan of one-chord songs. There often repetitive and seem to drag a little. Especially J L Hookers boogies.

A four-word rebuttal: Robert Petway, Catfish Blues

[EddieD]

Jesus On The Mainline by Fred McDowell is a great one chord song. I don't know if we're counting slide songs in open tuning because there sure are a tone that are one chorders haha or only hint at other chords. I was just playing Jesus On The Mainline today and thought of this thread.

Edit: I went back and read Johnm's first post again and he mentioned Nappy Head Blues by Bobby Grant which is a one chord slide song so I guess slide tunes are fair game.

[frankie]

Jesus On The Mainline by Fred McDowell is a great one chord song.

Don't most of McDowell's songs fall into the "one chord" bucket? Except the ones with TWO chords, I mean...  the one he plays over and the one he sings over...

[frankie]

Lattie Murrell - I Got A Gal 'cross The Bottom (it's titled "When A Gal Cross The Bottom" on the record I have, though):

[EddieD]

Don't most of McDowell's songs fall into the "one chord" bucket? Except the ones with TWO chords, I mean...  the one he plays over and the one he sings over...

hahaha Thats why I wasnt sure If I should bother with a one chord slide tune. Fred McDowell and many others entire discography could be listed for the most part. 

[Johnm]

Hi all,
Uncle Dave Macon's "I've Got the Mourning Blues" falls in this category, with a really nice guitar part in Vestapol by Sam McGee.
All best,
Johnm

[lindy]

I was revisiting Elvie/L.V. Thomas and Geeshie Wiley's "Come Over To My House" this evening, and it sounds like it fits this category. It's got that one descending line that keeps the E in the bass throughout.

Lindy

[Johnm]

Hi all,
Rev. Edward Clayborn never played any chord changes in his recorded performances, nor did Sister O. M. Terrell in hers.
All best,
Johnm

[alyoung]

Clayborn didn't play the changes, but he sang 'em, and his top-string playing implied them. He just didn't bother about the other five strings.

[lindy]

John Hurt's "Payday," and probably other versions, too.

[GrasshopperBlues52499]

     If I remember correctly, I Henry Thomas's rendition of "John Henry" is one chord (along with other of his songs, I'm sure). The guitar is likely a simple strum on a D chord with a capo on the 7th fret to make it in A -- while of course accompanying the simple guitar part with his serene vocals and quills!

[Johnm]

Hi all,
Mattie Delaney played her "Down The Big Road Blues" as a one-chord number.
All best,
Johnm

[lindy]

I believe that Mance Liscomb's rendition of "Run, Sinner, Run" belongs on this list.

Lindy

[banjochris]

And Charlie Patton's "Mean Black Cat" as well, don't think we've mentioned that one.