Notes in Chords
by John O'Connor III
by John O'Connor III
| Progression | Chord Degrees | Common Genres | Associated Moods | Construction Tips |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| I–V–vi–IV | 1–5–6–4 | Pop, Rock | Uplifting, Hopeful | Start with the tonic (I), move to the dominant (V), then to the relative minor (vi), and resolve to the subdominant (IV). This progression is versatile and widely used in modern music. |
| I–vi–IV–V | 1–6–4–5 | Doo-wop, Pop | Nostalgic, Romantic | Begin with the tonic (I), shift to the relative minor (vi), proceed to the subdominant (IV), and conclude with the dominant (V). This sequence was popular in the 1950s and evokes a classic feel. |
| ii–V–I | 2–5–1 | Jazz | Resolute, Satisfying | Use the supertonic minor (ii), move to the dominant (V), and resolve to the tonic (I). This progression is fundamental in jazz for establishing tonality. |
| I–IV–V–IV | 1–4–5–4 | Rock, Blues | Energetic, Bold | Start with the tonic (I), transition to the subdominant (IV), ascend to the dominant (V), and return to the subdominant (IV). This creates a driving and repetitive feel. |
| vi–IV–I–V | 6–4–1–5 | Pop, Alternative | Emotional, Inspiring | Begin with the relative minor (vi), move to the subdominant (IV), then to the tonic (I), and end on the dominant (V). This progression offers a mix of melancholy and hope. |
| I–IV–I–V | 1–4–1–5 | Country, Folk | Simple, Honest | Start with the tonic (I), go to the subdominant (IV), return to the tonic (I), and finish with the dominant (V). This straightforward sequence is prevalent in folk and country music. |
| I–bVII–IV–I | 1–b7–4–1 | Rock, Modal | Rebellious, Strong | Use the tonic (I), drop to the flat seventh (bVII), move to the subdominant (IV), and return to the tonic (I). This progression imparts a modal and robust sound. |
| I–V–IV–I | 1–5–4–1 | Gospel, Soul | Uplifting, Spiritual | Begin with the tonic (I), ascend to the dominant (V), move to the subdominant (IV), and resolve back to the tonic (I). This sequence is uplifting and commonly found in gospel music. |
| i–bVI–III–bVII | 1–b6–3–b7 | Minor Key Ballads | Dark, Dramatic | In a minor key, start with the tonic minor (i), descend to the flat sixth (bVI), rise to the major third (III), and drop to the flat seventh (bVII). This progression conveys a dramatic and somber mood. |
| I–iii–IV–V | 1–3–4–5 | Classical, Pop | Bright, Optimistic | Start with the tonic (I), move to the mediant (iii), proceed to the subdominant (IV), and conclude with the dominant (V). This progression has a bright and uplifting character. |
| I–vi–ii–V | 1–6–2–5 | Jazz, Pop | Smooth, Flowing | Start with the tonic (I), move to the relative minor (vi), then to the supertonic minor (ii), and resolve to the dominant (V). This progression is common in jazz standards and creates a circular feel. |
| vi–ii–V–I | 6–2–5–1 | Jazz, R&B | Soulful, Resolving | Begin with the relative minor (vi), proceed to the supertonic minor (ii), move to the dominant (V), and resolve to the tonic (I). This sequence is known as the "minor ii–V–I" and is prevalent in jazz and R&B. |
| I–IV–vi–V | 1–4–6–5 | Pop, Rock | Upbeat, Catchy | Start with the tonic (I), transition to the subdominant (IV), move to the relative minor (vi), and conclude with the dominant (V). This progression is widely used in pop music for its catchy and uplifting sound. |
| i–VII–VI–VII | 1–7–6–7 | Rock, Folk | Anthemic, Bold | In a minor key, begin with the tonic minor (i), descend to the major seventh (VII), then to the major sixth (VI), and return to the major seventh (VII). This progression creates a strong, anthemic feel. |
| I–V–ii–IV | 1–5–2–4 | Indie, Pop | Dreamy, Reflective | Start with the tonic (I), move to the dominant (V), then to the supertonic minor (ii), and resolve to the subdominant (IV). This sequence offers a dreamy and reflective mood, common in indie music. |
Major chord - made up of the 1, 3, and 5 note in that key's scale.
Minor chord - flat the 3rd note of the chord.
Augmented chord - sharp the 5th note of the chord.
Dominant 7th - add a flattened 7th a major chord.
Major 7th - add a major 7th note to a major chord.
Minor 7th - add a minor 7th note to a minor chord.
Minor Major 7th - add a major 7th note to a minor chord.
Major 6th - add the 6th note of the scale to a major chord.
Minor 6th - add the 6th note of the scale to a minor chord.
Major 9th - add the 9th note of the scale to a major 7 chord.
Minor 9th - add the 9th note of the scale to a minor 7 chord.
Augmented 9th - sharp the 9th note of the chord.
Major 11th - add the 11th note of the scale to a 9 major chord.
Minor 11th - add the 11th note of the scale to a 9 minor chord.
Major 13th - add the 13th note of the scale to a major 11 chord.
Minor 13th - add the 13th note of the scale to a minor 11 chord.
Through Fire, Nature is Reborn Whole.