The secret formula to create timeless hits.
Introduction
Are you trying to turn your lyrics into full songs on the piano? Learning the most common chord progressions used in modern music is the best way to do so.
These chord progressions have been used by countless successful artists, who used them as a canvas on which to paint their unique musical ideas; they’re powerful, catchy, and memorable, and build a sense of expectation that captivates listeners across genres.
Let’s take a look at the most popular chord progressions for singers and see how you can use them to turn your musical ideas into cohesive songs.
Chord Progressions: A Definition
A chord progression is a series of chords played one after the other. Chord sequences are built using a scale, where each chord is identified by a Roman numeral based on its position within such a scale.
We use uppercase numerals to describe major chords (I, IV, V, etc.) and lowercase numerals to describe minor chords (i, ii, iii, etc.). Here’s the simplest example, the C Major scale:
C – D – E – F – G – A – B – C
Using Roman numerals, the chords in this scale are:
- I – C Major
- ii – D minor
- iii – E minor
- IV – F Major
- V – G Major
- vi – A minor
- vii° – B diminished
The chords change depending on the scale you’re using. For the A Major scale, the notes are:
A – B – C# – D – E – F# – G# – A
So the chords in this scale are:
- I – A Major
- ii – B minor
- iii – C# minor
- IV – D Major
- V – E Major
- vi – F# minor
- vii° – G# diminished
The most commonly used scales are the major and minor scales: major scales tend to exude a positive and uplifting vibe, while minor scales are often darker and more emotional.
Most Popular Piano Chord Progressions for Pop Songs
I–V–vi–IV
This is arguably the most famous chord progression in pop music. Check out this legendary video by the Axis of Awesome to get an idea of how many hit songs are based on this formula:
Here’s why it works so well:
- It starts strong on the tonic (I).
- The V chord adds tension naturally. It’s a chord that doesn’t bring resolution but rather pushes the progression forward.
- Instead of resolving immediately, the following vi chord adds more movement.
- The subdominant IV chord keeps the momentum but brings it closer to resolution.
It’s a fantastic progression that combines resolution and tension perfectly, and it works magnificently as a loop you can use to accompany your lyrics.
i–VII–♭VI–V (Andalusian Cadence)
A personal favorite of mine, the Andalusian Cadence was initially popularized in Spanish flamenco music (hence its name) but is now used everywhere, from pop to rock and beyond.
What I love about this chord progression is its clear path:
- The descending motion (i–♭VII–♭VI) feels dramatic, but when played on a loop, it’s like a rollercoaster of emotions that always brings you back to the start.
- The final V chord (dominant) creates the perfect tension to push the progression back to the i chord.
It’s a “moody” progression that creates a natural sense of nostalgia and mystery, which is why, in my opinion, it might work better when accompanying the verse rather than the chorus.
I–vi–IV–V
This sequence was most popular in the 1950s pop and early rock ‘n’ roll but still continues to be used today. If you compare this progression to the alternation of tension and resolution of the I – V – vi – IV, here we have a more gradual crescendo of emotions:
- We start with the familiar I.
- Moving to vi creates an interesting sense of warmth that enhances the sense of resolution.
- Finally, IV and V bring tension to the progression. A perfect build-up that accompanies the progression back to I.
vi–IV–I–V
This is basically the I–V–vi–IV progression with a twist: by starting on the vi chord, you create a sort of minor version of the most popular progression. Furthermore, starting on the vi, you add a more dramatic mood to the sequence, which makes it more unpredictable.
Why it works:
- Starting on vi gives the progression a sense of rest right from the start.
- The IV chord adds a sense of tension that resolves on I.
- But instead of resolving there, the progression moves to V, the tensest of chords, which forces the progression to jump back to vi, and start again.
I–IV–V
All in all, the three most important chords are the tonic chord I, the IV chord (the subdominant chord), and the V chord of the key (the dominant chord).
By using these three chords in a I – IV – V formula, you can build a sense of tension and resolution that feels cohesive and satisfying:
- You start with I, which is the “home” of your progression.
- IV creates a gentle movement towards tension.
- Finally, V builds a stronger tension that demands resolution back to I.
Simple yet effective, the I – IV – V is the ideal starting point if you’re looking for minimalist and catchy accompaniment for your lyrics.
Final Thoughts
I hope this guide will help you start turning your musical ideas into unforgettable hits! If you’re looking for more tips on how to play and sing simultaneously, make sure you check out our YouTube channel, or go ahead and book a free consultation today to take your musical skills to the next level!