Pop songs frequently employ similar chord progressions. This is especially evident in songs featuring four chords. Four chords have an especially prominent place in song harmony and often create either anticipation or resolution for listeners.
But why do so many songs utilise similar chord progressions?
I-IV-V-VI
Beginners just learning guitar or experienced musicians looking for an easy way to write music will find that starting with I-IV-V-VI chord progressions is an effective way to write songs quickly. It has long been used by songwriters and composers across genres for its simple yet catchy harmonic progression.
At its heart lies one of the most beloved chord progressions ever devised. Composers originally used these chords in songs they wrote with the intent to stay on people’s minds; and these have proven quite effective at doing just that.
The I-IV-V-VI chord progression can be found in many songs, but is especially popular in pop music. Songs like Sean Kingston’s Beautiful Girls, Unchained Melody by The Righteous Brothers and Perfect by Ed Sheeran all use this chord progression, because its four chords create a simple yet catchy melody that’s easy to remember.
Doo-wop songs and other popular forms of music from the 30s through 60s used this chord progression frequently; later it was adopted into pop music scenes in the 80s and 90s, continuing its use even today in various forms of modern music.
If you’re new to writing pop music, it is essential that you are familiar with popular chord progressions. Doing this will allow you to better understand how pop songs are constructed and what makes them popular. Starting here can provide you with an ideal foundation; its structure can easily be tailored for different styles of music.
Although typically used in major keys, the I-IV-V-VI chord sequence can also be utilized in minor keys simply by changing i to b and v to d. You may also alter its order by adding minor chords or major chords as desired; for instance adding jazzy elements like the bIII and bVII progressions will add even greater dimension and character.
Another variation on this chord progression is the Andalusian Cadence, a symmetrical progression that replaces an IV with VI and adds minor chords at either end of the scale – popular among composers of Latin-influenced melodies such as Ray Charles or Dion’s hits “Hit the Road Jack” or “Runaway”.
Additionally, the I-vi-V-III chord progression can also be played in minor by changing out one letter for another ii – this style is widely popular in doo-wop music from the 50s and 60s, such as Otis Redding’s hit track “Try a Little Tenderness.”
No matter what musicians may say about it being overused and misused, few would argue against its popularity in musical history. From skilled songwriters using I-VI-V-III chord progressions as manipulative techniques for audience manipulation or simply because it was a trendy chord progression at one time; it remains one of the most versatile chord sequences ever.
I-IV-V-I
Musicians, composers, and songwriters of all genres have long used four chords of I-IV-V-I as the backbone for popular Western pop music – for good reason too; its simple yet versatile harmonic structure supports many melodies with ease, being the basis of many iconic pop songs throughout time.
The i-iv-v-i progression, commonly referred to as the dominant chord progression, creates the most essential harmonic movement in tonal music. The tonic (i) chord establishes tonal center while subdominant (iv) chord adds tension that seeks resolution through dominant (v) chord resolution with vi chord providing smooth transition from tonic and dominant chords. This powerful but simple progression enables musicians to create emotional narratives and deep connections with audiences while upholding structural integrity of musical form.
Its immense popularity explains its widespread appeal; many consider the i-iv-v-vi chord progression one of the most beautiful in music. Furthermore, this chord progression can be applied in both major and minor keys with different variations such as IV, V7 and iv7 chords being employed allowing for endless song possibilities to be created by this progression.
Notable for songs using this chord progression is its prevalence in four-bar phrases, since these sound best with it. Our ears have become used to hearing one chord played across four bars – making the progression sound more melodic and appealing!
Notably, this chord progression is very easy to learn due to all chords being labeled with roman numerals for quick identification by beginners. Additionally, using roman numerals allows one to quickly switch key without learning new chords!
You’ve probably heard or seen the I-IV-V-I chord progression at work in some of the greatest songs ever written – from those by The Beatles, Bob Marley, Michael Jackson and other iconic artists to more modern artists such as Taylor Swift, Black Eyed Peas or Justin Bieber who all use this chord progression as part of their lyrics or chorus.
I-IV-V-I chords are so ubiquitous in pop music that it may seem like mere chance that they feature prominently in so many hit radio songs. But this is no mere fluke; songwriters deliberately utilize these chords to give their songs more musicality and add depth.
Next time you listen to a pop song, pay close attention to its chord progression and try to understand why certain chords work so well together. And if you’re an emerging songwriter yourself, don’t be intimidated to use I-IV-V-VI chord progression in your own songs and see if any will work well together.