Most of the existing onesthe chord progression never really changes.
And despite listening to the same little collection over and over again, they always seem to sound - or at leastfeel- different from us.
When positioned with different rhythms, harmonies, and melody lines, chord progressions can be reused frequently.
This is a collection of popular music chords and progressions of our time (and days gone by) that you canrepurposefor your own songwriting, developing riffs and everyday guitar playing. The plan is simply this: learn everything we can about chord progressions, then use them for something else.
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What's in this post?
1. F, B♭ i C
2. C♯m, E, B i A
3. F♯m, B i C♯
4. E, A i B
5. D, A, B i G
6. E, B i G
7. D, Am7 i G
8. C, G, F i Am
9. G, C, D and Em
10. B, A G F♯
11. D, A, C i G
12. Dm, F i C
13. D, C, B♭ i F
14. D, A and G (version of dropped D)
15. A, D i E
16. D, C i G
17. D, G, Bm i A
18. E, B, C♯m, G♯m i A
19. D, F, G, C i G
20. D, A, G and Em
21. Em, G, D, C and A
23. Asus2, E, B i G
24. Am7, Dm7, G7 and Cm7
25. F♯m7, B7, E i A
26. G7, C, C9, Dm7 i C
27. F, Em, Am, G i Am
Chord progression formula
Dyads and chord progressions
Triads in a chord progression
G, C and D chord progression
What we missed
What's in this post?
With each chord progression listed, we've also included a corresponding sample song, just to provide some context. After the "PROPERTIES" list, you'll find at least one example of tabbed progression. According to the content, I have included a lot of additional content that deals with chord progression theory, application, and a number of specific contexts that serve to further explain the concept.
Note that the sample songs listed for each progression are not intended to direct you to play the progression in a particular way. In fact, each chord progression is included primarily because of how easily it can be repurposed and used in other contexts.
Think of this as a chord progression library and reference for rhythm guitar players.
1. F, B♭ i C
Primjer: "All I Wanted Was a Car" Brada Paisleya - Key of F
This infectious riff is broken into an arpeggiated pattern on one of Brad Paisley's Telecasters, which sounds amazing. However, the actual chord progression is simple and ripe for picking in a variety of other country songs.
F, B♭, C Chord progression
Other properties
- Key played by: F
- Chord form: Power and barre
- Critical chord extensions: None
- Most often used in: country, rock, pop and metal
Examples of cards
Tabular example of an F, B♭, C chord progression
Tabular example of an F, B♭, C chord progression with higher intervals
2. C♯m, E, B i A
Example: Hillsong's "Lord of Lords" - Key of E
Hearing C♯m in the key of E is a common occurrence in the world of contemporary worship music. If you drop the C♯m, you have a common progression used by all the great blues guitarists. However, the C♯m chord gives it a distinctly more versatile and emotional appeal.
C♯m, E, B and A chord progression
Other properties
- Key played by: E
- Oblik akorda: Power and open
- Critical chord extensions: None
- Mostly used in: contemporary worship, blues, pop and rock
Examples of cards
C♯m, E, B and A short form chords
Chords in C♯m, E, B and A
3. F♯m, B i C♯
Example: "House Full of Bullets" by Joe Satriani - key of F♯
If you listen to "House Full of Bullets" (one of my Joe Satriani favorites) you can hear that he uses a repeating pattern made up of single notes played on the sixth and fifth strings, which isn't a chord progression as much as a 12-bar blues riff that follows the three chords. It's a great blues progression because it allows you to use the low E's and A's to boost the beat.
Chord progression F♯m, B and C♯
Other properties
- The tonality is played in F♯
- Chord form: one note and strength
- Critical chord extensions: None
- It is most often used in blues, rock, pop and jazz
Examples of cards
An example of a card from Joe Satriani's House Full of Bullets
4. E, A i B
Example: "Folsom Prison Blues" by Johnny Cash - Key of E
Speaking of 12-bar blues, Johnny Cash's "Folsom Prison Blues" is one of the more memorable uses of the E, A, and B chord progression, though Robert Johnson and Muddy Waters would probably have the upper hand. It's one of themostcommon chord progressions for guitarists across the entire range of Western music, covering all major genres and subgenres. In other words, it pays to learn this.
E, A and B chord progression
Other properties
- Key played by: E
- Oblik akorda: Power and open
- Critical chord extensions: None
- Most often used in: blues, pop, rock and jazz
Examples of cards
A 12 barre blues pattern that uses E, A, and B chord progressions
E, A and B chord progression using power chords
E, A and B chord progression with open chords
5. D, A, B i G
Example: Creed's “My Sacrifice” - key of D
This progression was extremely common in the American and Canadian rock scene during the late 90s and early 2000s. Part of what makes it so accessible is how it plays in drop D tuning, offering plenty of heavy and emotional choruses.
D, A, B and G chord progression
Other properties
- Key played in: D
- Oblik akorda: Power, open, and drop D
- Critical chord extensions: None
- It is mostly used in: hard rock, pop, metal and post-grunge
Examples of cards
D, A, Bm and G chord progression in open form
D, A, Bm and G chord progression in power chord form
D, A, Bm, and G chord progression in strong chord shape and falling D tuning
6. E, B i G
Example: Live "I Alone" - Key of E (E♭)
Nothing says '90s like a band you couldn't Google when Google was madetheway to find music. Still, this chord progression landed right on "I Alone" making for a strong chorus and could easily be applied to other grooves.
