Top 10 Chord Progressions to Learn for Pop Music
- General Music Theory
- 16 February 2023
- 21 h 29 min
Top 10 Chord Progressions to Learn for Pop Music
Have you ever wanted to know the mystery chords behind your favorite pop songs? Did you know that literally hundreds of songs that you know and love all follow the same exact chord progression? Did you know that these chords are some of the best for beginners to learn?
Chord progressions are the backbone of many popular songs, and there are several common patterns that you’ll encounter in pop music. These progressions are popular because they sound good and are easy to remember, making them ideal for catchy and memorable songs. In popular music, there are a few different formulas for chord progressions that are extremely successful. These chord progressions have a certain nostalgia, power, and feeling to them. They are used so frequently that the listener has a subconscious expectation of what is coming next, which delivers a feeling of satisfaction to the listener.
So what exactly are these chord progressions and how can you learn to find them and incorporate them into your songs? Check out this list of the top 10 chord progression to learn for pop music!
Table of Contents
The most important chord progressions
I - vi - IV - V
The I – vi – IV – V progression is one of the most common chord progressions in music history, found in hit songs across various genres. It’s a progression consisting of the tonic, submediant, subdominant, and dominant chords. This chord progression provides a sense of stability and resolution, making it pleasing to the human ear, and its simplicity allows for easy incorporation of melody and lyrics. Think of just about any hit song from the 1950’s and you will hit this chord progression.
In the key of C major, this progression is C major – A minor – F major – G major. Song examples include Benny E. King’s “Stand By Me” and Justin Bieber’s “Baby”. Other notable uses of this set of chords in the key of C major, although sometimes in different order(as explained below) include well-known songs such as “Country Roads” by John Denver, “Let It Be” by The Beatles, and “Don’t Stop Believin'” by Journey. However, this chord progression has been used in countless other hit songs throughout music history, making it an essential progression for songwriters to learn.
I - V - vi - IV
The I – V – vi – IV is the chord progression from many famous rock and roll tunes including The Beatles hit “Let it Be” and Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believing”. Unlike the I – vi – IV – V progression, this progression starts with the tonic chord, followed by the dominant, submediant, and subdominant chords. This order creates a strong pull towards the tonic chord, making it a popular choice for writing memorable melodies and catchy hooks. Other well-known songs that use this chord progression include “With or Without You” by U2 and “All of Me” by John Legend.
Learning this progression can be a valuable tool for any songwriter looking to add a new element to their music. In the key of C major, this chord progression would be C major – G major – A minor – F major. The same chords are used in the I – vi – IV – V progression, just in a slightly different order.
I - IV - V
The I – IV – V progression has got to be the most basic chord progression in all of rock and roll and popular music. Literally just three chords and you have learned a huge chunk of the garage rock repertoire of the 50s and 60s. Songs like “Louie, Louie” by The Kingsmen, “Wild Thing” by The Troggs, and “La Bamba” by Ritchie Valens all use I – IV – V. In the key of C, the progression is C major – F major – G major.
12 Bar Blues
The 12 Bar Blues is similar to the I – IV – V, but follows a slightly different path. The chord progression for the basic 12 bar blues is I – I – I – I – IV – IV – I – I – V – IV – I – I where each numeral represents one measure. This chord progression literally defines an entire genre of popular music and learning its intricacies will unlock a huge creative world. In the key of C, this progression is C – C – C – C – F – F – C – C – G – F – C – C.
These chords can be used in a variety of ways, and are often used to create emotional pieces of music. The chords can be used in both major and minor keys, and can be used to create a wide range of different sounds and moods.
The C minor key signature has a distinct sound, and is often used to create a melancholic or somber mood. The notes of the key signature are often used in combination with each other, and can be used to create chord progressions that have an emotional impact.
vi - V - IV - III
The vi – V – IV – III, also known as the Andalusian cadence, is an iconic popular progression with a lot of forward momentum. The lack of a resolution to the I chord means the progression never truly feels at rest, perfect for songs in that vein. Popular songs that use the vi – V – IV – III progression are “Hit the Road Jack” by Ray Charles and “Heartless” by Kanye West. In the key of C, this chord progression is A minor – G major – F major – E major.
I - V - vi - iii - IV
The most famous example of the I – V – vi – iii – IV is Pachelbel’s “Canon”, one of the most famous and popular compositions in the history of music. Millions of people have learned this tune and millions more have listened to it. Contemporary examples of the I – V – vi – iii – IV chord progression include “Enchanted” by Taylor Swift and “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley. In the key of C, this chord progression is C major – G major – A minor – E minor – F major.
ii - V - I
The ii – V – I is one of the most common progressions in jazz, but it is also used heavily in many genres of popular music. Popular music in the 1930’s and 40’s was primarily composed for Broadway musicals. Jazz musicians picked up those tunes that became “standards” because they were the popular songs of the day. Contemporary songs with a ii – V – I progression include “Cry Me a River” by Justin Timberlake and “Sunday Morning” by Maroon 5.
