Today at 3 Chord Club we travel back in time to a period of musical abandon featuring three One Hit Wonders from the 1980s (according to US charts), Musical Youth, Frankie Goes To Hollywood and Nena.

At the 3 Chord Club we choose three songs from a specific artist, label or genre of music that we’ll learn by ear. All the songs will contain three chords or less (with the exception of Bonus Chord songs)! Since you know the song has only one to three chords, try to figure out the changes, or chord progression by ear while watching the YouTube video. Here’s a hint, most of the time the chords will be the I-IV & V or V7 chords. In the Key of C, that’s C-F-G or G7. Remember, the sound examples may be in various keys. As an added bonus, try to figure out the key of the recording.

Pass The Dutchie-Musical Youth 1982
(Hint: IM7-ii7)

Relax-Frankie Goes To Hollywood 1985
(Hint: im-II)

99 Luftballons-Nena 1983
(Hint: Bonus Chord: iim)

Songs presented are for educational purposes only and used under the fair use doctrine of United States copyright law.