E, B and G chord progression
Other properties
- Tonality: E or B
- Oblik akorda: Power and open
- Critical chord extensions: None
- Most often used in: Rock, post-grunge, pop, blues
Examples of cards
Open the E, B, and G chord progression shape tab
7. D, Am7 i G
Primjer: "Country Boy Can Survive" Hanka Williamsa Jr. - Key of D
Although the Am7 gets a little muffled and could pass as a raw A major chord, the folksy, humble appeal of this progression can be repurposed into a number of different styles and genres.
D, Am7 and G chord progression
Other properties
- Key played in: D
- Chord form: Open
- Critical chord extensions: minor 7th
- Most often used in: folk, country, blues and rock
Examples of cards
Open the D, Am7 and G chord progression form tab
8. C, G, F i Am
Example: Gospa Mira "Innocent" - key of C (capo 1)
Adding the Am at the end of this progression really enhances the emotional power of the song's chorus. Additionally,gitarist Steve Mazurhe arpeggiates the chord and slows things down to give the song a more driving and contemplative feel. This chord progression is extremely common, although it finds a uniquely comfortable home in the post-grunge era and most of its subgenres.
C, G, F and Am chord progression
Other properties
- Key played by: C
- Chord form: Open and powerful
- Critical chord extensions: Am chord
- Most commonly used in: post-grunge, rock, country, folk, alternative and pop
Examples of cards
Open the form tab for C, G, F, and Am
C, G, F, and Am Chord Progression Strength Form Tab
9. G, C, D and Em
Primjer: "Gonna Be Some Changes Made" Brucea Hornsbyja - Key of G
Bruce Hornsby is a master at taking simple chord progressions and layering them with expansive vocal melodies, which is perhaps a little easier to do on piano than guitar. The progression he uses here is one of the most common in existence and offers numerous melodic and rhythmic possibilities. It is good to remember him at the beginning of his playing career.
G, C, D and Em chord progression
Other properties
- Key played by: G
- Chord form: Open
- Critical chord extensions: None
- Mostly used in: Bluegrass, rock, pop, blues and jazz
Examples of cards
Open the G, C, D, and Em chord progression pattern tab
10. B, A G F♯
Example: Incubus' "Warning" - Key of B
This chromatic descent sounds great with the added minor 15th interval (a minor second one octave higher). Making it work in other contexts could prove challenging, so kudos to Mike Einziger for getting a great rock sound out of an otherwise jazz-heavy progression.
Chord progression B, A, G and F#
Other properties
- Key played by: B
- Chord shape: power and triad
- Critical chord extensions: minor 15th (minor second)
- Most often used in: jazz, blues and rock
Examples of cards
B, A, G, and F# Chord Progression Strength Form Tab
11. D, A, C i G
Example: "Cherub Rock" by Smashing Pumpkins - Key of G (Chorus)
Billy Corgan didn't reinvent the wheel here, but he pushed "Cherub Rock" into a kind of powerhouse mode that felt like you were being pulled into every chord and verse line. Especially in power form, the progression he implemented is very reusable.
D, A, C and G chord progression
Other properties
- Key played by: G
- Chord shape: Strength
- Critical chord extensions: None
- Most commonly used in: rock, blues, country, post-grunge and pop
Examples of cards
The power form of the D, A, C, and G chord progression
12. Dm, F i C
Primjer: Everlast "What It's Like" - Key of F
Erik Francis Shrody's most popular bluesy song is an arpeggio highlighted by a prominent Dm chord at the beginning of the progression. Note that the progression on the track ends with the second Dm chord at the end.
Dm, F and C chord progression
Other properties
- Key played by: F
- Chord form: Open
- Critical chord extensions: Dm interval
- Most commonly used in: Folks, blues, country, rock, alternative and pop
Examples of cards
Open version of the Dm, F and C chord progression
An arpeggiated version of the Dm, F and C chord progression
13. D, C, B♭i F
Primjer: Kornov "Hater" - Key of D
Although James Shaffer and Brian Welch perform this song in A tuning, the power and open variation are easily replicated in standard tuning.
D, C, B♭ and F chord progression
Other properties
- Key played in: D
- Oblik akorda: Power and open
- Critical chord extensions: None
- It is mostly used in: metal, rock, folk and pop
Examples of cards
Open form of letters D, C, B♭and the F chord progression
Power shape for D, C, B♭and the F chord progression
14. D, A and G (version of dropped D)
Example: Creed's "Higher" - key of D
Nothing says late '90s rock like Creed's radio hit (iHuman clayspearhead) “More”. The song is played in drop D and uses what is possiblethethe most common chord progression for that tuning. Playing drop D is incredibly simple with open D and the other two basic notes at the seventh and fifth frets.
Chord progression D, A and G (fall version of D).
Other properties
- Key played in: D
- Chord form: Open and powerful
- Critical chord extensions: None
- Most often used in: Folks, country, pop, rock and metal
Examples of cards
Opening the D, A and G chord progression form tab (open D)
Power tab D, A and G chord progression (open D)
15. A, D i E
Example: "All Shook Up" by Elvis Presley - Key of A
Elvis' hit makes good use of this progression, though it iswideit is used in almost all musical genres and is pleasant to the guitarist's hand in standard tuning. There are many open notes here for you to work with.
