You might have come a long way, if you are trying to understand about Chord Progressions.
And might have probably exposed to many basic terms like circle of fifths, intervals and various other style of music.
And now you are in to learn the deep concepts of music.
Especially the ones that will help you to create your own or may be enhance it to a whole different level.
So, to boost your enthusiasm, let me tell you that you are in right place and at right blog !!!
What you are aspiring to learn is the Chord Progression. And today we will be entirely focusing on:
- What is a Chord Progressions ?
- How you can create your own Chord Progression?
- Chord Progression Formulas.
In order to create exotic and unique sounds you have an option of arranging the chords in a numerous way.
You might have seen the musicians, who create the songs by combining tons of different chords in no time.
Mostly, because of their experience and music insight.
But being a beginner, your major concern is whether you will be able to do it or not.
Then there is no need for you to belittle yourself.
As this article will tell you exactly what to do, to create your own sets of music via Chord Progressions.
So, without wasting anymore time, let’s dive in with the first topic.
What is Chord Progressions ?
First, let’s understand what does the term Chord Progressions mean?
And for doing so, let’s break the term into two.
The first word is the Chord. A chord is a combination of three or more note.
For example: if you start with middle C, you can skip every other note of the white notes to create a chord.
Now the question is, how do you come to realize it ?
And for that you must know what a scale is and how does it help you to build chord?
So, assume that your chords are all the white notes.
That is, A natural minor or C major scale.
What you are doing is, skipping every other note.
You start at C, skips D and go to E.
After having E, skip F, and you have a G and so on.
So, you are basically skipping every other note in the scale to create a chord.
From this, it’s pretty clear what a CHORD is and how to build it.
Now, coming back to our original question, what do you mean by Chord Progressions?
The Chord Progression is a progression of chords.
Here, progression means that you are moving forward and you are changing over time to make them change.
So, when the chords move forward, they change overtime.
They are the series of chords played in a sequence.
Moving next, its time to put your theoretical knowledge into action.
That means, how you are going to create your very own chord. Below lies the answer, check them out.
How to create Chord Progressions?
Chord Progressions are the foundation for all songs and all music.
So, whether you want to write your own original composition or simply improvise your style, you need a Chord Progressions.
Being able to create a Chord Progressions to reflect a variety of energies, emotions or moods is really important and useful.
And who knows you may have full control over this with consistent practice.
So, to rest your curiosity lets have a look at how to build a Chord Progressions using really simple chords.
All you need to know is a simple formula.
And this will unlock 100s of songs that you already know.
So, at the end of this lesson, you be able to figure out: how to find the formula & how to locate it.
So that you can play it in any kind of key you want, that is, after you have learned it.
It is super simple to do, even beginners can do this without a sweat. So, lets continue;
To summarize it, all you have to do is: To know the FORMULA which is, One, Five, Minor Six & Four (1-5-6-4) in this case.
So, in order to build your own chord, begin on each of those spots, on the scale of the keys that you are going to play it.
Now it’s time to play the Chord Progressions that you have just learned.
Do you find it familiar?
Coz it does, as you learned to unlock a wide range of songs.
You can play “Dream Catch Me” by NEWTON FAULKNER via this combination of chords.
Now, now, don’t think this is the end.
The Chord Progressions holds much more formulas for you to learn and execute in your playing.
Let’s have a quick look on the formulas of Chord Progressions.
Chord Progressions Formulas
We have already discussed that the arrangement of chords in a systematic manner is a Chord Progressions.
Next, it is essential for you to note that each chord in a progression carries distinguish harmonic function.
It may be stability, departure or dynamic tension.
The chords that are in a progression are usually expressed in roman numbers.
These numbers are built on the basis of the diatonic scale’s, Scale pattern.
In the above example, it started with the D major.
Thus, it indicates the progression I, V, VI, IV (one, five, six, four). This shows the chords D-A-Bm-G.
Below are the formulas of common Chord Progressions in both major and minor keys.
FORMULAS
MAJOR | EXAMPLES |
I – IV - V | Cmaj – Fmaj – G7 |
I – IIm - V | Cmaj7 – Dm7 – G9 |
I – VIm – IIm – V | Cmaj7 – Am7 - Dm7 – G7 |
I – IIIm – VIm – IIm - V | C6 – Em7 - Am- Dm7 – G13 |
MINOR | EXAMPLE |
Im – IVm – Vm (Natural) | Cm – Fm7 – Gm |
Im – IIØ – V (Harmonic) | Cm – Dm7Ƅ5 – G9 |
Im – VIØ – IIm – V (Melodic) | Cm – Am7Ƅ5 - Dm7 – G7 |
Im – ƄVI – IVm – V (Harmonic) | Cm – AƄmaj7- Fm7 – G7Ƅ9 |
BLUES | EXAMPLES |
I7 – IV7 – V7 | C7 – F7 – G7 |
THE CHORD GUIDE:
I | II | III | IV | V | VI | VII |
Major | Minor | Minor | Major | Major | Minor | Dim. |
A | B | C# | D | E | F# | G# |
B | C# | D# | E | F# | G# | A# |
C | D | E | F | G | A | B |
D | E | F# | G | A | B | C# |
E | F# | G# | A | B | C# | D# |
F | G | A | Bb | C | D | E |
G | A | B | C | D | E | F# |
The roman numbers in the above formula indicates the triad from of the chords.
It is acceptable to produce different chords, by elongate them with extra diatonic tones.
Conclusion
So, here ends our lesson.
Now, I am sure you must have had the answers to your questions.
Like, which chords are going to sound really good together?
How to create them?
Which formula is to be applied? And so on. . . .
There is an array of songs that you can play using the Chord Progressions.
So that you can reflect the moods such as happy, sad, and hopeful.
So, have fun exploring the other kinds too.
You can play them in any key or in any order.
Just make sure to apply the form wisely. And them practice id one thing.
That's all from our end.
Till Then
Keep Playing and Spread Love
