One-chord songs are the last minute musicians’ best friend. Whether you’re dealing with an emergency substitute guitar player or a young piano player called to the stage, you’ll want to have a couple of one chord songs in your back pocket to keep your end of the stage time agreement.

A repetitive bass figure is called an ostinato, or vamp. Examples of this include Peter Gunn Theme and Low Rider. Songs like these can be quickly put together by bass, guitar and keyboard players because the new guy can play the vamp while the experienced players play the melody or improvise.

If given the benefit of preparation time, a more interesting arrangement can come from adding shots, trades, strum and holds, and other techniques for creating anticipation for the audience. This can give other members, such as drummers a space to shine.

One chord-songs, proper, are quite rare. Typically they’ll include a riff that centers on a chord. Check out:

“Whole Lotta Love” by Led Zeppelin with Willie Dixon

“Spoonful” by Howlin’ Wolf

“Papa’s Got a Brand New Pig Bag” by PigBag,

“Rock-It” by Herbie Hancock

for ideas on how to stock your emergency one-chord repertoire.