A, D and E chord progression
Other properties
- The key was played by: A
- Chord form: Open
- Critical chord extensions: None
- It is mostly used in: blues, rock, pop, jazz and metal
Examples of cards
Open A, D and E chord progression form
16. D, C i G
Primjer: "Sweet Home Alabama" Lynyrda Skynyrda - Key of D
To say that this song is "overplayed" is an understatement.
But given its popularity, it would be remiss not to mention it when listing the D, C, and G chord progression.
Many think this chord grouping is the most dynamic and useful there is, leading many to insist that you can learna lots ofguitar music using only D, C and G.
D, C and G chord progression
Other properties
- Key played in: D
- Chord form: Open
- Critical chord extensions: None
- Most often used in: country, blues, contemporary Christian style, rock and pop
Examples of cards
Open the D, C, and G chord progression form tab
17. D, G, Bm i A
Primjer: U2 "Where the Streets Have no Name" - Key of D
One of music's most infamous riffs overshadows what is a brilliantly constructed chord progression. This sample, plays the synthesizer onJoshua Treethe composition is soulful and can be easily restructured or re-applied to other melodies and rhythms.
Other properties
- Key played in: D
- Chord form: Open
- Critical chord extensions: minor 3rd (in third chord)
- Most often used in: rock, folk, country and pop
Examples of cards
Open the D, G, Bm and A chord progression form tab
18. E, B, C♯m, G♯m i A
Example: "Under the Bridge" by Red Hot Chili Peppers - Key of E
I've always thought John Frusciante was one of the more overrated guitarists to come out of the post-grunge era, but the progression he uses on “Under the Bridge” (not sure if he actually wrote it or not) is nothing short of brilliant. Played slowly sounds just as good.
E, B, C♯m, G♯m and A chord progression
Other properties
- Key played by: E
- Chord shape: Open or powerful
- Critical chord extensions: Two minor 3rds
- Most often used in: Rock, jazz, blues
Examples of cards
Open the E, B, C♯m, G♯m, and A chord progression form tab
Power form card for E, B, C♯m, G♯m, and A chord progressions
19. D, F, G, C i G
Example: Audioslave's "Gasoline" - Key of B
Tom Morello plays this progression in drop B tuning, which means the chords come out differently. However, we have transposed it to a dropped D for easier reading and to make the chords more easily transposed to other situations. We'll do a single-note version and a power version (tabs below), both in descending D tuning.
D, F, G, C and G chord progression
Other properties
- Key played in: D
- Chord shape: Strength
- Critical chord extensions: None
- Most often used in: Rock, metal, post-grunge, alternative, pop
Examples of cards
D, F, G, C, and G power chord progression chart
20. D, A, G and Em
Primjer: "Somewhere Out There" Our Lady Peace - Key of D
OLP's first single to be releasedGravitythe album is still his most recognizable song. A strong lyrical performance is supported by this chord sequence that varies between verse and chorus. The one we have listed here is the chorus progression.
D, A, G and Em chord progression diagram
Other properties
- Key played in: D
- Chord form: Open
- Critical chord extensions: None
- Most commonly used in: pop, blues, rock, country, folk and post-grunge
Examples of cards
D, A, G and Em chord progression in open form
21. Em, G, D, C and A
Example: "Behind Blue Eyes" by Limp Bizkit - key of Em
This acoustic-friendly progression finds its home in numerous genres and is easily used in a seemingly endless number of musical scenarios.
Em, G, D, C and A chords
Other properties
- Key played by: Em
- Chord form: Open
- Critical chord extensions: None
- Most often used in: Folk, pop, country, rock and blues
Examples of cards
The open form of the Em, G, D, C and A chord progression
A strong form of the Em, G, D, C and A chord progression
22. D, E♭ and F (drop D)
Primjer: Toolov “The Grudge” - Key of D
Just this progressionreallyit makes sense in drop D, making it a fairly common metal group, especially given its dark and minor tonal quality. Adam Jones' guitar work on "The Grudge" highlights this in a fast rhythmic pattern.
Chord progression D, E♭ and F (drop D).
Other properties
- Key played in: D
- Chord form: strength and individual note
- Critical chord extensions: None
- It is mostly used in: metal, rock and alternative
Examples of cards
D, E♭, and F chord progression card in D and power form
23. Asus2, E, B i G
Example: "Three Scales" of A Perfect Circle - Key of A
Billy Howerdel's arpeggiated pattern in the intro to "Three Libras" is based on the aforementioned chord progression. If you want, you can replace Asus2 with a simple A major chord.
Asus2, E, B and G chord progression charts
Other properties
- Key played by: G
- Chord form: Open
- Critical chord extensions: None
- Most often used in: rock, metal, pop and alternative
Example table
Asus2, E, B and G chord progression guitar chart
24. Am7, Dm7, G7 and Cm7
Example: "Fly Me to the Moon" by Frank Sinatra - Key of C
Although the real appeal of Frank Sinatra's music was his voice, his band used numerous chord progressions with heavy jazz and blues as the foundation for his vocal melodies. This one has a lot of blues flavor in it, because it is completely composed of seventh chords.
