This 4-chord pop progression has been the foundation for numerous hits over time. Musicians familiar with musical modes may note its close resemblance to Mixolydian mode, creating a subdued feel.
Take Fender Play’s free trial and demonstrate this chord progression on your guitar with its free trial version. Just add additional chords for an authentic song-like sound!
Creed’s “Higher”
A house-style bassline syncs up perfectly with CREED’s classic vocals in this modern tech-house remix of their late 90’s hit “Higher,” creating an energizing new song which blends old with new effortlessly.
The lyrics express a desire to transcend physical reality and enter an alternate reality where blind people see and streets are lined with gold – something frontman Scott Stapp explains is achieved through lucid dreaming.
Elvis Presley’s “Can’t Help Falling in Love”
The narrator of this song finds himself completely entranced by an alluring young woman. Although wise men have warned him against getting involved with someone so quickly, he cannot resist falling for her.
“Can’t Help Falling in Love”, one of Elvis Presley’s signature tunes, may well be one of the world’s best-known romantic love songs in modern history. Its melody was drawn from “Plaisir d’amour”, an 18th century French love ballad written in 1784.
The Beach Boys’ “California Girls”
This 1965 Beach Boys song written by Brian Wilson and Mike Love celebrates women from around the globe and their desire for them to live in California (their home state). The accompanying track features drums, piano, vibes, and various types of percussion instruments.
David Lee Roth released a music video for “America,” featuring stunning women from across America, which gained significant airtime on MTV.
The Eagles’ “Hotel California”
The Eagles became known for their intricate harmonies and laidback country-rock sound in the 1970s, yet Hotel California marked when they fully acknowledged both sides of America’s dream.
This song’s deeply introspective yet allegorical lyrics left fans perplexed for decades. However, its chord voicings for main verses were relatively easy to play; and using a capo can ease singing over.
The White Stripes’ “Icky Thump”
After their more experimental Get Behind Me Satan album, The White Stripes decided to take a more subdued approach for Icky Thump, returning to their hard-driving blues rock sound in this mature yet far from stodgy effort.
This album boasts plenty of powerful rockers, as well as soothing ballads like the Celtic-influenced “Prickly Thorn, But Sweetly Worn” featuring bagpipes. Unfortunately, this was their final collaborative release together.
The Beatles’ “I Want You Back”
The Beatles remain one of the most influential bands ever, having left legions of fans long after they disbanded. Their harmony-heavy, pop-influenced sound influenced countless artists over time.
This song’s open chords make it ideal for novice guitarists learning the ropes. Lennon’s 12-string guitar featured a Fadd9 tone which added richness otherwise absent in this tune; George Martin’s piano also played an essential part in opening chords of this tune.
The Rolling Stones’ “Stairway to Heaven”
Florence discovered rock music when she was 3 and quickly picked up guitar playing skills. Listening to grunge music while in school contributed to Florence’s appreciation of music.
Stairway to Heaven is an iconic rock song that regularly appears at the top of lists of great songs ever, often being considered one of the greatest guitar solos ever recorded. Furthermore, its history is quite fascinating.