Chord Progressions
Learn about common chord progressions and how they create movement and resolution in music.
Understanding Chord Progressions
Chord progressions are sequences of chords that form the harmonic foundation of music. They create movement, tension, and resolution in a piece. Understanding how chords work together is essential for composition, arrangement, and improvisation.
Why Progressions Matter
- Harmonic Movement: Progressions create forward motion and direction in music
- Emotional Expression: Different progressions evoke different emotions and moods
- Structure: Progressions provide the framework for melodies and songs
- Genre Identity: Different genres use characteristic progressions
- Improvisation: Understanding progressions is essential for soloing and improvising
Common Progressions
ii-V-I Progression
The most common jazz progression, also found in many other styles
Dm7:
G7:
Cmaj7:
Try it on the piano:
C4
C#4
D4
D#4
E4
F4
F#4
G4
G#4
A4
A#4
B4
C5
C#5
D5
D#5
E5
F5
F#5
G5
G#5
A5
A#5
B5
C6
Interactive Practice
Which chord progression is commonly known as the "jazz cadence"?
Which progression is the foundation of many pop and rock songs?
Progression Analysis
Analyzing progressions helps you understand how they work and how to use them effectively.
Functional Analysis
Identify the function of each chord in the progression:
- Tonic (I): Home base, stable, resolved
- Subdominant (IV, ii): Moves away from tonic
- Dominant (V, vii°): Creates tension, pulls to tonic
- Submediant (vi): Relative minor, can function as tonic substitute
Voice Leading Analysis
Study how individual voices move between chords:
- Look for common tones (notes shared between chords)
- Identify stepwise motion (smooth voice leading)
- Notice leaps and how they're handled
- Study bass line movement (often by 4ths/5ths or stepwise)
Daily Practice
Master chord progressions with these exercises:
Basic Exercises
- Play common progressions in different keys
- Listen for these progressions in familiar songs
- Practice identifying progressions by ear
- Learn Roman numeral analysis
Advanced Exercises
- Practice voice leading between chords
- Create your own variations of these progressions
- Transpose progressions to all 12 keys
- Experiment with chord substitutions
- Study progressions in different genres
Key Takeaways
- Chord progressions create harmonic movement and emotional expression
- Common progressions like ii-V-I and I-IV-V appear in countless songs
- Understanding Roman numeral analysis helps you work in any key
- Voice leading creates smooth connections between chords
- Different genres use characteristic progressions
- Practice identifying and playing progressions in different keys
- Analyzing progressions helps you understand how harmony works
- Mastering progressions is essential for composition and improvisation