Ultimate Chord Progressions Cheatsheet for Songwriters & Musicians

Introduction: Understanding Chord Progressions

Chord progressions are sequences of chords that form the harmonic foundation of music. They create emotional journeys, establish musical styles, and provide the framework upon which melodies and lyrics are built. Understanding chord progressions is essential for songwriters, composers, producers, and performers across all genres. This cheatsheet provides a comprehensive reference for common progressions, their applications, and techniques for creating compelling harmonic movement in your music.

Core Concepts: The Building Blocks of Harmony

Roman Numeral Analysis

Chord progressions are typically analyzed using Roman numerals to represent the relationship between chords within a key:

In minor keys:

Note: In minor keys, the dominant (V) is often borrowed from the parallel major to create a stronger resolution to the tonic.

Chord Functions and Movement

Chords can be categorized by their harmonic functions:

1. Tonic Function (I, vi, iii): Creates a sense of stability and rest
2. Subdominant Function (IV, ii): Creates movement away from stability
3. Dominant Function (V, vii°): Creates tension seeking resolution to tonic

Common Chord Progressions By Genre

Pop/Rock Progressions

Jazz Chord Progressions

Classical Progressions

Electronic & EDM Progressions

Blues Progressions

Country & Folk Progressions

Step-by-Step Chord Progression Development

Building Progressions From Scratch

1. Choose a key that suits your vocal range or instrument
2. Identify the diatonic chords available in that key
3. Start with the tonic chord (I or i) to establish the key
4. Add a dominant function chord (V or vii°) to create tension
5. Include a subdominant function chord (IV or ii) for movement
6. Consider adding a vi chord for emotional contrast
7. Experiment with chord order to create different emotional journeys
8. Test the progression with a simple melody

Chord Substitution Techniques

Secondary Dominants

Adding the dominant of a chord other than the tonic:

• V/V = D7 in key of C (dominant of G)
• V/ii = A7 in key of C (dominant of Dm)
• V/vi = E7 in key of C (dominant of Am)

Tritone Substitutions (Jazz)

Substituting a dominant 7th chord with another dominant 7th a tritone away:

• G7 → D♭7 (in key of C)
• D7 → A♭7 (in key of G)

Voice Leading Principles

Good voice leading creates smooth connections between chords:

1. Common Tones: Keep shared notes in the same voice
2. Minimal Movement: Move to the nearest chord tone when no common tone exists
3. Contrary Motion: Move voices in opposite directions for balanced sound
4. Avoid Parallel 5ths/Octaves: Don’t move perfect intervals in the same direction
5. Lead the 7th Downward: Resolve the 7th of a chord down by step
6. Guide Tones: Follow the 3rds and 7ths of chords for smooth jazz progressions

Modal Chord Progressions

Each mode has characteristic progressions that emphasize its unique sound:

Advanced Harmonic Techniques

Borrowed Chords (Modal Interchange)

Borrowing chords from the parallel major/minor or other modes:

Modulation Techniques

Changing from one key to another:

Common Challenges and Solutions

Challenge: Repetitive Progressions

Solutions:

• Add a passing chord between two main chords
• Use inversions to create bass movement
• Substitute one chord with a related one
• Borrow a chord from parallel minor/major
• Add or remove a 7th, 9th, or other extension

Challenge: Weak Transitions Between Sections

Solutions:

• Use a secondary dominant to lead into the new section
• Create a “pre-chorus” with increasing tension
• Use a deceptive cadence to surprise the listener
• Change the bass note but keep similar harmony
• Introduce a completely new chord before the section change

Challenge: Uninteresting Harmonies

Solutions:

• Add suspended chords (sus2, sus4) for color
• Use add9 or add11 chords for richness
• Try slash chords for unique bass movements
• Experiment with modal interchange
• Use diminished or augmented passing chords

Challenge: Clashing With Melody

Solutions:

• Adjust melody to emphasize chord tones
• Change chord extensions to accommodate melody notes
• Use slash chords to reharmonize under existing melody
• Consider complete chord substitution
• Add passing chords to smooth transitions

Best Practices for Songwriters

For Beginners

• Start with simple progressions (I-IV-V, vi-IV-I-V)
• Use one progression for verse, another for chorus
• Learn progressions from songs you enjoy
• Try playing progressions in different keys
• Experiment with different rhythmic patterns for the same progression

For Intermediate Songwriters

• Use secondary dominants to create stronger cadences
• Experiment with borrowed chords for emotional effect
• Try modulating to a new key for the bridge
• Use inversions to create smoother bass lines
• Add transition chords between sections

For Advanced Songwriters

• Explore modal interchange for unique color
• Use tritone substitutions and altered dominants
• Create deceptive resolutions and unique cadences
• Experiment with pedal points and ostinatos
• Try non-functional harmony and constant structure progressions

Chord Progression Quick Templates

Pop/Rock Song Structure

• Verse: I-V-vi-IV or vi-IV-I-V
• Pre-Chorus: ii-V or iv-V
• Chorus: I-V-vi-IV (stronger emphasis on I) or IV-I-V-vi
• Bridge: vi-ii-V-I or IV-V-iii-vi

Ballad Structure

• Verse: I-vi-IV-V or I-iii-IV-V
• Pre-Chorus: ii-iii-IV-V
• Chorus: I-V-vi-iii-IV-I-IV-V
• Bridge: vi-V-IV-V or ♭VII-IV-I

EDM Structure

• Intro/Build: vi-IV or I-V (repeated)
• Drop: I-V-vi-IV (emphasized)
• Breakdown: vi-I-V or vi-IV-I
• Build: V (sustained) or vi-V-IV-V
• Second Drop: I-V-vi-IV with variations

Resources for Further Learning

Books

• “Harmony” by Walter Piston
• “The Songwriter’s Workshop: Harmony” by Jimmy Kachulis
• “Hooktheory I & II” by Ryan Miyakawa and David Carlton
• “The Jazz Theory Book” by Mark Levine
• “Chord Progressions: Theory and Practice” by Roedy Black

Online Resources

• Hooktheory.com – Interactive chord progression analysis
• Tonegym.co – Ear training for chord progressions
• Scales-chords.com – Chord progression generator
• YouTube: Rick Beato, Adam Neely, Signals Music Studio
• Ultimate-guitar.com – Song chords and progression analysis

Software Tools

• Hooktheory Hookpad – Chord progression creation and analysis
• Scaler 2 – Chord and progression suggestions
• MuseScore/Sibelius/Finale – Music notation with chord tools
• Ableton Live/Logic Pro – DAWs with chord progression tools
• Chord Wheel apps – For visualizing chord relationships

Remember that while understanding chord progressions is essential, the most compelling music often comes from knowing when to follow conventions and when to break them. Use this cheatsheet as a starting point for exploration, not as a rigid set of rules. The best progressions are those that serve your musical expression and resonate with your listeners.