Chord progressions are an integral component of music. This one includes some major chords found in many pop songs for an energetic sound.
This progression employs the i, iv and V chords created when harmonizing a major scale; these chords are known as major triads.
These chords are represented using Roman numerals; with large numerals representing major chords and small ones (or diminished chords). These progressions can be used in any key signature.
1. I-IV-V-I
Popular chord progression for songs in any major key. This chord sequence is widely used in Western pop music and can be used to evoke various moods or feelings.
It’s one of the most melodic and joyful progressions, due to containing three and five intervals from a major scale – close to its tonic chord (I).
This progression can also be found in many doo-wop style songs and was first employed as far back as 1680 in Pachelbel’s Canon. You can hear examples of it in “Stand by Me” by Ben E. King and “Friday” by Rebecca Black as well as many other popular tracks – while more contemporary examples can be seen in Daft Punk’s song Digital Love’s chorus.
2. IV-V-I
This chord progression is among the most often seen in hit songs. This progression features four chords belonging to one major scale; they each include both a minor third (written: am and f) on their bottom notes and major thirds on top (written am and f).
This progression makes possible a chromatic descent across a minor second: -#-#.
This progression is frequently used as an ostinato, or repeated sequence of chords played continuously, in songs. It also makes transposing songs between keys easier. Songs often use multiple such chord progressions simultaneously on one track to express different melodies or moods; their distinct sound has long been a staple of popular music.
3. V-I-IV-V
This progression is commonly used in rock & roll songs and illustrates the goal of cyclical music (similar to literature), where each chord serves a special function and builds towards and resolves into its tonic key (home key).
Harmonically speaking, chords that function similarly can be substituted with each other without changing the harmony. Chords based on an interval similarity are considered equivalent and should therefore be substituted similarly.
An Andalusian cadence can be achieved by replacing the ii-iii-vi progression with vi-IV-III progression to produce an Andalusian cadence – a popular ending found in popular songs such as Hit the Road Jack by Ray Charles or Runaway by Diana Krall – using both major and minor chords simultaneously for maximum brightness in sound.
4. V-I-IV-V-I
The vi-IV-V progression is one of the most widely utilized chord progressions in music, frequently featured in blues, pop and rock hits as well as country and jazz compositions.
Vi-IV-V chord progression can also be used as an ostinato, which is a repeating pattern that appears throughout a piece of music. For instance, in one band’s rhythm section playing G for one measure and Em for two before returning back to C and repeating this cycle is one way of using vi-IV-V progressions as an ostinato.
Remind yourself that music isn’t random – there are rules and principles which help sounds blend together harmoniously, known as functional harmony – an important aspect of learning guitar (for more on this, check out our article “Music Theory for Beginners: Understanding Harmony”).
5. V-I-IV-V-I
The I-V-vi-IV progression, also known as the “Four Chords That Made a Million,” is one of the most commonly used chord progressions in Western popular music. This simple chord progression supports many melodies while remaining easy to play. Although not suitable for every song, this progression provides a good starting point when writing your first melody.
Music may seem random, but there are patterns we can uncover through studying music theory. Understanding basic chord progressions and their functionality is therefore vital – otherwise your songs might sound monotonous and tire out listeners quickly! Luckily there are various techniques to add variation into chord progressions to keep listeners interested.