We've joked in sessions that all you need for folk music is "3 chords and the truth," yet it's astonishing how far that will take you. But which 3 chords?
First, think of a major scale: do-re-mi-fa-sol-la-ti-do! Now count the syllables on your fingers as you sing; there are 8 of them.
The 3 chords you usually need are based on the 1st, 4th, and 5th notes of the scale. The first note of the scale indicates what key you're playing in.
For reasons I won't go into now, it's easiest for the dulcimers in our group to play in the key of D, but G is also a handy option if we need to shift the vocal range.
For the key of D, the scale is: D-E-F#-G-A-B-C#-D. Therefore, the I, IV, and V chords (chords are indicated with Roman numerals) are D, G, and A.
For the key of G, the scale is: G-A-B-C-D-E-F#-G. Therefore, the I, IV, and V chords are G, C, and D.
Notice that 2 of the chords are shared between the keys. Therefore, if you know 4 chords, you can sing the truth in two different ranges right off the bat.
Congratulations, you're a folk musician! Now come join the fun. :)
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