Song Index Songs by Chords Guide to Guitar Chords About
One Three Dog Night

 The original "One" by Three Dog Night is a classic late 60s pop-rock song, known for its melancholic melody and steady rhythm. It features a driving feel that you can capture with simple strumming and open chords.


Chords

The song uses beginner-friendly chords: Em, G, A, C, B7, Am, and Bm. If B7 or Bm are new to you, practice their finger shapes separately before playing the full song.


Strumming Pattern

A steady, moderate tempo works well. Try a basic down-down-up-up-down-up pattern (D-D-U-U-D-U) for most sections. For the intro and instrumental, simple downstrokes (D-D-D-D) on each Em can create a driving effect.


Chord Transitions

The main challenge is moving quickly between Em, G, A, C, and B7. Practice switching between these pairs: Em–G, G–A, A–C, C–B7. For B7, keep your index finger ready to move between the G and B strings.


Techniques & Tips

**- Let the Em ring out for the intro.

  • Use lighter strums during verses, building intensity in the chorus.
  • The bridge introduces Bm and Am; take these transitions slowly at first.
  • If B7 is tricky, substitute with a regular B major chord, but B7 gives a more authentic sound.**

Keep your strumming hand moving smoothly, even if you miss a chord. With practice, the transitions and rhythm will flow naturally.

EADGBE Em
EADGBE G
EADGBEX A
EADGBE C
EADGBEX B7
EADGBEX Am
EADGBEX Bm
Intro
Em Em Em Em Em Em Em Em
Verse 1
Em One is theG loneliest number that you'llA ever doC B7
Em Two can be asG bad as one
It's theA loneliest number since theC numberB7 oneEm G A C B7
Verse 2
Em No is theG saddest experience you'llA ever knowC B7
Em Yes, it's theG saddest experienceA you'll ever knowC B7
'CauseAm one is the loneliestG number, that you'llAm everC doB7
Em One is the loneliestG number, whoa-ohA worse than twoC B7
Instrumental
Em Em Em G
Bridge
G It's just noBm good anymore since you went awayEm
Now IC spend my time justAm making rhymes ofEm yesterday
Chorus
Em One is theG loneliest numberA one is theC loneliestB7 number
Em One is theG loneliest number that you'llA ever doC B7
Em One is theG loneliestA One is theC loneliestB7
Em One is theG loneliest number that you'llA ever doC B7
Outro
Em It'sG just noBm good anymore since you went aEm way
Em One is theG loneliest numberA One is theC loneliestB7 number
Em One is theG loneliest number that you'llA ever doC B7
Em One is theG loneliest numberA One is theC loneliestB7 number
Em One is theG loneliest number that you'llA ever doC B7
Em G A C B7
Em One is theG loneliest number that you'llA ever doC B7
Em One is theG loneliest number that you'llA ever doC B7
Em Em Em G