How to Write a Chord Progression That Sounds Good
Chord progressions are the backbone of most music, providing a harmonic structure that supports melodies and lyrics. Whether you're writing a song for the first time or refining your skills, crafting a progression that sounds good can feel challenging. This article breaks down the process into manageable steps, offering practical tips to help you create harmonies that resonate with listeners.
Start with the Basics of Key and Scale
Before diving into chord progressions, it’s important to understand the concept of a key. A key is a group of notes that sound cohesive together, based on a specific scale. For simplicity, let’s focus on the major scale, which has a bright and uplifting sound. The major scale consists of seven notes, and each note corresponds to a chord that can be built on it.
For example, in the key of C major, the scale is C, D, E, F, G, A, and B. The chords built on these notes follow a pattern of major and minor: the first, fourth, and fifth chords are major (C, F, G), the second, third, and sixth are minor (Dm, Em, Am), and the seventh is diminished (Bdim). A good starting point for a progression is to use the first, fourth, and fifth chords, as they are naturally stable and pleasing to the ear. A simple progression like C - F - G - C can form the foundation of a song.
To experiment, try playing these chords in different orders or repeating some of them. The goal is to create a sense of movement and resolution, often returning to the first chord (the tonic) to give a feeling of completion.
Use Common Progressions as a Guide
Many songs across genres rely on tried-and-true chord progressions that have proven to work well. One of the most popular is the I - V - vi - IV progression, which in C major would be C - G - Am - F. This sequence balances tension and release, making it versatile for pop, rock, and even ballads. Another common progression is ii - V - I (Dm - G - C in C major), often used in jazz and classical music for its smooth, resolving sound.
These progressions aren’t rules but rather starting points. Once you’re comfortable with them, try swapping chords or adding others from the key. For instance, replacing the IV chord (F) with the ii chord (Dm) in the I - V - vi - IV progression can add a subtle twist while keeping the harmony intact. Listen to how each change affects the mood and flow of your music.
Experiment with Rhythm and Voicing
A chord progression isn’t just about the chords themselves but also how they’re played. Rhythm plays a big role in making a progression engaging. Instead of playing each chord for the same duration, vary the timing. Hold one chord for two beats and another for four, or add strumming patterns if you’re on guitar. This can transform a basic progression into something more dynamic.
Voicing, or the way chords are arranged, also matters. On a piano, for example, you can play the notes of a chord in different octaves or invert them (changing the order of notes). This can make transitions between chords smoother and add texture to your progression. Even small adjustments, like moving one note up or down, can create a unique sound.
Trust Your Ears and Keep It Simple
While theory provides a framework, your ears are the ultimate judge of what sounds good. Play your progression repeatedly and notice how it feels. Does it evoke the emotion you’re aiming for? Does it support the melody or lyrics you have in mind? If something feels off, tweak a chord or its duration until it fits.
It’s also worth remembering that complexity isn’t always better. Many iconic songs use just three or four chords in a repeating loop. Focus on creating a progression that feels natural and serves the song, rather than overcomplicating it with too many changes.
By starting with a key, using familiar progressions as a guide, and experimenting with rhythm and voicing, you can craft chord progressions that sound good and fit your musical vision. Keep practicing, and over time, you’ll develop an instinct for what works best in your compositions.