Essential Chord Progressions for Every Key: Major & Minor Insights

Diatonic Chords

Understanding diatonic chords is crucial for any producer or audio engineer looking to create compelling music. Each key has its own set of diatonic chords, which are derived from the major and minor scales. Here’s a breakdown:

Major Keys

I (Major): The tonic chord (e.g., C major in the key of C)

ii (Minor): The supertonic chord (e.g., D minor in C)

iii (Minor): The mediant chord (e.g., E minor in C)

IV (Major): The subdominant chord (e.g., F major in C)

V (Major): The dominant chord (e.g., G major in C)

vi (Minor): The submediant chord (e.g., A minor in C)

vii° (Diminished): The leading tone chord (e.g., B diminished in C)

Minor Keys

i (Minor): The tonic chord (e.g., A minor in the key of A)

ii° (Diminished): The supertonic chord (e.g., B diminished in A)

III (Major): The mediant chord (e.g., C major in A)

iv (Minor): The subdominant chord (e.g., D minor in A)

v (Minor): The dominant chord (e.g., E minor in A)

VI (Major): The submediant chord (e.g., F major in A)

VII (Major): The leading tone chord (e.g., G major in A)

Understanding these chords will help you navigate through any song structure and facilitate faster songwriting. If you want a comprehensive reference, check out our Chord Progression Chart.

Most-Used Progressions

Once you have a grasp of diatonic chords, it's time to dive into the most-used chord progressions. These progressions are time-tested and can serve as a foundation for countless songs.

Common Progressions in Major Keys

I-IV-V-I: A classic progression found in many genres.

I-V-vi-IV: Often seen in pop music; for example, in "With or Without You" by U2.

ii-V-I: Common in jazz and often used to transition smoothly between chords.

Common Progressions in Minor Keys

i-VI-III-VII: Found in many rock and pop songs; a great choice for creating emotional depth.

i-iv-V: Simple yet effective, this progression can be the backbone of a strong track.

i-ii°-V: Adds tension and resolution, great for lead-ins to a chorus.

These progressions not only help you write songs fast but also allow you to experiment with variations and personal touches. You can easily adjust the rhythm or instrumentation to create something unique.

Borrowed Chords Starter

Borrowed chords can add unexpected flavor to your compositions. These are chords taken from parallel keys, and they can create interesting contrasts and tensions in your music.

Examples of Borrowed Chords

bVII: Commonly borrowed from the parallel minor, this can add a bluesy feel.

iv: In a major key, borrowing the minor subdominant can create a fresh sound.

♭III: A great way to add depth, often found in rock ballads.

How to Use Borrowed Chords

Experiment: Don’t hesitate to mix borrowed chords into your existing progressions. This can lead to surprising results.

Transitions: Use borrowed chords as a pivot point to transition between sections of a song. For instance, moving from a major verse to a minor chorus.

Final Thoughts

Mastering chord progressions in both major and minor keys is essential for any music producer or audio engineer. By knowing your diatonic chords, leveraging common progressions, and incorporating borrowed chords, you can significantly enhance your songwriting process. Remember, the key to writing songs fast is understanding these foundational elements. For a quick reference, be sure to check out our Chord Progression Chart to help you in your creative journey.