{"id":4724,"date":"2024-05-21T15:10:20","date_gmt":"2024-05-21T22:10:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/?p=4724"},"modified":"2025-11-05T08:46:01","modified_gmt":"2025-11-05T16:46:01","slug":"piano-chord-progressions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/piano-chord-progressions\/","title":{"rendered":"Top 10 Piano Chord Progressions (And How They Work)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>From classical to jazz, pop to R&amp;B, chord progressions are the foundation for practically every song ever written. And you don&#8217;t need to know how to read music to use them. <br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Knowing just a few piano chord progressions will unlock hundreds (even thousands) of songs at your fingertips.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this lesson, we&#8217;ll explain in detail how piano chord progressions work, how to use them, and how to take your progressions to the next level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rank-math-toc-block\" id=\"rank-math-toc\"><p><strong>Table of Contents:<\/strong><\/p><nav><ol><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#what-are-piano-chord-progressions\">What are piano chord progressions?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#10-popular-piano-chord-progressions\">10 Popular Piano Chord Progressions<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#progressing-to-the-next-level\">Progressing to the Next Level<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#songwriting-with-piano-chord-progressions\">How to Write Songs With Chord Progressions<\/a><\/li><\/ol><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Some chord progressions have become mainstays in music. Here are ten popular chord progressions every musician should get familiar with. Click on the progression to jump to more details about it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Progression<\/th><th>Number System<\/th><th>Chords in C Major<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td><a href=\"#the-pop-progression\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"the-pop-progression\"><strong>Pop Progression<\/strong><\/a><\/td><td>I-V-vi-IV<\/td><td>C-G-Am-F<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"#altered-pop-progression\"><strong>Pop Progression (Altered)<\/strong><\/a><\/td><td>vi-IV-I-V<\/td><td>Am-F-C-G<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"#the-jazz-progression\"><strong>Jazz Progression<\/strong><\/a><\/td><td>ii<sup>7<\/sup>-V<sup>7<\/sup>-I<sup>7<\/sup><\/td><td>Dm7-G7-Cmaj7<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"#12-bar-blues\"><strong>12 Bar Blues<\/strong><\/a><\/td><td>I-I-I-I-IV-IV-I-I-V-IV-I-I or V<\/td><td>C-C-C-C-F-F-C-C-G-F-C-C or G<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"#the-doo-wop-progression\"><strong>50s (Doo-Wop) Progression<\/strong><\/a><\/td><td>I-vi-IV-V<\/td><td>C-Am-F-G<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong><a href=\"#the-andalusian-cadence\">Andalusian Cadence<\/a><\/strong><\/td><td>Minor: i-VII-VI-V<br>Major: i-bVII-bVI-V<\/td><td>Minor: Am-G-F-E<br>Major: Cm-Bb-Ab-G<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong><a href=\"#the-modal-progression\">Modal Progression<\/a><\/strong><\/td><td>I-bVII-IV<\/td><td>C-Bb-F<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"#the-root-movement-hotline\"><strong>Root Movement Hotline<\/strong><\/a><\/td><td>I-IV-vii<sup>o<\/sup>-iii-vi-ii-V-I<\/td><td>C-F-Bdim-Em-Am-Dm-G-C<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"#the-pachelbel-progression\"><strong>Pachelbel Progression<\/strong><\/a><\/td><td>I\u2013V\u2013vi\u2013iii\u2013IV\u2013I\u2013IV\u2013V<\/td><td>C-G-Am-Em-F-C-F-G<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong><a href=\"#the-royal-roads-progression\">Royal Roads Progression<\/a><\/strong><\/td><td>IV-V-iii-vi<\/td><td>F-G-Em-Am<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<span class=\"blue-text-block\"><center><h2 style=\"font-size:22px\"><b>\ud83c\udfb9 Your Go-To Place for All Things Piano<\/b><\/h2><p>Get exclusive interviews, fascinating articles, and inspiring lessons delivered straight to your inbox. Unsubscribe at any time.<\/p><iframe class=\"email-form-include\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/weeklyemail\" frameborder=\"none\"><\/iframe><\/center><\/span>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-x-large-font-size\" id=\"what-are-piano-chord-progressions\" style=\"color:#f61a30\"><strong>WHAT ARE PIANO CHORD PROGRESSIONS?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>What is a chord progression? In short, a chord progression is a sequence of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/all-piano-chords\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">chords<\/a> played one after the other, that sound pleasant together. A chord progression is the harmonic foundation of a song.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Chord progressions drive a song\u2019s narrative. Some progressions \u201clift\u201d up the song by making you feel like you\u2019re going somewhere. Other progressions \u201cresolve\u201d a song by making you feel like you\u2019ve reached a song\u2019s end. In other words, chord progressions tell a song\u2019s story.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Of course, songs aren\u2019t just chords played one after the other. What often happens is there\u2019s a melody that uses notes from a chord progression, with some passing notes sprinkled in between. Here&#8217;s an example:                 <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"302\" src=\"https:\/\/www.musora.com\/musora-cdn\/image\/quality=85\/https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/10161422\/fur-elise-chord-analysis-1024x302.