Am7, Dm7, G7 and Cm7 chord progression chart
Other properties
- Key played by: C
- Chord form: Open
- Critical chord extensions: major and minor 7th
- Most often used in: jazz and blues
Example table
Guitar chart for Am7, Dm7, G7 and Cm7 chord progressions in open form
25. F♯m7, B7, E i A
Primjer: Don Mcleanov "Castles in the Air" - Key of E
Don Mclean breaks this progression down into a catchy and melodic arpeggio, which is worth learning in its own right. Still, the raw progression is a useful pattern for a number of different styles and genres.
F♯m7, B7, E and A chord progression chart
Other properties
- Key played by: E
- Chord form: Open
- Critical chord extensions: major and minor 7th
- Most often used in: jazz, blues and pop
Example table
Guitar chart for F♯m7, B7, E and A chord progressions
26. G7, C, C9, Dm7 i C
Example: "Come Fly With Me" by Frank Sinatra - key of C
It is hard to tell on the actual song, mainly due to the emphasis on horns and vocals, which is typical of jazz compositions. However, if you remove the raw chords, this progression has a fantastic feel and is great for blues or jazz improvisation.
G7, C, C9, Dm7 and C chord progression
Other properties
- Key played by: C
- Chord form: Open
- Critical chord extensions: 9th and 7th intervals
- Most often used in: jazz and blues
Example table
Guitar chart for G7, C, C9, Dm7 and C chord progressions
27. F, Em, Am, G i Am
Primjer: "Losing my Religion" grupe R.E.M. - Key of Am
There are many chord changes and progressions to choose from in this song. But I highlight the progression played during the last two lines since it has a full sound and resolves on the A minor chord, which is the actual key of the song.
F, Em, Am, G and Am chord progression chart
Other properties
- Key game: Am
- Chord form: Open and powerful
- Critical chord extensions: None
- Most often used in: rock metal, alternative and pop
Example table
Open the guitar tab for F, Em, Am, G, and Am chord progressions
Power form guitar tab for F, Em, Am, G and Am chord progressions
Chord progression formula
What if you want to come up with more chord progressions? There's actually a theoretical formula for this that you can use in case you need some structure to get going. First decide on a key, then find the major scale in that key. Take the C key for example.
Here is your ranking:
C - D - E - F - G - A - B
Chord progressions can be built from scales because each note in a scale is a scale degree. So, you can also write the major scale like this:
I - ii - iii - IV - V - vi - vii°
Each diploma then has the following titles:
- tonic(s)
- Supertonic (ii)
- through (iii)
- Subdominanta (IV)
- Dominant (V)
- Sub-intermediate (vi)
- Leading tone (vii°)
You can then use the following diagram to plan your progress:
Chord progression formula diagram
It might look confusing, but let's go through it step by step.
Create your own chord progressions step by step
Here's how to follow a chord progression chart:
- Start with the root note, in this case C, which would be the tonicand.
- From there you can go toanystep of the scale, so let's tryIV.
- From there we can either go to V or vii°. Let's go withV.
Notice that the tonic can go on any chord, meaning you could have followed it with a note other than theIV. If we were choosingiiiinstead, it would then move toviand then he had a choice betweeniiorIV.
You would continue to follow the diagram until it resolves back to the tonic chord. From our three steps above, we arrive at the following progression:
I - IV - VorTonika – Subdominanta – Dominanta
Now, if we put that back into the C major scale, we get the following chord progression:C - F - G
And this can be easily transferred to any scale. Let's take the E major scale for example:E - F♯ - G♯ - A - B - C♯
If you apply a progressionI - IV - Vyou get the following:E - A - B.
That way you can see how we get some of these common and frequently used chord progressions.
Dyads and chord progressions
Another easy way to continue building chord progressions is to do so with dyads, which are two-note chords that can be joined together quickly and easily. We will highlight two different types of dyads, which are distinguished by the interval of each chord.
- The main fifth
- Octave
If you are not familiar withinterval concept, it's pretty easy. An interval is simply the distance between two notes on the fret. In the case of a dyad (or any guitar chord) the distance you measurefromis the root note.
The distance between the root and the second note in the chord will determine what type of interval it is.
The main fifth dyad
A major fifth is the term used to denote one such interval, which is seven frets away from the root note. Here's an example with tabs:
The main guitar tab of the fifth dyad
I chose to put my root note on the fourth string at the fifth fret, but you can start this root note onanybite on the sixth, fifth, fourth, or second string and play in the same shape. The note on the seventh fret is a perfect fifth and the only note that follows the root.
This is your first, basic dyad chord.
Octave dyad
An octave dyad looks almost the same, except that our interval is (predictably) one octave higher than the root, meaning it's the same note at a higher pitch, 12 semitones (frets) above the root.
Here is an example with tabs.
Guitar chart in the form of a dyad octave
D major dyad form
The major sound you get from the basic D chord shape is also a moving dyad.
Tablature for guitar in D major
We omit the D root, assuming it is a spiritual note. If we move the note on the third fret (D) to the fifth (E), we have another usable dyad, since that E note is the root fifth of A.
Tablature for guitar second D major
Once we get to grips with the basic dyadic shapes, we can use them to easily create chord progressions that are a bit thicker and more complex than just playing the root notes.
