KTV nights are a staple stress-relieving activity that plenty of Singaporeans head for, after a long week at work. But now that it may be some time before karaoke joints reopen to the public due to COVID-19 measures, you can still organise a small teo heng sesh at home with your closest buddies by playing easy songs on the guitar.
For those who can’t wait to belt out your favourite tunes, consider doing it campfire style at home with a guitar. If all you can play are basic chords, good news because we’ve compiled a list of top KTV songs that only require 4 simple chords to execute. Check them out below:
Note: Some of these require a capo, which allows you to play in a higher key by clamping down over an entire row of frets.
Image adapted from: Wikimedia Commons
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Despacito was pretty much the ultimate anthem of 2019, and it was played everywhere from malls to clubs, including our karaoke sessions. The modern-day Latin love song may be a full-blown reggaeton pop tune, but it turns out it’s actually extremely easy to play on the guitar if you want to add some acoustic flavour to it.
Chord progression: Bm G D A
Capo: None
Play the full song here.
If an artist wields an acoustic guitar, you can expect to find some campfire-friendly songs on his or her repertoire.
One such artist is Taylor Swift, who’s known for utilising basic chords on plenty of her iconic songs like We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together and Love Story. In fact, one of her most famous tunes, Shake It Off only uses 3 chords, so this one’s a fun choice for stay-at-home jamming sessions.
Chord progression: Am C G
Capo: None
Play the full song here
A song for the brokenhearted, Love The Way You Lie is a satisfying tune to belt out if you’re in need of some music therapy. It follows just 4 chords to strum with the same progression throughout the song – even for Eminem’s rapping parts.
Chord progression: Em C G D
Capo: 3rd fret
Play the full song here
In contrast to our previous point, Just The Way You Are by Bruno Mars is an upbeat change of pace for those who are happy in love. The tune may have been released a decade ago in 2010, but it’s still a cheerful tune where most of us still can remember the lyrics by heart.
Chord progression: D Bm7 G D
Capo: 3rd fret
Play the full song here
Every karaoke session needs a moment that pays tribute to classics, and Purple Rain by Prince is one such iconic tune that’s riddled with the feels. It may sound complicated thanks to Prince’s sick electric guitar skills, but you can still do an acoustic version of it with just 4 chords.
Chord progression: G Em D C
Capo: 3rd fret
Play the full song here
Another tune for an emotional karaoke night at home, Sam Smith’s Stay With Me is a heartfelt song about not wanting to be alone. No capo is needed for this one, and you have lots of freedom to make it sound more emotional when you go unplugged.
Chord progression: Am F C G
Capo: None
Play the full song here
Those who’re eager to show off their singing chops can give Halo a try, especially since Queen Bey’s crazy vocal range is all over this song. It may have been released all the way back in 2009, but is still a mainstay on the radio till today. So give it the revival it deserves during your home jamming sessions.
Chord progression: G Am Em C
Capo: 2nd fret
Play the full song here
Justin Bieber’s Baby is easily the guilty pleasure of this list, since many of you reading this probably grew up with this song and rode the preteen Belieber wave. That’s nothing to be ashamed of, especially since it’s still a hit that everyone can sing along to when it comes up during KTV sessions.
Chord progression: C Am F G
Capo: 2nd fret
Play the full song here
Karaoke sessions are all about singing together, so if you’ve got room for an sexy duet, head for the cult hit Señorita. We’ve included this as a bonus since it requires you to play 5 chords instead of 4, but the progression is incredibly easy even for novices. Keep this one for when you want to impress your bae too.
Chord progression: Am C Fmaj7 Em G
Capo: None
Play the full song here
It could be some time till we’re able to head out for karaoke nights at our favourite KTV joints, but those who can’t wait to chiong with their buds can have an unplugged session at home with these easy KTV songs.
For those with the guitar know-hows, you’d already know that there are tons of songs out there you can play. But if you’re just looking for something simple yet catchy, try these tunes as your playlist for the night.
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