CHORD PROGRESSIONS

Now that we have learn the basic building blocks of musical composition, we need something to help us connect all the dots and create a melody, and this is when chord progressions come in handy. 

 

When you are stuck on coming up with your own melody, maybe try writing down the chord progressions for your piece first and pick notes from the chords.

 

First, we need to understand how chord progressions work.

​

​

​

​

​

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here are some common progressions for pop music:

​

1. I – V – vi – IV 

For example, in G major, this progression becomes G – D – Em – C

It is used in “Someone Like You” by Adele, “Pokerface” by Lady Gaga, “All of Me” by John Legend, “Ghost” by Justin Bieber, etc.)

​

2. ii – V – I

For example, in D major, this progression becomes Em – A – D 

this chord progression is extensively used in jazz. 

It is used in “Boyfriend” by Justin Bieber, “Sunday Morning” by Maroon 5, etc.

​

3. I – vi – IV -V

For example, in E major, this progression becomes E – Cm – A – B 

This chord progression was a catchy blend of R&B and rock ‘n roll.

It is used in “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran, “Baby” by Justin Bieber, “every Breath You Take” by the Police, “Me!” by Taylor Swift, etc.

​

4. I – IV – V 

For example, in C major, this progression becomes C – F – G 

This combination can be seen across genres, form blues to pop. 

​

5. I – V – vi – iii – IV – I – IV - V (Canon in D)

For example, in G major, this progression becomes G – D – Em – Bm – C – G – C – D

It is used in “Memories” by Maroon 5, “Firework” by Katy Perry. “Graduation” by Vitamin C, etc.

​

6. Andalusian Cadence: vi – V – IV – III in major, I – VII – VI – V

For example, in B major, this progression becomes B – A# - G# - F#; however, in b minor, this progression becomes Bm – F – E – D

It is used in “Rolling in the Deep” by Adele, “Somebody That I used to Know” by Gotye, etc.

​

7. I – vi – ii – V

For example, in A major, this progression becomes A – F#m – Bm – E

This chord progression is extensively used in jazz and R&B

It is used in “Hungry Heart” by Bruce Springsteen, “Without You” by Harry Nilsson, etc. 

​

8. vi – IV – I – V

For example, in D major, this progression becomes Bm – G – D – A

This chord is a variation of the I – V – vi – IV but sounds a lot sadder.

It is used in “Hello” by Adele, “Girls Like You” by Maroon 5, “Stronger” by Kelly Clarkson, etc.​

 

9. I – III – IV – iv (The “Creep” progression)

For example, in E major, this progression becomes E - #G – A – Am

It is used in “The Air That I Breathe”, “Get Free” by Lana Del Rey, etc.

​

10: I - bVII - IV - I (Mixolydian vamp)

This chord progression has some very strong characteristics suitable for rock, blues and jazz. It was especially prominent in the circa 1967-1975 classic rock era. 

For example, in C major, this progression becomes C - bB - F - C

​

Here are some videos with more detailed explanation of each chord progression with audio examples.