Triads in a chord progression
To build on the dyads we just learned, we can apply the same principles and technique to triads, which are three note chords that formally include the following intervals:
- Root
- the third
- Peti
Note: If you need help with the interval concept, check out our fullan hour of guitar intervals.
However, it is generally accepted that any three-note chord reduced to its key can be treated as a dyad. For the purpose of building and understanding chord progressions, we will look at triads in this context. For example, if you take the D major dyad shape we just covered and add the root note, you get a fairly common triad chord with a D root, a fifth, and an octave of D:
A three-part chord with a D root note
Commonly used major and minor triads
We will focus on a few triads that are mobile and that you will be able to use most often. I'm going to give you most of these chords in the key of C, but keep in mind that they can be moved to any fret.
In many cases, the triad chord can be a shortened version of the more familiar open chord.
Let's take open C major for example:
Open the C major guitar chord tab
We have four notes here, but we can leave out the highest one on the first fret (C) since we already get the C from the base note on the third fret.
Now our triad shape looks like the following diagram and we can move it to other thresholds more easily.
Note: This is an example where the formal definition of triad, root, third and fifth is met.
Triad C major oblique chord
So, if we transfer the root of the chord to the fifth fret, we would get the following form:
D major triad chord
Try to select each shape one by one.
Triadic Chord Progression with Arpeggio (C to D)
Let's look at some more triad chords.
A triple power chord
One of the most commonly used chords would be a power chord made up of three notes. The first is the base note, followed by the fifth and octave of the original base note.
For example:
Triple Power Chord Diagram (Root C)
This chord can be easily plucked, moved, and can work with the root note on the sixth or fifth string.
You can move the fifth if you want to give the chord a different tone. For example, instead of adding a perfect fifth, add a major third that will fall on the seventh fret.
Using basic note and interval movement, you can easily develop chord progressions made up solely of triadic power chords.
Major barre chord triad form
If you start a barre chord with the root note on the fifth string, a typical major shape will look like this:
A typical C major barre chord shape
If we omit the root note and the high G on the first string, we get a nice triad chord where the lower root C is assumed.
A triad where the root C is assumed
This chord can be easily barred with one finger. You can also move the notes on the second and third strings to arrive at several other useful triadic chords.
Here are some options that don't change the key:
The second triad form in the key of C
The third triad form in the key of C
The fourth triad form in the key of C
The triad form of the minor barre chord
Making this minor chord is very easy. Simply move the note at the fifth fret on the second string down a semitone to the fourth fret.
Oblique triad and c-mola tonality
Chord shape in D minor
Similarly, we can use the D minor shape to find another useful triad chord.
Oblique chord triad and mola tonality
It's often the simple shapes and patterns that end up being the most useful when it comes to creating chord progressions and layering basslines. Practice them, memorize them, and make them part of your chord vocabulary.
G, C and D chord progression
In this section, we will focus specifically on the G C D chord progression, which is one of the easiest and most commonly used arrangements. However, when you play each chord in its most conventional form,all three index fingers, middle and little fingerswould hit the root note of the chord at one point. It's not easy, especially for someone just starting out.
But why play every chord in its most conventional form? You certainly don't have to play the formal G, C, and D all the time. In fact, you should not.
Facilitating advancement
When I first started learning these three chords, I learned shapes that were probably familiar to most people.
Conventional G, C and D chord progression
These are what I would call the "formal" or "real" versions of the open G, C, and D major chords.
They're not terribly heavy, but when it comes to transitioning from one to the other, they're not the most functional shapes. I ended up learning the new shapes of each chord which made the transitions easier.
What I wanted to do was find a way to move my fingers as little as possible, which sounds like cheating, but it smoothed out the transitions and really sped up the progression.
I've been playing it this way ever since.
How to transition seamlessly through G, C and D
We will focus on the following three basic elements for the whole progress:
- D note on the second string
- The base note of each chord
- Octaves and intervals
The D note I'm referring to falls on the third fret and the second string.
We will hold that note with our ring finger through the entire progression without ever moving our hand from that one spot.
So to prepare, put your ring finger in position to play that note.
Position note for G, C, and D chord progressions
Our second step is to add the root note of each chord, then swing back and forth between that root note and our D:
Adding root notes for each chord
By now you can already see the progress coming together. We'll add one more step before we go through the whole thing.
For the G chord, we'll use an open octave on the third string, which is an open G. For the C and D chords, we'll use two intervals, a perfect fifth for C and a perfect fourth for D.
Here's what arpeggio cards look like:
The resulting G, C, and D chord progression arpeggios
Let's go ahead and push through the chords, then we'll talk about the practical beauty of this method (if you haven't already learned it).
Modified chords for G, C, D chord progressions
With the D note on the second string, you only stress one more note for each chord.
This meansyou can use onefinger to grab each root note. So your hand doesn't have to move from that spot and you can go through each chord with simple, short movements.
Therefore, changing chords becomes incredibly fast and easy. More importantly, it sounds better and cleaner than the formal version of the progression.
Power variation (standard and drop D versions)
The second step to locking down the G, C, and D chord progression is learning the simplest form of the power chord. To do this, we'll cover two versions of the progression that include two different tunings: Standard and drop D.
