A cheeky jibe at the classic four chord progression that seems to dominate the charts today. Inspired by the Axis of Awesome.

There’s one good way to top the charts
That never can go wrong
So lap it up cos here it is
My stupid four chord song

It starts with the first
Then moves to the fifth
And before you reach the fourth
Don’t forget the minor sixth

Cos every song you ever liked
Applies the same old trick
But I bet you knew that anyway
Unless you’re really thick

Chorus

And don’t forget the capo
It saves you from technique
Cos I’d rather sound like James Blunt
Than that groovy guy from Chic

You can play it in C
You can play it in D
But if you’re lazy like me
Then you’ll play it in G

There’s one good way to top the charts
That never can go wrong
So lap it up cos here it is
My stupid four chord song

And when you reach the bridge
Just swap the chords around
That way your good old six string
Retains the same old sound

Chorus

Free Download

My Stupid Four Chord Song

This ambient drone piece features a very slow tempo and a profoundly peaceful atmosphere, characterized by sustained tones and minimalist structures.  Soothing sounds from my electric dulcimer routed through Logic Pro, enhanced with Valhalla DSP's Planetarium plug-in, creates drones with heavy reverb, repeating echoes, long decay, and slow attack.  The layered textural depth evokes a sense of vastness, making the soundscape immersive and engaging without being overwhelming.  This composition is designed to aid relaxation and enhance focus.

Note: Two songs  - this one and "Bay Area Dreamscape" share the same use of lots of reverb, same tempo, same chords, chords in the same order *BUT* instead of the progression starting with the minor chord this piece has the minor chord in the middle of the progression which changes the nature of the song - which is interesting to me!   Can you hear the difference between the two songs?

I used the Axis of Awesome Chord Progression (I - V -  vi - IV) which has been used across various genres in contemporary music, especially pop music. The progression showcases how simplicity can create compelling music. I used the chord progression G - D - Em - C.  



Echoes in the Punchbowl:  Minor Reflection

Heart Blossom Sanctuary: learning/experimenting making electronic music using LogicPro, flutes/whistles, an electric dulcimer, MIDI keyboard controller...

Introducing Ryan Fox, a roots/folk singer songwriter from Kent, England. His unique, popular sound and poetic, witty lyrical style draws from influences as diverse as early Dylan to Noel Gallagher, from Johnny Cash to Elton John, from Bruce Springsteen to Stephen Sondheim.
 
Ryan's songs have reached the finals of the UK Songwriting Contest and been featured on the Disabled People Against Cuts website. He has co-headlined the Acoustic Sessions at Rainham three times and Tunbridge Wells’ The Forum twice. Ryan has also recently played a support slot at St Edith Folk Club, Sevenoaks and will return there in 2026.
 
Ryan had classical piano lessons from an early age and picked up a guitar at uni, his early influences including Oasis, Coldplay and, naturally, The Beatles. He developed his songwriting in his 20s, largely owing to meeting musical guru Dr Richard Niles (Paul McCartney, Cher, Pet Shop Boys), who pushed Ryan out of his comfort zone to explore fresh sonic/lyrical ground - to try new things.

Ryan has recently released his fifth studio album Explorers Deluxe LP, available to buy from ryanfoxmusic.com or Bandcamp.

New tracks tagged #Axis of Awesome