Where do songwriters get inspiration for chord progressions?

There are many ways to get inspiration for chord progressions. One way is to find one of your favorite songs and learn the chords of the songs. Once you get a few songs figured out you may begin to notice certain patterns emerge. Of course there are other ways to find and discover chord progressions.

Here is a basic “Formula” for creating chord progressions.

  • Each key comprises of three different classes of chords. These classes are called, Tonic, Dominant, and Sub-Dominant.
  • The tonic class consists of two chords, one built upon the first scale step. The tonic note is the first note of the major scale, The two chords of the tonic class include the I and vi chords.
  • The dominant class consists of notes based on the fifth scale step. The dominate also has three chords. These chords include the V, iii and vii chords. The vii is seldom used.
  • The last class of chords is the sub-dominant. This class contains two chords. These chords include the IV and ii chords. The basis of this class is built on the second note of the scale.

Basic rules for movement.

  • The chords in the Tonic class may progress or move to any other chord in the the same key
  • The chords of the Dominant class can primarily progress into those of the Tonic class. On occasion, it the dominant move to the sub-dominant but preference is given to the tonic.
  • The chords of the sub-dominant class mostly progress to the dominant class.

To help you further along. Here are the classes in the key of C:

Tonic = C or Am
Dominant = G, Em or Bdim
Sub-Dominant = F or Dm

Here is a link that will provide additional information  Chord Progression for Songwriter

Not only does it provided an explanation about how chord progression are built, there is also a list of the most common chord progressions. I hope this helps you.

Posted in . Bookmark the permalink. RSS feed for this post. Both comments and trackbacks are currently closed.

Comments are closed.

  • Products

  • Mastering Melodies Online Course

    Mastering Melodies - Online Course for Music Composer
  • Free Special Report

    Inspire Your Songwriting Fun and Practical Tips
    Get this free special report with information that will help inspire your songwriting.


    By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: Mediatunes, 445 N Cuyamaca St, El Cajon, CA, 92020, http://learnhowtowritesongs.com. You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact
  • Songwriter Tip:

    Music is about sonic textures as well as melody. Think of the texture of a nylon string guitar as opposed to the texture of a steel string. Think of the texture of a piano, and the texture of a synth. Some of the same melodies played with different textures can completely change a song. The human voice sounds thicker with a chorus and reverb than a dry signal. Textures can bring out the best and worst in a song. We pay great amounts of money to get the ‘best’ texture we possibly can. That is why people buy expensive musical equipment over cheap pawnshop items. Distortion has a huge variety of different tones and sounds. Not every distortion pedal sounds the same. Why? For texture. Don’t keep using the same sounds, experiment with as many sonic textures as you can.