How many chord do you need to write a song?

[idssdi]

So, I love chords and typically I do key changes and all the other shenanigans when I write a song. However, this afternoon in the bus Eleanor Rigby came on and I thought to myself since I'm changing strings on my two main electric guitars I think I'm gonna try learning it tonight.

Now I'm learning it and the thing I notice is that the whole song pretty much is Em C or C Em depending on which part you're looking at.

I mean there are some variations for Em like Em7, Em6 and EmAug but the core is really just the Em and C and that absolutely baffles me because that song is simply one of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard (and the instrumental is all Cello I believe) and the harmony is so simple.

Long story short, keep it simple

 

[Iris]

According to The Axis of Awesome you only need 4.

 

[Lindsey]

I'm sure there are songs that don't even use one full chord.

Two chord songs are more common. I don't think there a minimal amount of chords you need

 

[idssdi]

According to The Axis of Awesome you only need 4.

Well Paul only needs 2 so I think he wins

 

[Chris Johnston]

I think the answer is 'yes' to this question One song might be served well with many intricate chord changes where you could write a banger with just two chords The two chord song might have a higher chance to earn you crazy royalties too

It all comes down to how crafty you are with your songwriting to make the simple stuff interesting I guess

 

[Ed Seith]

Well Paul only needs 2 so I think he wins

You have this backwards.

“All I’ve got is a red guitar, three chords and the truth” - Bob Dylan

You have to be a McCartney-level wizard to write a perfect song with only two. Mortals require at least 3-4.