3-Chord Guitar Songs
The three-chord song is the backbone of popular music — learn three shapes and dozens of songs open up. Browse three-chord guitar songs with charts and step-by-step guides.
3-Chord Guitar Songs – Chord Charts & Tabs
Discover 100 songs that use 3 chords. Fewer chords means faster learning — each song below includes full chord diagrams, strumming patterns, and tabs for guitar, ukulele, piano, banjo, and mandolin.
GuitarUkulelePiano
Bmtap to play
Emtap to play
F#7tap to play
The Thrill Is Gone
B.B. King
AdvancedFrequently Asked Questions What chords do you need to play "The Thrill Is Gone"? You need 3 Intermediate-friendly chords: Bm,…
GuitarUkulelePiano
Etap to play
Atap to play
Btap to play
Pride and Joy
Stevie Ray Vaughan
AdvancedFrequently Asked Questions What chords do you need to play "Pride and Joy"? You need 3 Intermediate-friendly chords: E, A…
GuitarUkulelePiano
Dtap to play
Gtap to play
Atap to play
Twist and Shout
The Beatles
BeginnerThree chords of pure rock and roll energy. The Beatles made this Isley Brothers cover their own. Frequently Asked Questions…
GuitarUkulelePiano
Dtap to play
Ctap to play
Gtap to play
Sweet Child O’ Mine
Guns N' Roses
BeginnerSlash’s unforgettable intro riff and a powerful three-chord chorus. One of the greatest rock songs of all time. Frequently Asked…
GuitarUkulelePiano
Atap to play
Etap to play
Dtap to play
Cripple Creek
Traditional
BeginnerThe first song every banjo player learns. A driving bluegrass standard with three chords and a memorable melody. Frequently Asked…
GuitarUkulelePiano
Gtap to play
Emtap to play
Dtap to play
Foggy Mountain Breakdown
Lester Flatt & Earl Scruggs
BeginnerEarl Scruggs’ banjo masterpiece. The song that defined the three-finger banjo picking style. Frequently Asked Questions What chords do you…
GuitarUkulelePiano
Dtap to play
Atap to play
Gtap to play
Soldier’s Joy
Traditional
BeginnerOne of the oldest and most-played fiddle tunes. Essential for mandolin, banjo, and fiddle players. Frequently Asked Questions What chords…
GuitarUkulelePiano
D5tap to play
Bb5tap to play
F5tap to play
Killing in the Name
Rage Against the Machine
BeginnerDrop-D power chord mayhem from Rage Against the Machine. The riff is iconic and surprisingly accessible. Frequently Asked Questions What…
GuitarUkulelePiano
Atap to play
Dtap to play
Etap to play
Blitzkrieg Bop
Ramones
BeginnerThe punk anthem that launched a thousand bands. Three chords (often played as two alternating), maximum speed, pure energy. Frequently…
GuitarUkulelePiano
Amtap to play
Ftap to play
Ctap to play
Stay With Me
Sam Smith
AdvancedSam Smith’s breakthrough hit uses just three chords with a soulful gospel feel. Beautiful on piano, guitar, or ukulele. Frequently…