Chord progressions

A chord progression is a sequence of chords, usually repeated. This one plays the chords on 1, 5, 6 and 4, one per bar.

I – V – vi – IV may be the most used progression in pop: countless songs loop these four chords in this order or a rotation of it. Change the key to hear that it works anywhere.

Progressions move between rest and tension. The I chord feels like home; V pulls back towards it; vi gives a darker colour; IV lifts. Changing the order changes the story.

Your turn

Write your own four-bar progression: one chord per bar, built from the family you met in the last lesson. Try the same order in minor.