Let's start with the standard variation.
We only need two notes for our power chord.
- Root note
- Perfect fifth interview
Since we are playing strong chords, our base note will be G at the third fret on the sixth string.
Root G set to the third fret
Our fifth will be on the fifth fret and string (in this case D).
Adding a fifth interval to the base G note
You will also use this pattern for C and D power chords. There are also two different ways to play the full progression in standard tuning.
First, you can easily slide to the base notes on the sixth string without moving your fingers off the frets.
Power slide chords through the G, C and D progression
Another method is to use the root notes on the fifth string, which appear directly below our initial G chord on the sixth string. This is what the card looks like:
Moving the root notes to the fifth string
You can slide to each chord or switch strings for a closer chord change. Both are quite fast and are by far the two most commonly represented power versions of this chord progression.
The Drop D version is the same concept, although you only need one finger to play each chord.
Dropping the sixth string a whole step means that your G will now drop to the fifth fret, moving the other two chords up two frets as well.
Playing G, C and D chord progressions in D tuning
The last chord is just the top three open strings since we dropped the sixth string down to D, making the progression even easier to play.
Fewer fingers and fewer movements
There is nothing in this method that requires you to use more than two fingers at once.
Some might consider it a little cheap, but I think it's better to anchor your progression and lock it down with easier methods before moving on to more complex ones, even if they are considered more formal and correct.
The fewer fingers you use and the less you have to move when changing chords, the better off you will be.
Questions
There are many chord progressions for guitarists worth noting.
If you think we've missed any, or if you have any additional questions, please let us know in the comments section below.
See you there.
Additional sources of chords and EDU
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FAQs
What is the best chord progression pattern? ›
I-V-vi-IV
This progression is called “the most popular progression” for a reason. It's been used in just about every genre imaginable, from post-punk to country. It sounds so satisfying because each new chord in the pattern feels like a fresh emotional statement.
Triads. The triad is a class of chords, specifically three-note chords formed by this formula: 1-3-5 or root, third, fifth. In this example they are constructed of two consecutive thirds. The major is very consonant; the minor is a bit less so but still consonant for most purposes.
What is the most beautiful chord progression on a guitar? ›Generally speaking, some of the most beautiful guitar chords are Major 9th chords, Minor 9th chords, Sus2 and Sus4 chords, Major 7/add 9 chords, and 13th chords. These include Cmaj9, Cmin9, Csus2, Csus4, Cmaj7, Cmajor/add 9, and Cmin13th chords.
What are the 4 must know guitar chords? ›The 4 most common guitar chords, or best chords to learn, are G Major, C Major, D Major, and E Minor. These chords are the most important to learn for a variety of reasons. The first reason is that most of these guitar chords are relatively easy to pick up.
What are the 3 most used guitar chords? ›G, C and D are some of the most commonly used chords in popular music and are used in literally thousands of songs (we'll list some of the most well-known later).
What is the hardest chord progression on guitar? ›The six-string F chord is one of the hardest standard chord shape to play on the guitar. When many people try to play the F chord on guitar (and often succeed), it's with far too much struggle and effort than is actually necessary. Even extremely influential guitarists can have a hard time with barre chords.
What is the rule of 7 chords? ›A seventh chord is built by adding an extra note to a triad which is an interval of a 7th above the root note. e.g. If you build a triad on C you will use the notes (C-E-G). If you add a another note a 7th above C then you will have C-E-G-B. You have just created a basic seventh chord.
What is the 1 4 5 rule? ›The 1-4-5 chord progression consists of the movement of chords from the first degree, to the fourth degree, then to the first degree. The numbers 1, 4, and 5 are basically there to give an outline of the movement of the root note of the chords.
What is the rule of 5 chords? ›The circle of fifths is a sequence of keys (and their root chords) graphically represented in a circle, where each key or chord is seven semitones away from the key or chord next to it in the circle.
What is a heavenly chord? ›The Heaven Chord is constructed by playing a C Major Triad and stacking 2 more third intervals. For example, if you play a C Major Triad, you have the notes C, E, and G. If you stack a third, you have a B, and if you stack another third, you have a D.
What is the darkest chord progression in guitar? ›
Eb minor – D diminished – F diminished – Eb minor
This progression has to be the darkest of them all, thanks to some grim sounding diminished chords. This progression is in Lil Baby's hit, “Pure Cocaine”. The diminished chord is the darkest chord in music.
The Melodic minor works perfectly if you want to create mysterious chords on guitar. The E Melodic minor scale is played like this: E F# G A B C# D# E. The 6th and 7th degree are sharped.
What are the only four chords you need? ›And it's not just modern music. The 'four chord song' has been around since Pachelbel's Canon around the turn of the 18th century. These four chords are the magic I, IV, V and vi.
How many chords should A guitarist know? ›The 7 essential most used beginner chords ALL guitar players should learn first are E major, E minor, A major, A minor, D major, C major and G major.
What is the most used chord ever? ›The most commonly used chords (in any key) are the I (1), V (5), vi (6), IV (4). First, it's important to know/remember that chords are notated in piano music by Roman Numerals. Large letter numerals are for Major chords and small letter numerals are for minor chords.
What is the easiest guitar chord ever? ›The easiest guitar chords for beginners are the Em, C, G and D chord.
