Unlock the secrets of hit songs across all genres
A chord progression is the sequence of chords that forms the foundation of a song. While a single chord is a sound, a progression is a story. It creates tension, release, and emotional movement.
By understanding these common "formulas," you can write songs that feel familiar yet fresh, tapping into the same harmonic language used by the world's greatest songwriters.
The most popular progression in modern music. Used in thousands of hits.
The foundation of jazz harmony. Smooth and sophisticated.
The core of blues and rock and roll. Gritty and powerful.
A deeply emotional progression that feels both sad and hopeful.
Used in epic movie scores and rock anthems for a sense of scale.
A bright, forward-moving progression common in 50s and 60s pop.
A soulful way to resolve back to the tonic chord.
Lush, extended harmonies that define the neo soul sound.
Don't be afraid to experiment! Try changing the rhythm of the chords, or adding "passing chords" in between the main ones. You can also try transposing these progressions to different keys to see how they feel.
The best way to learn is to listen. When you hear a song you like, try to identify the progression. You'll soon start hearing these patterns everywhere!
Connect your keyboard and see these concepts in action with real-time feedback
