What is a Chord Progression?

A chord progression is a sequence of chords played in succession that forms the harmonic foundation of a piece of music. Think of it as the backbone that supports the melody—while the melody is what you sing or hum, the chord progression is what gives the song its emotional depth and movement.

Chord progressions create the sense of tension and release that makes music compelling. They can make you feel happy, sad, nostalgic, or energized. Understanding chord progressions is essential for songwriting, improvisation, and musical analysis.

Understanding Roman Numeral Notation

Musicians use Roman numerals to describe chord progressions because they work in any key. This system is based on the major scale and shows the relationship between chords rather than specific notes.

The Seven Diatonic Chords

In any major key, there are seven chords built on each scale degree:

• I (one): Major chord - Tonic, the home chord
• ii (two): Minor chord - Supertonic
• iii (three): Minor chord - Mediant
• IV (four): Major chord - Subdominant
• V (five): Major chord - Dominant
• vi (six): Minor chord - Submediant
• vii° (seven): Diminished chord - Leading tone

Example in C Major:

• I = C major
• ii = D minor
• iii = E minor
• IV = F major
• V = G major
• vi = A minor
• vii° = B diminished

The Most Common Chord Progressions

I-IV-V Progression (The Foundation)

The I-IV-V progression is the most fundamental in Western music. It uses the three primary chords of a key and has been the backbone of countless songs across all genres.

In C Major: C - F - G

Why it works: These three chords contain all seven notes of the major scale, providing complete harmonic coverage.

Examples: "Twist and Shout" (The Beatles), "La Bamba" (Ritchie Valens), "Wild Thing" (The Troggs)

I-V-vi-IV (The Pop Progression)

Perhaps the most popular progression in modern music, I-V-vi-IV has been used in thousands of hit songs. It's so common that entire medleys have been created using just this progression.

In C Major: C - G - Am - F

Why it's popular: It creates a perfect balance of stability and movement, with enough variation to stay interesting.

Examples: "Let It Be" (The Beatles), "No Woman No Cry" (Bob Marley), "Someone Like You" (Adele), "Don't Stop Believin'" (Journey)

ii-V-I (The Jazz Standard)

The ii-V-I progression is the cornerstone of jazz harmony. It creates a strong sense of forward motion and resolution, making it perfect for creating sophisticated harmonic movement.

In C Major: Dm - G - C (often with seventh chords: Dm7 - G7 - Cmaj7)

Why jazz loves it: The ii chord prepares the V chord, which strongly resolves to I, creating a satisfying cadence.

Usage: Found in virtually every jazz standard, often repeated in different keys

I-vi-IV-V (The '50s Progression)

This progression dominated popular music in the 1950s and early 1960s, giving it the nickname "doo-wop changes."

In C Major: C - Am - F - G

Character: Smooth, nostalgic, and singable

Examples: "Stand By Me" (Ben E. King), "Every Breath You Take" (The Police), "Blue Moon" (The Marcels)

vi-IV-I-V (The Emotional Progression)

Starting on the vi chord gives this progression a more melancholic or introspective quality compared to starting on I.

In C Major: Am - F - C - G

Mood: Reflective, emotional, slightly sad

Examples: "Apologize" (OneRepublic), "Poker Face" (Lady Gaga)

Understanding Chord Function

Tonic Function (I, iii, vi)

Chords with tonic function provide stability and rest. They feel like "home" and are where progressions typically begin and end.

Subdominant Function (ii, IV)

These chords create movement away from the tonic. They build tension but in a gentle, preparatory way.

Dominant Function (V, vii°)

Dominant chords create the strongest tension and have the most powerful pull back to the tonic. The V-I resolution is the most fundamental movement in Western harmony.

Creating Your Own Progressions

Basic Guidelines

1. Start with I: Most progressions begin on the tonic chord
2. Use Strong Movements: V to I is the strongest; IV to I is also powerful
3. Create Contrast: Mix major and minor chords for emotional variety
4. End on I: For a sense of completion, resolve to the tonic
5. Experiment: Try unexpected chord changes for unique sounds

Common Movement Patterns

• Circle of Fifths: Moving by fifths (I-IV, V-I, ii-V, etc.)
• Stepwise Motion: Moving to adjacent chords (I-ii, IV-V)
• Third Relationships: Moving by thirds (I-vi, IV-ii)

Advanced Techniques

Modal Interchange

Borrowing chords from parallel minor or other modes can add color and sophistication to your progressions. For example, using a iv chord (minor four) instead of IV in a major key.

Secondary Dominants

These are dominant chords that temporarily tonicize chords other than I. For example, using V/V (the dominant of the dominant) before the V chord.

Substitutions

Replace chords with others that share similar functions:

• vi can substitute for I (both are tonic function)
• ii can substitute for IV (both are subdominant)
• iii can substitute for V (though less common)

Practical Application Tips

For Songwriters

• Start with a simple progression and add variations in different sections
• Use different progressions for verse and chorus to create contrast
• Don't be afraid to repeat—repetition creates familiarity
• Analyze songs you love to understand their progressions

For Improvisers

• Learn to hear chord changes by ear
• Practice playing progressions in all 12 keys
• Understand which scales work over which chords
• Use chord tones as landing points in your solos

For Producers

• Layer different instruments playing the same progression
• Use inversions to create smoother bass lines
• Add extensions (7ths, 9ths) for richer harmony
• Experiment with rhythm and timing of chord changes

Practice Exercises

1. Progression Recognition: Listen to songs and identify their chord progressions
2. Transposition: Play the same progression in different keys
3. Variation: Take a simple progression and create variations by changing one chord
4. Composition: Write a short piece using only I, IV, and V chords
5. Analysis: Study the chord progressions of your favorite songs

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcomplicating: Simple progressions often work best; don't add complexity for its own sake
• Ignoring Voice Leading: Pay attention to how individual notes move between chords
• Poor Rhythm: When you change chords matters as much as which chords you use
• No Variation: Even great progressions can become boring without rhythmic or dynamic variation
• Forgetting Context: A progression that works in one style might not work in another

Final Thoughts

Here's the thing about chord progressions—they're everywhere in music, and once you start recognizing them, you can't unhear them! You'll be listening to your favorite songs and suddenly think, "Oh, that's just I-V-vi-IV again!" It's like learning a secret language that musicians have been using for centuries.

Start simple with I-IV-V, get really comfortable with it in a few different keys, then branch out to the other progressions we covered. Don't feel like you need to memorize everything at once. Pick one progression, play it until it feels natural, then move on to the next. The patterns will start to stick, and before long, you'll be creating your own progressions without even thinking about it.

And remember—theory is great, but your ears are the ultimate judge. If a progression sounds good to you, it probably is good, even if it breaks some "rule" you read about. Music theory gives you the tools and vocabulary, but creativity is what makes music interesting. So experiment, have fun, and don't be afraid to try something unexpected!