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12604\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/10161422\/fur-elise-chord-analysis-1024x302.png 1024w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/10161422\/fur-elise-chord-analysis-300x89.png 300w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/10161422\/fur-elise-chord-analysis-768x227.png 768w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/10161422\/fur-elise-chord-analysis-1536x453.png 1536w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/10161422\/fur-elise-chord-analysis-2048x604.png 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Recognize this piece? It&#8217;s Beethoven&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/fur-elise-piano-sheet-music-tutorial\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">&#8220;F\u00fcr Elise&#8221;<\/a>! One of the most famous pieces for piano begins with a simple i-V-i progression.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:28px\"><strong>Creating Chord Progressions: Diatonic Chords<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The first thing to understand when learning how to create chord progressions is <strong>diatonic chords<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Diatonic chords are chords that occur naturally on the scale. So, if you play the C major scale and stack a triad on top of every note, you get diatonic chords!<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.musora.com\/musora-cdn\/image\/quality=85\/https:\/\/pianote.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com\/blog\/2021\/Number%20System%20Rewrite\/diatonic%20chords%20c%20major%20-%20roman%20numerals.png\" alt=\"Piano chord progressions: diatonic chords of C major in standard notation with roman numerals and note names.\" style=\"width:704px;height:191px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Some chords will turn out major and some will turn out minor. We use uppercase numbers to represent major chords and lowercase numbers to represent minor chords.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>&gt; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/diatonic-chords\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">What Are Diatonic Chords?<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:28px\"><strong>The Primary Chords<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Out of the seven diatonic chords, the most important are the I, IV, and V. These are your <strong>primary chords<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These chords are &#8220;primary&#8221; because you can harmonize any note in the C major scale with one of these chords. That&#8217;s because if you stack the chords altogether, they cover all seven notes of the scale!<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/www.musora.com\/musora-cdn\/image\/quality=85\/https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/21135812\/primary-chords.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-17367\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/21135812\/primary-chords.png 600w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/21135812\/primary-chords-300x200.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Primary chords in primary colors: C major triad in red, F major triad in blue, G major triad in gold.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>You can harmonize <em>any song<\/em> with just these chords. To learn more about that, check out our lesson on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/how-to-harmonize-a-melody\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">how to harmonize a melody<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:28px\"><strong>The Minor vi<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>After the primary chords, the next chord to familiarize yourself with is the minor vi. This is the diatonic chord built on top of the sixth note of the scale. Thanks to its minor sound, it adds some much needed color to the primary chords. Think of it as green or orange!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In C major, the primary chords and minor vi are C, F, G, and Am. Tons of songs use just these four chords, making them the &#8220;big 4&#8221; chords that every pianist must know.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>&gt; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/four-chords\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The 4 Piano Chords That Unlock Hundreds of Songs<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Now that you know the I, V, IV, and vi, you&#8217;re ready to learn about our first popular chord progression!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"text-align:right;\"><a class=\"join blue smaller anchor-slide\" href=\"#top\">Back To Top<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-cyan-bluish-gray-background-color has-background is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"614\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/www.musora.com\/musora-cdn\/image\/quality=85\/https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/25132940\/chords-and-scales-book.png\" alt=\"Book with red spiral binding.\" class=\"wp-image-13307\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/25132940\/chords-and-scales-book.png 614w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/25132940\/chords-and-scales-book-240x300.png 240w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 614px) 100vw, 614px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"strong-all-piano-chords-in-one-marvelous-book-strong\" style=\"font-size:28px\"><strong>All piano chords&#8230;in one marvelous book!