In this lesson, we are going to combine chords together in a sequence to create a chord progression. Most songs are made up of progressions which carry the listener through the tune. Different parts such as the verse, chorus, bridge and others consist of different progressions or variations of the main progression to keep the song interesting and less repetative. Chord progressions are a fun way to learn new chords as well as a great way to excercise your hands and your memory.
In these diagrams, the progressions are described in chord scale degrees. Check out the Guitar In All Keys page for more information about chord scales. This means when the diagram says 1 - 2 - 3 - 2, it means the first, second, third, second chords in a key. In the key of C this progression would be Cmaj, Dmin, Emin, Dmin.
Speaking of that progression, here you go. Give it a try. Some things to remember:
1. The progression is named at the top of the diagram
2. The red numbers above the chords are the scale degrees
3. Then the chord is named.
In these diagrams you will play major, minor and dominant (7) chords.
4. The slashes below the chord name are strums. Four slashes means 1, 2, 3, 4.
This progression walks up and back down the beginning of the key of C.
This progression uses the blues scale degrees but only in 4 bars.
A typical jazz progression using only triads and then a dominant chord on the 5
Very Good! Now lets put two 4 bar progressions together to get an 8 bar progression. A progression similar to this could be your verse of your next song. Once you finish the progression just repeat it again. Add some lyrics and you've got a hit!
Now for a complete song in the form of a chord progression. Thats right, the old trusty 12 bar blues progression. Thousands of blues songs over the years have used this progression or some variation of it. There are many ways to alter this progression, some examples are:
1. Change all the chords from majors to dominants or seventh chords.
2. Change your strumming rhythm and it'll change the entire feel of the song
3. Change the length of time you play the chords while still staying in the same format. Instead of strumming four strokes, try eight or even twelve.
4. Try replacing chords in the progression such as replacing the last Cmaj with a Gdom or even the first two Cmaj chords with Fmaj chords. The progression will change dramatically and might stir up a little creativity.
Remember, the possibilities in music are endless. When it comes to chord progressions, you can do whatever you like. You can stay in the key or change in the middle of the progression to another key or just grab a couple of chords that sound good and experiment with new progressions. Stay tuned for more progessions to come and don't forget to keep practicing!