What are the 3 chords in every song? ›The I (tonic), IV (subdominant) and V (dominant) chords (primary triads) together encompass all seven tones of the tonic's major scale. These three chords are a simple means of covering many melodies without the use of passing notes. There are tens of thousands of songs written with I, IV and V chords.
What is the most annoying chord on the guitar? ›The term dissonant here is used to describe the unpleasantness of the 7-chord and describing the 7-chord as the most dissonant chord in the major key means that the 7-chord is the most unpleasant chord in the major key.
What are the most unstable chords? ›The 4th and 7th degrees are very unstable. As you'll soon see, the stability of each scale tone is the reason that certain chords feel stable or grounded to us, while others feel unstable and in need of resolution.
What is 6 5 in music theory? ›The first inversion chord is called the “6/5” because the “1” is a 6th above the “3” in the bass and the “7” is a 5th above the “3”.
What is rule line of chords? ›
The Line of Chords Scale rule incorporates a scale from 0° to 120° in 1/2º increments. Two centre dots are provided, one on each blade and, with the aid of dividers, the rule can be set at any angle, or an existing angle can be determined. The circumference scale indicates the circumference by measuring the diameter.
What is the chords rule of circle? ›Chord of a Circle Definition
The chord of a circle can be defined as the line segment joining any two points on the circumference of the circle. It should be noted that the diameter is the longest chord of a circle which passes through the center of the circle.
Spend Your Time Wisely. The 1–3–5 rule is a time management strategy based on the assumption that you will spend one hour planning, three hours doing, and five hours evaluating. This means that as soon as you know what needs to be done, you should block off time in your calendar to plan out how you will do it.
What is the 80% four-fifths rule? ›The Four-Fifths rule states that if the selection rate for a certain group is less than 80 percent of that of the group with the highest selection rate, there is adverse impact on that group.
What is the 4 fifth rule? ›Adverse impact and the “four-fifths rule.” A selection rate for any race, sex, or ethnic group which is less than four-fifths ( 4/5) (or eighty percent) of the rate for the group with the highest rate will generally be regarded by the Federal enforcement agencies as evidence of adverse impact, while a greater than four ...
What is 2 5 1 of all chords? ›A 2 5 1 progression (often marked in Roman numerals as ii – V – I) refers to the chords of the scale and key the song is in. By stacking 3rds on each scale degree, we now have all of the basic diatonic chords within the C major scale (C major, D minor, E minor, F major, G major, A minor, and B diminished).
What is the rule of fifths in guitar? ›The outer ring of the circle of fifths contains each of the 12 notes used in music and represent each of the major keys. If you move clockwise around the circle, you're moving up a 5th with each note. If you move counter-clockwise around the circle, each note is a 5th lower.
What are power chords called? ›Power chords are often used in rock music, and are also known as fifth chords. They're called fifth chords because they're made from the root note and the fifth. They're beefy, often crunchy and are super simple to play because it takes only three notes to make these types of guitar chords.
What is the devil's chord guitar? ›In music a tritone consists of two notes that are three whole steps apart, such as “C” to “F#.” Not found in either the major or minor scales, and due to its discordant sound, it has been called “the Devil's Chord.”
What is the saddest chord in music? ›What Makes a Chord Progression Sound “Sad?” Music, and the emotion it conveys, is highly subjective. Be that as it may, a progression in a minor key or heavy on minor chords tends to sound the most melancholy to listeners. A similar effect can be achieved with diminished chords, 7ths, and other extended voicings.
What is the chords to in Jesus name? ›
INTRO: D VERSE 1: Bm7 G2 I speak the name of Jesus over you, D A In your hurting, in your sorrow I will ask my God to move. Bm7 G2 I speak the name 'cause it's all that I can do. D A In desperation, I'll seek heaven, and pray this for you. CHORUS 1: Bm7 G2 I pray for your healing, that circumstances would change.
What is a creepy chord progression? ›If you're a fan of scary movies you've definitely heard this chord progression before. The theory behind it is very simple: two minor chords spaced a minor 3rd apart. Don't just play these chords in root position though; the inversion matters!
What is the hardest chord for beginners? ›C chord (barred)
However, the barred C chord is one of the hardest guitar chords for beginners. Although it involves the same notes but is rearranged (in a different order), this chord is more challenging to play. That is because we also need a bar in order to play it.
The power chord is the most commonly used dyad form in metal without a doubt. It involves the root and 5th intervals and is considered neutral because it lacks the 3rd of major and minor triads or any real tension.
What is the evil chord? ›Like the Beast, it goes by many names: Diabolus in musica (devil in music), the devil's interval, the tritone, the triad and the flatted fifth. As its Latin moniker suggests, it's an evil sounding combination of notes that's designed to create a chilling or foreboding atmosphere.
What is the scariest chord on guitar? ›Diminished chord
Basically, anything you play that has minor third intervals all the way up and down sounds scary enough. Here's one of the basic shapes for you to play. For extra spookiness: Play a progression where you just move the diminished chord up by three frets until you run out of frets.
Open chords are one of the first skills a beginner guitarist will learn. Master just three, and you can play a whole host of popular songs. Aside from attending guitar lessons, following a chord chart is one of the best ways to get acquainted with the basics.