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>Piano Chords &amp; Scales<\/strong> book is your new best friend. This beautiful, coil-bound reference guide lists chords, major scales, the three minor scales, and even pentatonic and blues scales. No more Googling chords\u2014just flip to the key you need with the handy tabs! Learn more about the book <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/shop\/chords-scales-book\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a> or join hundreds of piano players around the world and grab your copy today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<center><a class=\"join\" href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/shop\/chords-scales-book\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">THE CHORDS &amp; SCALES BOOK<\/a><\/center>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-cyan-bluish-gray-background-color has-background is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-x-large-font-size\" id=\"10-popular-piano-chord-progressions\" style=\"color:#f61a30\"><strong>10 POPULAR PIANO CHORD PROGRESSIONS<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There are several chord progressions that you will run into again and again in music. Reusing these progressions doesn&#8217;t mean that music isn&#8217;t creative\u2014some progressions just work super well! Remember, progressions are just a skeleton. There is so much we can do to a progression to make it our own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"the-pop-progression\" style=\"font-size:28px\"><strong>The Pop Progression<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Progression:<\/strong> I-V-vi-IV<br><strong>Chords in C Major: <\/strong>C-G-Am-F<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The I-V-vi-IV progression is <em>the<\/em> most common chord progression you&#8217;ll find. In C major, the chords you&#8217;ll play are <strong>C-G-Am-F<\/strong>. These are the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/four-chords\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">first four chords<\/a> you should learn as a piano player because just like the I-V-vi-IV progression, they&#8217;re everywhere in pop music.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Songs that use the I-V-vi-IV progression include:                       <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>Let It Be<\/strong><br>The Beatles<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"How To Play &quot;Let It Be&quot; By The Beatles (Beginner Piano Lesson)\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/NMs2NPpbP8I?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/how-to-play-let-it-be-piano\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Song Tutorial<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>Flashlight<\/strong><br>Jessie J<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Jessie J - Flashlight (from Pitch Perfect 2) (Official Video)\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/DzwkcbTQ7ZE?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>Can&#8217;t Help Falling In Love<\/strong><br>Elvis Presley<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Elvis Presley - Can&#039;t Help Falling In Love (Official Audio)\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/vGJTaP6anOU?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/more-songs-perfect-for-beginners\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Song Tutorial<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>&gt; Full Lesson: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/pop-piano-chord-progressions\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The 1-5-6-4 Chord Progression<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"text-align:right;\"><a class=\"join blue smaller anchor-slide\" href=\"#top\">Back To Top<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"altered-pop-progression\" style=\"font-size:28px\"><strong>Altered Pop Progression<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This is a &#8220;sub-progression&#8221; of the I-V-vi-IV because it&#8217;s the same chords, just played in a different order and creating a moodier sound. Songs that use the vi-IV-I-V progression include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Progression:<\/strong> vi-IV-I-V<br><strong>Chords in C Major: <\/strong>Am-F-C-G<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>Faded<\/strong><br>Alan Walker<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Alan Walker - Faded (Piano Tutorial Video)\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Fp4GSmOeNLY?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/faded-piano-tutorial\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Song Tutorial<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>The Scientist<br><\/strong>Coldplay<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"How To Play &quot;The Scientist&quot; (Piano Song Tutorial)\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/yD0tj7vQd7s?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/coldplay-the-scientist\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Song Tutorial<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>River Flows In You<\/strong><br>Yiruma<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"How to play River Flows In You by Yiruma \ud83c\udfb9  (Beginner Piano Tutorial)\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/jWifCal6LxI?