One-Chord Funk Vamp (I7)
The One-chord funk vamp is the chord progression I7. In the key of C major it is C7, and in the Nashville Number System it is written 1(7).
It is also known as one-chord vamp, static vamp.
Chords from outside the key of C major: C7.
Jump to the chords and audio in C, G, D, A and E
Why it works
A single dominant chord is held for a whole section, so all the interest comes from rhythm, riffs and small chromatic slides. The sound is Mixolydian with blues notes. Players often decorate the chord by moving it up or down a step.
Songs that use it
These are the chords as played in each song, in the song's own key.
| Song | Artist | Section | Chords | Key |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Play That Funky Music | Wild Cherry | verse | E9, with F#9 and F9 passing chords | E major |
| Chain of Fools | Aretha Franklin | verse and chorus | A A7 | C major |
| Shotgun | Jr. Walker & the All Stars | verse and chorus | Ab7 | Ab major |
One-Chord Funk Vamp: Chords and Audio in C, G, D, A and E
Press play to hear each key. The diagrams show the shapes used in the audio, and every chord links to its full page.
Key of C major
Key of G major
Key of D major
Key of A major
Key of E major
More progressions like this one
- Just the Two of Us progression: Fmaj7 E7 Am7 Gm7 C7
- 7-3-6 progression: Bm7b5 E7 Am
- I-iii-IV walk-up: C Em F
- I-I7-IV-iv minor plagal: C C7 F Fm
All guitar chord progressions →
Created by
Giancarlo is a musician (teaching guitar since 2000), software engineer, AI consultant and published researcher
FAQ
What are the chords of the One-chord funk vamp in each key?
In C major: C7. In G major: G7. In D major: D7. In A major: A7. In E major: E7.
Which songs use the One-chord funk vamp?
Songs that use it include Play That Funky Music by Wild Cherry, Chain of Fools by Aretha Franklin, Shotgun by Jr. Walker & the All Stars.
