Chord Progression Library
Progressions by theory—understand why they sound good.
Classic Three-Chord
BeginnerThe most basic progression, used in countless classics
Theory
Tonic → subdominant → dominant → tonic. The V to I cadence resolves strongly.
Examples (click to play)
Twist and Shout
The Beatles
La Bamba
Ritchie Valens
Wild Thing
The Troggs
12-Bar Blues
BeginnerThe universal language of jam sessions
Theory
Standard blues form. The V in bar 9 adds tension, and the final V (turnaround) leads back to the top.
Examples (click to play)
Sweet Home Chicago
Robert Johnson
Pride and Joy
Stevie Ray Vaughan
The Thrill Is Gone
B.B. King
ii-V-I
IntermediateThe most important jazz progression, and a common source of "sophisticated" pop sounds
Theory
ii provides subdominant function, V provides dominant function, creating smooth voice-leading.
Examples (click to play)
Autumn Leaves
Jazz Standard
Fly Me to the Moon
Frank Sinatra
All The Things You Are
Jazz Standard
Pop Four Chords
BeginnerThe most common modern pop progression, often called the "magic chords"
Theory
The vi minor chord adds emotion, while IV provides a warm resolution.
Examples (click to play)
Let It Be
The Beatles
No Woman No Cry
Bob Marley
With or Without You
U2
Pop Four-Chord Variant
BeginnerA variant that starts on the minor chord for a moodier opening
Theory
Same chords as I–V–vi–IV, but starting on vi makes the color darker.
Examples (click to play)
Despacito
Luis Fonsi
Hello
Adele
Zombie
The Cranberries
50s Progression
BeginnerSignature progression of 1950s doo-wop
Theory
The I to vi descending third feels nostalgic; IV–V provides a classic cadence.
Examples (click to play)
Stand By Me
Ben E. King
Earth Angel
The Penguins
Every Breath You Take
The Police
Andalusian Cadence
IntermediateA classic Spanish flamenco progression with an exotic flavor
Theory
A descending minor progression. bVII and bVI come from natural minor, while the major V creates a strong pull.
Examples (click to play)
Hit the Road Jack
Ray Charles
Stairway to Heaven (intro)
Led Zeppelin
Sultans of Swing
Dire Straits
Canon Progression
IntermediatePachelbel's Canon progression, borrowed by countless pop songs
Theory
The descending bass line (1-7-6-5-4-3-4-5) creates elegant voice-leading.
Examples (click to play)
Canon in D
Pachelbel
Basket Case
Green Day
Graduation
Vitamin C
Epic / Film Score
IntermediateA grand progression used in film scores and epic metal
Theory
All chords come from natural minor; avoiding the V resolution creates a suspended, cinematic feel.
Examples (click to play)
Requiem for a Dream
Clint Mansell
My Immortal
Evanescence
Mixolydian Progression
IntermediateA rock progression that uses bVII for a bluesy color
Theory
bVII comes from Mixolydian mode; it feels more relaxed than V and is common in rock and blues.
Examples (click to play)
Sweet Home Alabama
Lynyrd Skynyrd
Sympathy for the Devil
Rolling Stones
Hey Jude (coda)
The Beatles
Minor Blues
IntermediateThe 12-bar blues in a minor key, with a darker mood
Theory
Uses minor chords but keeps a major V for tension and resolution.
Examples (click to play)
The Thrill Is Gone
B.B. King
Since I've Been Loving You
Led Zeppelin
Jazz Turnaround
IntermediateA common jazz loop, also known as "I Got Rhythm" changes
Theory
Combines the 50s progression with ii–V–I for a smooth loop.
Examples (click to play)
I Got Rhythm
George Gershwin
Blue Moon
Jazz Standard
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