How to Write a Pop Music Chord Progression

Want to know how to write a chord progression like a pop songwriter? In this post, we’ll go over the basics of writing a great chord progression for your next pop hit.

Introduction

Pop music is often known for its simple, catchy melodies and chord progressions. But what makes a chord progression “pop”? And how can you write your own?

In this article, we’ll answer those questions and more. We’ll start by discussing what makes a chord progression pop, and then we’ll give you some tips on how to write your own. By the end, you’ll be able to write pop chord progressions that sound great!

What is a chord progression?

A chord progression is a series of chords played in a specific order that creates a harmony, or “progression.” Chord progressions are an essential part of songwriting and musicianship, and they can be found in every genre of music.

Pop music is known for its catchy hooks and simple chord progressions. Many pop songs are written in major keys and use basic triadic chords (chords that are made up of three notes). These chords are usually placed on strong beats (beats 1 and 3), which gives the music a sense of stability.

The most common chord progression in pop music is the I-IV-V progression. This progression uses the first, fourth, and fifth chords of a major scale. For example, in the key of C major, the I-IV-V progression would be C-F-G.

Other common pop progressions include the ii-V-I progression and the vi-IV-V progression. The ii-V-I progression is often used to create a sense of resolution or “coming home” to the tonic chord (the I chord). For example, in the key of C major, the ii-V-I progression would be Dm7-G7-C.

The vi-IV-V progression is often used to create a sense of tension or drama. For example, in the key of C major, the vi-IV=V progression would be Am7b5-F-G.

Pop songs often contain multiple chord progressions that are played throughout the song. These progressions may vary in length from two chords (e.g., I-V) to eight or more chords (e.g., I–vi–ii–V–I–IV–VII–III–VI). As a general rule, shorter progressions are more common in verse sections while longer progressions are more common in chorus sections.

How to write a chord progression

Chord progressions are the backbone of pop music. A chord progression is simply a series of chords played in succession. Most pop songs are based on a simple chord progression of four chords (often I-IV-V-I), and many popular songs can be played using only three chords (I-IV-V, or I-V-vi).

To write a chord progression, start by choosing a key. The key will determine the overall feel of the song, as well as which chords you can use. Once you’ve chosen a key, select a few chords that sound good together and play them in succession. Experiment with different orderings and progressions until you find something you like. When you’re happy with your chord progression, add a melody and words to create a complete song!

Tips for writing a chord progression

Here are some tips for writing a chord progression:

-Keep it simple. A chord progression does not have to be complicated to be effective. In fact, sometimes the simplest progressions are the most memorable.
-Think about the mood you want to create. Chord progressions can evoke different emotions, so choose progressions that match the mood of your song.
-Experiment with different combinations of chords. There are endless possibilities when it comes to choosing chords, so don’t be afraid to experiment until you find a combination that sounds good to you.
-Pay attention to the order of the chords. The order of the chords can be just as important as the chords themselves. Make sure the chord progression sounds good when played in different orders before settling on a final version.
-Make sure the chords fit with the melody. The melody should sound good over the chord progression, so make sure to choose a progression that works well with your melody.

Conclusion

Now that you know how to write a pop chord progression, you can start writing your own songs! Experiment with different chord progressions and see what feels natural to you. There’s no right or wrong way to write a chord progression, so go with what sounds good to you. And don’t be afraid to get creative – sometimes the best pop songs come from unusual chord progressions.