Music Theory Learning Center | MusicAide

What are Chord Progressions?

Chord progressions are sequences of chords that form the harmonic foundation of music. They create movement and emotional context in a piece of music. Understanding progressions 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
Structure: Progressions provide the framework for melodies and songs
Genre Identity: Different genres use characteristic progressions

Roman Numeral Analysis

Roman numerals are used to analyze chord progressions in a way that works in any key. This system shows the relationship between chords and the scale they're built from.

Major Key Chords

In any major key, the chords built on each scale degree are:

I: Major (Tonic - home base)
ii: Minor (Supertonic)
iii: Minor (Mediant)
IV: Major (Subdominant)
V: Major (Dominant - creates tension)
vi: Minor (Submediant - relative minor)
vii°: Diminished (Leading tone)

Example in C Major: C (I), Dm (ii), Em (iii), F (IV), G (V), Am (vi), B° (vii°)

Minor Key Chords

In natural minor keys, the chords are:

i: Minor (Tonic)
ii°: Diminished
III: Major (Relative major)
iv: Minor (Subdominant)
v: Minor (or V major in harmonic minor)
VI: Major
VII: Major (or vii° in harmonic minor)

Example in A Minor: Am (i), B° (ii°), C (III), Dm (iv), Em (v), F (VI), G (VII)

Chord Functions

Chords have specific functions in music based on their relationship to the tonic. Understanding these functions helps you create effective progressions.

Tonic Function

Chords: I, iii, vi

Stable, restful. These chords feel like "home" and provide resolution. The I chord is the strongest tonic.

Dominant Function

Chords: V, vii°

Unstable, creates tension. These chords strongly pull toward the tonic. The V chord is the strongest dominant.

Subdominant Function

Chords: IV, ii

Moderately stable. These chords move away from tonic but don't create as much tension as dominants.

Common Functional Progressions

Tonic → Subdominant → Dominant → Tonic: I - IV - V - I (most basic progression)
Tonic → Dominant → Tonic: I - V - I (strong resolution)
Subdominant → Dominant → Tonic: IV - V - I (plagal cadence feel)
Circle of Fifths: Progressions moving by fifths (I - IV - vii° - iii - vi - ii - V - I)

Common Progressions

These progressions appear in countless songs across many genres. Learning them will help you recognize patterns and create your own music.

I-IV-V-I (The Basic Progression)

In C major: C - F - G - C

The most fundamental progression in Western music. Used in countless songs from classical to pop. Creates a strong sense of resolution.

Function: Tonic → Subdominant → Dominant → Tonic

ii-V-I (Jazz Progression)

In C major: Dm - G - C

The cornerstone of jazz harmony. Creates smooth voice leading and strong resolution. Often extended to ii7-V7-I or longer sequences.

Function: Subdominant → Dominant → Tonic

I-V-vi-IV (The "Four Chords")

In C major: C - G - Am - F

Extremely popular in pop music. Used in hundreds of hit songs. Creates an emotional, uplifting feel.

Function: Tonic → Dominant → Tonic (relative minor) → Subdominant

I-vi-IV-V (50s Progression)

In C major: C - Am - F - G

Classic doo-wop and 50s rock progression. Also known as the "ice cream changes." Creates a nostalgic, sweet sound.

Function: Tonic → Tonic (relative minor) → Subdominant → Dominant

vi-IV-I-V (Relative Minor Start)

In C major: Am - F - C - G

Starting on the relative minor creates a different emotional feel. Common in modern pop and rock music.

Function: Tonic (relative minor) → Subdominant → Tonic → Dominant

Circle of Fifths Progression

In C major: I - IV - vii° - iii - vi - ii - V - I

Each chord moves down a fifth (or up a fourth). Creates smooth, logical harmonic movement. Used in classical and jazz.

Function: Continuous movement through all scale degrees, ending on tonic

Cadences

Cadences are chord progressions that create a sense of conclusion or pause in music. They're like punctuation marks in musical phrases.

Authentic Cadence (V-I)

In C major: G - C

Strong, conclusive ending. The most common cadence in Western music.

Plagal Cadence (IV-I)

In C major: F - C

Gentle, "Amen" ending. Common in hymns and church music.

Half Cadence (Any chord - V)

In C major: I - V or ii - V

Creates a pause, not a conclusion. Ends on dominant, creating expectation.

Deceptive Cadence (V-vi)

In C major: G - Am

Surprising resolution. V goes to vi instead of expected I. Creates interest.

Interactive Practice

What is this common chord progression?

Which progression is commonly used in jazz?

Daily Practice

Practice these exercises to master chord progressions:

Basic Exercises

Play common progressions in different keys
Practice identifying progressions by ear
Learn Roman numeral analysis
Practice different cadences

Advanced Exercises

Try to identify progressions in your favorite songs
Practice voice leading between chords
Create your own progressions and analyze how they sound
Transpose progressions to all 12 keys
Experiment with extended progressions (8+ chords)

Key Takeaways

Chord progressions are sequences of chords that create harmonic movement
Roman numeral analysis shows chord relationships regardless of key
Chords have functions: tonic (stable), dominant (tense), subdominant (moderate)
Common progressions like I-IV-V-I and ii-V-I appear in countless songs
Cadences create punctuation and conclusion in musical phrases
Understanding progressions helps with composition, arrangement, and improvisation
Practice identifying and playing progressions in different keys develops musical fluency