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/river-flows-in-you-piano-tutorial\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Song Tutorial<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"text-align:right;\"><a class=\"join blue smaller anchor-slide\" href=\"#top\">Back To Top<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"the-jazz-progression\" style=\"font-size:28px\"><strong>The Jazz Progression<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Progression:<\/strong> ii<sup>7<\/sup>-V<sup>7<\/sup>-I<sup>7<\/sup><br><strong>Chords in C Major: <\/strong>Dm7-G7-Cmaj7<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The ii<sup>7<\/sup>-V<sup>7<\/sup>-I<sup>7<\/sup> progression is the building block of jazz music. In jazz piano improvisation, this progression are often used as chord substitutions for some quick reharmonizing magic. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Typically in jazz, we play these chords as 7th chords. In C major, that&#8217;s <strong>Dm7-G7-Cmaj7<\/strong>. That&#8217;s a minor 7th chord, a dominant 7th chord, and a major 7th chord. If you want to become a jazz pianist, it&#8217;s best to know this progression in all twelve keys. That way, you can add them spontaneously while improvising. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Songs that use the ii<sup>7<\/sup>-V<sup>7<\/sup>-I<sup>7<\/sup> progression include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>Sunday Morning<\/strong><br>Maroon 5<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"How To Play &quot;Sunday Morning&quot; by Maroon 5 (Beginner Piano Lesson)\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/uK31C7cKF-I?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/how-to-play-sunday-morning\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Song Tutorial<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>Autumn Leaves<\/strong><br>Joseph Kosma<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"\ucf58\ud2b8\ub77c\ubca0\uc774\uc2a4 \ucd5c\uc900\ud601_\uc774\ud0c8\ub9ac\uc544\uc5ec\ud589 \uc911 \uac70\ub9ac\uc5f0\uc8fc\uac00\ub4e4\uacfc \ud568\uaed8 \uc989\ud765\uc5f0\uc8fc_Autumn leaves\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/7t3xBqAWLaU?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>Summertime<\/strong><br>George Gershwin<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"George Gershwin - Summertime\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/K6DI6ysDemk?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>&gt; Full Lesson: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/251-chord-progression\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The 2-5-1 Chord Progression: Beginner&#8217;s Guide<\/a><\/strong>. Also, check out these <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/top-3-jazz-progressions\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">three popular jazz progressions<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"text-align:right;\"><a class=\"join blue smaller anchor-slide\" href=\"#top\">Back To Top<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"12-bar-blues\" style=\"font-size:28px\"><strong>The 12-Bar Blues<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Progression: <\/strong>I-I-I-I-IV-IV-I-I-V-IV-I-I or V<br><strong>Chords in C Major: <\/strong>C-C-C-C-F-F-C-C-G-F-C-C or G<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The 12-bar blues is a conventional song structure. While it may be tweaked here and there, the basic structure is fairly consistent across different songs. This makes it an ideal structure for bands to improvise within! For example, in <em>Back to the Future<\/em>, Marty McFly calls the blues and his backing band can play &#8220;Johnny B. Goode&#8221; without ever hearing the song! Here are some examples of the blues structure:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>Johnny B. Goode<\/strong><br>Chuck Berry<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Johnny B. Goode - Back to the Future (9\/10) Movie CLIP (1985) HD\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/S1i5coU-0_Q?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>Hound Dog<\/strong><br>Leiber &amp; Stoller<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Elvis Presley - Hound Dog (Official Audio)\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/-eHJ12Vhpyc?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>Tutti Frutti<\/strong><br>Little Richard<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Little Richard - Tutti Frutti (1956)\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Cj059o9OwqY?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>&gt; Full Lesson: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/how-to-play-blues-piano\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">How to Play Blues Piano: Beginner&#8217;s Guide<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"text-align:right;\"><a class=\"join blue smaller anchor-slide\" href=\"#top\">Back To Top<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-cyan-bluish-gray-background-color has-background is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" style=\"font-size:24px\"><strong>Unlock the Secret to Songs (FREE Webinar)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.musora.com\/musora-cdn\/image\/quality=85\/https:\/\/pianote.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com\/blog\/2023\/Song%20Secrets%20Webinar%20Lead%20Gen\/lisa%20webinar.jpg\" alt=\"Woman with short platinum hair in light stripey sweater playing keyboard.