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5 Chord Progressions Every Songwriter Needs to Know

January 9th, 2018 by

5 Chord Progressions Every Songwriter Needs to KnowChord progressions are the structural foundations of the songs we know and love. Put simply, a chord progression is a series of repeating chords, for example, C / F / G over and over.

Some songs have one chord progression for the entire song. Others have separate progressions for the verse and chorus, while more complex songs may contain four or five different progressions throughout.

Every songwriter should have an understanding of common chord progressions, not only for understanding songwriting and song structure, but for improvising with a band as well. If a group of people get together to play, several commonly known chord progressions provide a framework for everyone to play to, be it a 12 bar blues progression, rhythm changes, or the chord progression to any popular song. In this article, we will look at five of the most common chord progression in major keys. (more…)

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  • Songwriter Tip:

    Repetition of words isn’t the only trick in the pro’s arsenal; they will repeat the rhythmic phrasing as well. For example (and as an exercise) try writing a three-note 1-bar melody. Come up with a lyric that fits. Now repeat that same melody four times and come up with 3 additional lyrics. Add a hook and a chorus and you’re doneÉ