A chord progression is a sequence of chords played in a specific order, forming the harmonic foundation of a piece.
A chord progression is a series of chords played in a specific order, providing the harmonic backbone of a song. Understanding how to create progressions unlocks the secrets of emotional impact and movement in music.
Major Key Progressions
In a major key, chords are built on each scale degree, using Roman numerals:
I, ii, iii, IV, V, vi, vii°
- I, IV, V (e.g., C, F, G in C major) are the primary chords—most essential for progressions.
- ii, iii, and vi are minor, offering smooth transitions and variety.
- vii° is diminished, adding tension for resolution.
Common progressions:
- I–IV–V (C–F–G)
- I–vi–IV–V (C–Am–F–G)
- ii–V–I (Dm–G–C) — especially in jazz
The primary chords in a major key are I, IV, and V.
The ii–V–I progression in C major is Dm–G–C.
Minor Key Progressions
Minor keys use a different set of chord qualities and Roman numerals:
i, ii°, III, iv, V (or v), VI, VII
- i is minor, giving a darker feel (e.g., Am in A minor).
- III, VI, VII are major chords, providing contrast.
- ii° is diminished, creating tension.
- V is often major (from the harmonic minor scale), giving strong resolution to i.
Common progressions:
- i–iv–V (Am–Dm–E)
- i–VI–VII (Am–F–G)
- i–VI–III–VII (Am–F–C–G)
Typical minor key progressions include i–iv–V and i–VI–VII.
Am, Dm, and E are typical in A minor; C, F, G are major and more typical of C major.
Source Material
Author: Musictheory.net
Document: Understanding Minor Chord Progressions
Date Published: 2024
Chord Functions
Chords in a progression have specific functions that guide emotional flow:
| Function | Description | Typical Chords (Major Key) |
|---|---|---|
| Tonic | Sense of rest/resolution | I, vi |
| Subdominant | Moves music forward | IV, ii |
| Dominant | Creates tension | V, vii° |
Moving from Tonic → Subdominant → Dominant → Tonic creates a satisfying cycle.
The tonic-function chords in C major are C (I) and Am (vi).
The dominant-function chords are V and vii°.
Popular Progressions
Some chord progressions are famously effective and widely used across genres:
| Progression | Roman Numerals | Example (C Major) | Style/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Three-Chord | I–IV–V | C–F–G | Rock, pop, blues staple |
| The 50s Progression | I–vi–IV–V | C–Am–F–G | Doo-wop, classic pop |
| Axis of Awesome | I–V–vi–IV | C–G–Am–F | Pop hits cornerstone |
| ii–V–I | ii–V–I | Dm–G–C | Jazz standard |
The 'Axis of Awesome' progression is C, G, Am, F.
Popular progressions include I–IV–V, I–vi–IV–V, and ii–V–I.
Source Material
Author: Rolling Stone
Document: 10 Most Popular Chord Progressions
Date Published: 2023
Tips for Songwriting
- Start simple with I–IV–V or I–vi–IV–V.
- Use minor chords for emotional depth.
- Experiment with unexpected turns (e.g., borrow chords from parallel keys).
- Match progression speed to song mood (slow for ballads, fast for dance).
- Loop your progression and test melody ideas over it.
I–IV–V is a solid, easy starter progression.
Try minor chords, borrowed chords, or changing rhythm to add interest.
Conclusion
Chord progressions are the engine of musical storytelling. By learning common patterns, functions, and creative tips, you can write songs that move listeners and stand the test of time.
- Major and minor keys have unique chord sets and moods.
- Tonic, subdominant, and dominant functions create emotional flow.
- Classic progressions like I–IV–V and ii–V–I are great starting points.
The three main chord functions are Tonic, Subdominant, and Dominant.
In G major, I–vi–IV–V is G–Em–C–D.
Common minor patterns include i–iv–V and i–VI–VII.