\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">If you struggle with reading music, you&#8217;re not alone! Did you know you can play hundreds of songs without standard notation? We&#8217;ll show you the secrets traditional lessons won&#8217;t teach in a 100% free webinar. It&#8217;s open to all ages and ability levels. Just show up and have fun!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<center><a class=\"join\" href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/song-secrets-webinar\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CHECK IT OUT<\/a>\n<\/center>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-cyan-bluish-gray-background-color has-background is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"the-doo-wop-progression\" style=\"font-size:28px\"><strong>The Doo-Wop Progression<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Progression:<\/strong> I-vi-IV-V<br><strong>Chords in C Major: <\/strong>C-Am-F-G<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The I-vi-IV-V is also called the &#8220;50s&#8221; progression because it was popular in 50s songs like &#8220;Earth Angel&#8221; and &#8220;Unchained Melody.&#8221; The Doo-Wop has an uplifting mood thanks to those IV and V chords at the end. Popular songs that use this progression include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>Perfect<\/strong><br>Ed Sheeran<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"How To Play &quot;Perfect&quot; by Ed Sheeran (Beginner Piano Tutorial)\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/PwOVanOWdzM?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/perfect-song-tutorial\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Song Tutorial<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>I Will Always Love You<\/strong><br>Dolly Parton \/ Whitney Houston<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Dolly Parton - I Will Always Love You (Audio)\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/lKsQR72HY0s?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>Baby<\/strong><br>Justin Bieber<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Justin Bieber - Baby ft. Ludacris\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/kffacxfA7G4?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"text-align:right;\"><a class=\"join blue smaller anchor-slide\" href=\"#top\">Back To Top<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"the-andalusian-cadence\" style=\"font-size:28px\"><strong>The Andalusian Cadence<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><strong>Minor Progression: <\/strong>i-VII-VI-V<br><strong>Minor Chords in A Minor:<\/strong> Am-G-F-E<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><strong>Major Progression: <\/strong>i-bVII-bVI-V<br><strong>Major Chords in C Major:<\/strong> Cm-Bb-Ab-G<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>The Andalusian Cadence is named after the Andalusia region in Spain, where it was used in flamenco music. In A minor, this dramatic minor progression contains the following chords: <strong>Am-G-F-E<\/strong>. Notice that we raise the seventh note (G to G#) on the E chord. This raised seventh adds that distinct Spanish flavor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We can also frame this progression as i-bVII-bVI-V in a major key. In C major, that would be: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Cm-Bb-Ab-G<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Songs that use this progression include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>Hit the Road Jack<br><\/strong>Ray Charles<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-4-3 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Hit the Road Jack\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/SrnWp5O0DEs?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>Happy Together<\/strong><br>The Turtles<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-4-3 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Happy Together (2016 Remaster)\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/pSw8an1u3rc?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>Everybody Wants to Be a Cat<\/strong><br>From <em>The Aristocats<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-4-3 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Everybody Wants To Be A Cat (Sing Along Songs)\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/_I1_5mSXinQ?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"text-align:right;\"><a class=\"join blue smaller anchor-slide\" href=\"#top\">Back To Top<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"the-modal-progression\" style=\"font-size:28px\"><strong>The Modal Progression<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Progression:<\/strong> I-bVII-IV<br><strong>Chords in C Major:<\/strong> C-Bb-F<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This progression is based on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/intro-to-modes\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">C Mixolydian mode<\/a>. We can think of it as &#8220;borrowing&#8221; F major&#8217;s key signature, which gives us that bVII chord. This neat-sounding progression creates that big, anthemic sound classic rock is known for. Listen for it in the na-na-na section of &#8220;Hey Jude.&#8221; Songs that use the modal progression include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>Hey Jude<\/strong><br>The Beatles<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"How To Play &#039;Hey Jude&#039; - Piano Lesson (Pianote)\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/l_wa2_5czsw?