Does it really matter that there are three chords used in a song, or four, or six (including a surprising A minor?)

Not really. Other musicians might appreciate this. Some listeners might actually notice, though this often happens during a quiet listen at home rather than at a concert. Rock critics who are often “want to be” musicians can sometimes irritate other fans by denigrating the ability of a guitarist in a popular group. For instance, a couple of years ago, one radio commentator said something to the effect that Edge, of the rock giant U2, was still playing the same two chords he learned in elementary school.

Of course, this mouth of the airwaves takes home a check every two weeks that probably covers rent and groceries, but not much more. Edge, on the other hand…..

So the question is put to us again – does it really matter how many chords we use or how complex music is? Not really. The message is all important.

One way that current bands might be able to satisfy the traditionalists among listeners is to add a keyboard. Somehow these displays of black and white keys seem to add something rare and delightful to a band’s output. But keyboard players are few and far between in the rock/alternative world.

It may be best to do what so many have done – hammer at those three chords and scream out the lyrics until someone starts paying attention. It worked in the 1950s!

Tags: music, indie, independent music, indie music, Perspective 3