Chord Progression Workbook
Explore and create compelling chord progressions.
Chord progressions are the heart of Western music. They are the harmonic journey that a song takes, creating the emotional foundation for the melody. Understanding how progressions work is the key to unlocking songwriting, improvisation, and a deeper appreciation for the music you love. This workbook will guide you through the theory and practice of crafting compelling chord progressions.
The Language of Harmony: Roman Numeral Analysis
To talk about chord progressions, we need a common language. Instead of saying "C major, then G major, then A minor...", which only works in the key of C, we use Roman numerals. This system allows us to understand the *function* of a chord within any key.
The Basics
- Major Chords: Represented by uppercase Roman numerals (I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII).
- Minor Chords: Represented by lowercase Roman numerals (i, ii, iii, iv, v, vi, vii).
- Diminished Chords: A lowercase numeral with a small circle (e.g., vii°).
- Augmented Chords: An uppercase numeral with a plus sign (e.g., V+).
For example, in a major key, the diatonic (naturally occurring) chords are: I-ii-iii-IV-V-vi-vii°.
The Pillars of Progression: Tonic, Subdominant, and Dominant
Not all chords are created equal. They generally fall into three functional categories that dictate the flow of energy in a progression.
1. Tonic (The 'Home Base')
The Tonic chord (I in major, i in minor) is the point of rest and resolution. It's the chord that feels like home. Most progressions begin and end on the tonic chord.
2. Dominant (The 'Tension Builder')
The Dominant chord (V) creates tension and has a strong desire to resolve back to the tonic. The V-I (or V-i) transition is the most powerful and defining movement in Western harmony. The leading-tone chord (vii°) also has a dominant function.
3. Subdominant (The 'Setup')
The Subdominant chords (IV and ii in major, iv and ii° in minor) act as a transition away from the tonic, setting up the tension of the dominant. Think of it as the "pre-dominant" area. They create moderate tension and lead naturally to the dominant.
The fundamental path of most progressions is: Tonic → Subdominant → Dominant → Tonic.
The Greatest Hits: Common Chord Progressions
While the possibilities are endless, a handful of powerful progressions form the backbone of countless hits across all genres.
The '50s Progression
I - vi - IV - V
A classic, feel-good progression. Think 'Stand By Me' by Ben E. King or 'Heart and Soul'. It cycles smoothly through tonic, submediant (which has some tonic function), subdominant, and dominant.
The 'Pop-Punk' Progression
I - V - vi - IV
The most common progression in modern pop music. The move from V to vi creates a powerful, slightly deceptive feeling before heading to the subdominant. Used in everything from 'Let It Be' to 'Don't Stop Believin'.
The 'Blues' Progression (Basic)
I - I - I - I - IV - IV - I - I - V - IV - I - I
The standard 12-bar blues progression is the foundation of blues, jazz, and rock and roll. It's a simple but incredibly versatile framework.
The 'Jazz Two-Five-One'
ii - V - I
The most important progression in jazz. This follows the classic subdominant → dominant → tonic path and is the cornerstone of jazz harmony. In a minor key, this becomes ii° - V - i.
The 'Andalusian Cadence' (Minor Key)
i - VII - VI - V
A dramatic and powerful progression common in flamenco and classical music. It features a descending bassline that creates a strong pull towards the dominant chord.
Building Your Own Progressions
1. Start with the Basics
Begin by experimenting with the I, IV, and V chords. You can create a huge variety of musical ideas with just these three pillars of harmony. Try different orders and different rhythms.
2. Substitute Chords
Once you're comfortable, try substituting chords with similar functions. For example, instead of going from I to IV, try going from I to ii. Since both IV and ii have a subdominant function, this works well while adding a different color. Similarly, the iii chord can sometimes substitute for V, and the vi chord has a close relationship to the tonic.
3. Add Color with 7th Chords
Transforming your basic triads into 7th chords is the fastest way to add sophistication. Changing a V chord to a V7 makes its pull to the tonic even stronger. Changing I and IV to Imaj7 and IVmaj7 adds a dreamy, jazzy quality.
Conclusion
Think of chord progressions as storytelling. The tonic is the beginning and the end, the subdominant is the journey, and the dominant is the climax. By understanding the functions of different chords and learning the common patterns, you gain the tools to tell your own compelling musical stories. Use our Chord Progression Builder to experiment, listen carefully, and, most importantly, have fun creating!