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/how-to-play-hey-jude-on-piano\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Song Tutorial<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>Sweet Child O&#8217; Mine<\/strong><br>Guns N&#8217; Roses<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Guns N&#039; Roses - Sweet Child O&#039; Mine (Official Music Video)\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/1w7OgIMMRc4?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/guitar-riffs-on-piano\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Riff Tutorial<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>Royals<\/strong><br>Lorde<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Lorde - Royals (US Version)\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/nlcIKh6sBtc?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"text-align:right;\"><a class=\"join blue smaller anchor-slide\" href=\"#top\">Back To Top<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"the-root-movement-hotline\" style=\"font-size:28px\"><strong>The Root Movement Hotline<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This chord progression is important to know if you&#8217;re interested in playing gospel music. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/erskine-hawkins-podcast\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Erskine Hawkins<\/a> calls it the Root Movement Hotline because you can think of it as a phone number you want to keep in your back pocket.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The basic movement is 1-4-7-3-6-2-5-1. However, we can alter each chord like this to sound more &#8220;gospel-y&#8221;:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"195\" src=\"https:\/\/www.musora.com\/musora-cdn\/image\/quality=85\/https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/21153034\/Root-Movement-Hotline-Edited-1024x195.png\" alt=\"Root movement hotline in standard notation with chord symbols and Roman numerals.\" class=\"wp-image-12763\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/21153034\/Root-Movement-Hotline-Edited-1024x195.png 1024w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/21153034\/Root-Movement-Hotline-Edited-300x57.png 300w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/21153034\/Root-Movement-Hotline-Edited-768x146.png 768w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/21153034\/Root-Movement-Hotline-Edited-1536x292.png 1536w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/21153034\/Root-Movement-Hotline-Edited-2048x389.png 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>&gt; Full Lesson: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/gospel-piano-progression-hotline\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Gospel Piano Chord Progression You Need to Know<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"text-align:right;\"><a class=\"join blue smaller anchor-slide\" href=\"#top\">Back To Top<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"the-pachelbel-progression\" style=\"font-size:28px\"><strong>The Pachelbel Progression<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you want a really good example of the power of chord progressions, look no further than 1680, when Johann Pachelbel\u2019s \u201cCanon in D\u201d was composed.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is the Canon\u2019s progression:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-text-color has-large-font-size\" style=\"color:#f61a30\"><strong>I \u2013 V \u2013 vi \u2013 iii \u2013 IV \u2013 I \u2013 IV \u2013 V<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2026and it\u2019s found&nbsp;<em>everywhere.&nbsp;<\/em>You can hear the Pachelbel sound in:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>Basketcase<\/strong><br>Green Day<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-4-3 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Green Day - Basket Case [Official Music Video] (4K Upgrade)\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/NUTGr5t3MoY?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>Don&#8217;t Look Back In Anger<\/strong><br>Oasis<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-4-3 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Oasis - Don\u2019t Look Back In Anger\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/cmpRLQZkTb8?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>Memories<\/strong><br>Maroon 5<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-4-3 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Memories\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/UXw44kmLtSU?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Here&#8217;s a classic comedy sketch about the universality of this progression:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:10%\">\n<p><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:80%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-4-3 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Pachelbel Rant from 2006 [Official High Quality Re-Post]\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/uxC1fPE1QEE?