I - ♭VII - I
The I – ♭VII – I chord progression is most commonly heard in droney, rock and roll vamps. It is a great chord progression with a lot of attitude that is usually driven by a hard drum beat and a strong vocal presence. A great example of this chord progression is “Hey” by Bo Diddley, but many rock and roll songs use this move. In the key of C, this progression is C major – B♭ major – C.
I - ♭VI - V
The I – ♭VI – V chord progression is on the darker side of the spectrum. The ♭VI chord is borrowed the from the minor key of the root, so it gives a little bit of an unexpected character when used in a chord progression. Examples of this chord progression include “A Forest” by The Cure and the main theme from Zelda. In the key of C, this chord progression is C major – A♭ major – G major.
I – IV – V – IV
The minor blues progression is a combination of the basic 12 bar blues and the I – ♭VI – V progression. It goes i – i – i – i – iv – iv – i – i – ♭VI – V – i – i. In the key of C minor, this progression is C minor – C minor – C minor – C minor – F minor – F minor – C minor – C minor – A♭ major – G major – C minor – C minor.
I – IV – V – IV
The minor blues progression is a combination of the basic 12 bar blues and the I – ♭VI – V progression. It goes i – i – i – i – iv – iv – i – i – ♭VI – V – i – i. In the key of C minor, this progression is C minor – C minor – C minor – C minor – F minor – F minor – C minor – C minor – A♭ major – G major – C minor – C minor.
Other Common Progressions in Pop Music
I-vi-iii-IV
The I-vi-iii-IV progression is a variation of the I-vi-IV-V progression that adds an additional chord. This progression is often used in ballads and slow songs, and creates a sense of longing and yearning. For example, the song “Say You Won’t Let Go” by James Arthur uses this progression in the chorus.
vi-IV-I-V
The vi-IV-I-V progression is a variation of the I-IV-V progression that starts on the sixth chord of a major scale. This progression is used in many pop and rock songs, and creates a sense of energy and drive. For example, the song “All the Small Things” by Blink-182 uses this progression in the chorus.
These progressions are popular because they sound good and are easy to remember, making them ideal for catchy and memorable songs. By learning these progressions, you’ll be well on your way to writing your own hit pop song.
Tips for Using Chord Progressions in Pop Music
Chord progressions are an essential part of pop music, but using them effectively requires more than just learning a few common patterns. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your chord progressions:
- Experiment with different chord progressions to find the one that works best for the song.
While there are many common chord progressions in pop music, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Experimenting with different chord progressions can help you find the one that best suits the melody and lyrics of your song. Don’t be afraid to try something new or to modify an existing progression to make it your own.
- Use inversions to make chord progressions sound more interesting.
Inversions are a technique that can be used to create a more interesting and varied sound in your chord progressions. By rearranging the order of the notes in each chord, you can create a different sound and add variety to your progression. For example, instead of playing a C chord in root position (C-E-G), you could play it in first inversion (E-G-C) or second inversion (G-C-E).
- Use different instruments to play the same chord progression to create a unique sound.
Another way to add variety to your chord progressions is to use different instruments to play the same progression. For example, you could use a piano to play the chords in a simple and straightforward way, while using a guitar to add some more complex fingerpicking or strumming patterns. Adding a bass or drums to your chord progression can also help to give it more depth and rhythm.
- Use chord extensions and substitutions to add complexity and interest.
Chord extensions and substitutions are advanced techniques that can add complexity and interest to your chord progressions. Chord extensions involve adding additional notes to a chord, while substitutions involve replacing one chord with another that shares some of the same notes. For example, you could replace a standard IV chord with a IVmaj7 or IVadd9 chord, or replace a V chord with a bVII chord.
In summary, learning chord progressions is essential for pop music, but using them effectively requires experimentation and creativity. By using inversions, different instruments, chord extensions, and substitutions, you can add complexity and interest to your progressions, and create unique and memorable songs. So don’t be afraid to try new things and have fun with your chord progressions!
Conclusion
Nice work! You have learned 10 of the most common chord progressions in popular music. These chord progressions have been used in hundreds of songs in the last century or more. Keep your ears tuned next time you are listening to music and you will probably hear one!
In conclusion, chord progressions are a crucial element in the creation of memorable and captivating pop songs. The top 10 chord progressions in pop music have been identified as staples in the industry, consistently appearing in hit songs and connecting with listeners across generations.
While these progressions may seem simple on the surface, the variety of ways they can be used and adapted speaks to their power and versatility. Whether you are a seasoned musician or a beginner just starting out, learning and experimenting with these chord progressions can provide a foundation for your own songwriting and enable you to craft music that resonates with audiences. So go ahead and try them out – who knows, your next pop hit might just be one of these timeless progressions!
