Chord progressions in minor keys can be soothing (George Gershwin’s “Summertime”), funky (“Brick House” by the Commodores), or upbeat and rocking (“Back in Black” by AC/DC). They may also be complex.
Minor songs often follow a common sequence: i-bVII-i. This starts off darkly before gradually brightening as it progresses to the bVII chord.
The key of the song
A song’s key is determined by its chord progressions; each minor scale contains specific sets of chords to create a particular atmosphere or atmosphere. But keep in mind that music rules are meant to be broken – there are multiple ways of creating chord progressions until one that resonates with your song emerges.
Minor scale chord progressions can create various emotional states, from sadness and tension to upbeat and uplifted depending on the context of a song.
The most often-heard chord progression derived from a minor scale are i – iv – v chords, found across genres but particularly popular in pop songs. You may also utilize chord progressions based on harmonic minor scale or melodic minor scale for chord progressions that sound somewhat different while still following similar patterns as major scales.
The key of the chords
A chord progression is a series of chords played together to produce a specific musical mode. Chords resemble scales in that they consist of notes with certain relationships according to their key. A chord’s key can be determined by its chord degree; that is, its interval between chord tones.
Musicians use Roman numeral analysis to analyze chord progressions. This method allows them to recognize chords by their number base and whether or not they are minor or major chords. Gaining an understanding of this system of chord analysis will help you learn the language of music more easily, and communicate more efficiently with fellow musicians.
Minor chord progressions often include the following sequences: i-bVII, i-bVI-bVII and the classic sequence i-bVII-bVI. These progressions can help create an atmosphere of sadness or melancholy while remaining easy to play on your instrument.
The key of the melody
Minor chords differ from major chords in that they do not follow an interval pattern, yet still possess their own distinct sound and can be utilized in many different ways. You can combine minor chords with major chords to create unique harmonic movements – for instance Nine Inch Nails songs often utilize this style of progression which adds tension and contrast into their songs.
To understand how it all works, you must first learn the key of a melody – a process known as Roman numeral analysis which may take some practice but is essential when learning music as a language.
Once you’ve mastered the fundamentals, attempt creating a progression in a different key. Start by writing out a series of chords on paper. Next, select another set of chords and create a progression underneath them; continue this process until you have created an entire chord progression in your chosen key.
The key of the lyrics
Chord progressions form the cornerstones of songwriting. Comprised of three or more chords (and sometimes as few as two), chord progressions help ensure songs sound consistent while creating an integrated musical experience. When writing songs it is essential that chord selection for each key you are working in matches your desired sound, as this will ensure a more coherent feel to your music.
When selecting chords, be sure to choose those from the minor scale. Avoid non-scale chords like the b diminished chord as these do not resolve to your tonic and can create dissonant sounds in your song.
One popular chord progression in minor keys is the IV-VII-i movement, which uses major and minor chords to create tension and release. This technique has become ubiquitous in popular songs such as Gotye’s “Someone That I Used To Know.” Starting off as a major chord it transitions seamlessly to another major before culminating in a minor chord that heightens tension before its resolution.