What are the first three chords to learn on a guitar? ›Basic guitar chords are chords such as C, F and D. These are the chords you should be taught first. The finger placement is fairly easy and straightforward. They are all played at the very first fret of the guitar.
How many songs should a beginner guitarist know? ›The ones you can REMEMBER and play confidently. As an advancing beginner guitar player, you should have at least ten songs you can play at a party! I'd recommend thinking about your social circle when deciding what will be on your list.
What are the four magic chords? ›It turns out that the four magical chords are E, B, C# minor and A. But with so many chords to choose from, why did dozens of hit songs end up with the same four chords? At first glance, it seems strange that so many songs should have the same chords.
Does Ed Sheeran only use 4 chords? ›
Here's a fun video that was shared with me over the weekend by a subscriber. Here, Ed Sheeran shows how most pop songs only use four chords, and it's the vocals over the top that is more unique. The four chords he is referring to are Em, G, C and D.
What are the first 4 chords to learn on guitar? ›The first chords to learn on guitar are Em, C, G, and D. Let's get started in “first position” or “open chords.” These chords are played close to the nut and utilize a number of open strings.
How long should you practice guitar a day? ›Consistency is key – try to practice guitar for at least 15 minutes per day, five days a week, but also follow these tips: Avoid long and unbroken sessions. Don't practice for more than an hour at a time. Set short breaks if you plan on practicing for more than 20 minutes.
How long does it take to memorize chords on guitar? ›After six months, you should start to feel comfortable and know your way around a guitar. You might not be busting out amazing solos quite yet, but you've mastered the basic chords and you feel comfortable playing.
How many guitars should a normal person have? ›Generally, one electric guitar, one acoustic guitar, and one classical guitar are enough to satisfy your needs and cover all styles of music. If you have varied interests, you may want to add new guitars to experiment with different types of pickups configurations, body shapes, and different necks.
Why is the 1 4 5 chord progression so popular? ›The 1 4 5 chord progression is a progression that can be utilized in any key. It has been used both in major and minor keys. Once the progression is learned harmonically, it can be easily recognized and applied in one's playing. It is a quick and easy way to sound adept, while simultaneously fulfilling musical needs.
What are the best two chord progressions? ›I-V and I-IV progressions
Most two-chord songs feature a I chord (let's say C) and either a V or a IV (G and F, respectively). Why? Because the V-I and IV-I cadences are two of the most powerful cadences in music. You find these progressions everywhere in folk, rock, and reggae.
A 1,3,4,5 chord progression is simple the 1st, 3rd, 4th and 5th harmonized chords from any major scale. Using the harmonizing rule you can produce the chords: So G, Am, Bm, C, D, Em and F#diminised. Start with 1 chord per bar so DDUUDU for every chord.
What is the best upbeat chord progression? ›I – IV – V
To create happy chord progressions, you can simply use the I, IV, and V chords (or 1-4-5). Each one of these chords is a major chord, and they work together in any order to create a happy sound. You can also add energy or enthusiasm to the progression by varying the rhythm.
The Magic Chord is a chord and installation (1984) created by La Monte Young, consisting of the pitches E, F, A, B♭, D, E, G, and A, in ascending order and used in works including his The Well-Tuned Piano and Chronos Kristalla (1990).
What is the 1 5 6 4 chord progression called? ›
The I–V–vi–IV progression, sometimes known as the Axis progression after its popularization by the Australian comedy band the Axis of Awesome, is a common chord progression popular across several genres of music. It involves the I, V, vi, and IV chords of any particular musical scale.
What is the most common rock chord progression? ›One of the most common chord progressions is E, B, C# minor, and A since these chords are easy to modulate between major and minor, which is common in rock music.
What are the catchiest chord progressions? ›...
Top Ten
- I-V6-vi-V. ...
- I-V-vi-iii-IV. ...
- i-III-VII-VI. ...
- i-V-vi-IV. ...
- i-VII-III-VI. ...
- I-vi-IV-V. ...
- I-IV-vi-V. ...
- I-V-vi-IV. The 'Axis of Awesome' chord progression.
The I-vi-ii-V progression uses the last 4 chords of the fourths sequence (vi-ii-V-I). It makes sense that this progression is so popular. The fourths sequence has so much harmonic momentum leading to the I chord, and a progression containing four chords (one every 2 or 4 beats) is common and feels natural.
What is the 2 5 1 chord progression? ›What is a 2-5-1 Chord Progression? A 2-5-1 chord progression (aka: ii-V-I) is a common musical convention of three consecutive chords which effectively establish a key. For example, the chords Dm7→G7→Cmaj7 create a pleasing sound that identifies C major as a tonal center.
What is the happiest sounding chord? ›Although people do perceive major chords as more emotionally positive than minor chords, the happiest sounds of all are seventh chords – major or minor chords with a seventh added.
What is the most nostalgic chord progression? ›I – iv – IV – iv (The Minor 4 progression)
This first example is probably the most recognisable, the most used and easiest way to create the feeling of nostalgia. The technical name for it is the 'minor plagal cadence' but we prefer to call it the minor 4 progression.
The I–V–vi–IV (or the 1-5-6-4) progression is one of the most popular and simplest chord progressions for guitar players. It's most popular in Western pop music and has been used by some of the world's biggest artists to write some really great songs.