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:10%\">\n<p><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>&gt; Full Lesson:&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/pop-vs-classical-music\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Pop vs. Classical: You Love Classical Music (You Just Don\u2019t Know It)<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"text-align:right;\"><a class=\"join blue smaller anchor-slide\" href=\"#top\">Back To Top<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"the-royal-roads-progression\" style=\"font-size:28px\"><strong>The Royal Roads Progression<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Progression: <\/strong>IV-V-iii-vi<br><strong>Chords in C Major: <\/strong>F-G-Em-Am<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you&#8217;ve ever wondered why some anime opening themes and video game soundtracks sound so similar, you&#8217;re on to something. The IV-V-ii-vi chord progression is widely used in Japanese pop music and is called the <em>\u014ddo shink\u014d<\/em> or &#8220;Royal Roads&#8221; progression. Despite having two minor chords, this progression is quite cheerful and dreamy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Rick Astley&#8217;s &#8220;Never Gonna Give You Up&#8221; is often cited as an example of this progression, but as our friend <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/david-bennett-podcast\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">David Bennett<\/a> explains <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/6aezSL_GvZA\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a>, the IV in the famous rickroll song is actually a ii<sup>7<\/sup>. They sound very similar though! <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Other songs you might recognize with this progression include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>It&#8217;s Gonna Be Me<\/strong><br>NSYNC<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-4-3 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"*NSYNC - It&#039;s Gonna Be Me (Official Video)\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/GQMlWwIXg3M?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>Yura Yura<\/strong><br>Hearts Grow (<em>Naruto<\/em>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-4-3 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Yura Yura\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/et63MxFi6mU?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>Lenna&#8217;s Theme<\/strong><br>Nobuo Uematsu (<em>Final Fantasy V<\/em>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-4-3 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"\u30ec\u30ca\u306e\u30c6\u30fc\u30de\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Pntf2pOiOyY?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"text-align:right;\"><a class=\"join blue smaller anchor-slide\" href=\"#top\">Back To Top<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-x-large-font-size\" id=\"progressing-to-the-next-level\" style=\"color:#f61a30\"><strong>PROGRESSING TO THE NEXT LEVEL<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You&#8217;ll likely start with practicing piano chord progressions in their most basic root position form, but this can quickly get boring. In this section, we&#8217;ll introduce some simple techniques to level up your playing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"altering-chords\" style=\"font-size:28px\"><strong>Altering Chords<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>An easy way to make things sound more interesting is by <em>slightly<\/em> altering the sound of chords. We can do this with slash chords, inversions, suspended chords, and by revoicing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"slash-chords-and-inversions\" style=\"font-size:24px\">Slash Chords and Inversions<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>When we say &#8220;the Am chord is built on the sixth note of the C major scale,&#8221; that might sound like you <em>have<\/em> to play A as the lowest note. But this isn&#8217;t true! You can play chords in various <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/piano-chord-inversions\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">inversions<\/a> to create slightly different sounds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On a chord chart, this might be notated as C\/E. The letter on the left indicates the chord you play, and the letter on the right indicates the note in the bass. You can also think of it as &#8220;play C over E.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/www.musora.com\/musora-cdn\/image\/quality=85\/https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/21143115\/image.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-17368\" style=\"width:434px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/21143115\/image.png 1024w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/21143115\/image-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/21143115\/image-768x432.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Slash chords are useful for adding color to an otherwise basic chord progression. They&#8217;re also perfect for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/walking-bass-line\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">walking bass lines<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>&gt; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/slash-chords\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">What Are Slash Chords?<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"sus-chords\" style=\"font-size:24px\">Sus Chords<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>Another way to alter chords is by replacing them with <strong>suspended chords<\/strong>. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/sus-piano-chords-101\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sus chords<\/a> substitute the third of a chord with another note: a sus2 substitutes with a major 2nd while a sus4 substitutes with a perfect 4th. By removing the third, the listener is no longer certain whether a chord is major or minor (because it&#8217;s neither!). This gives suspended chords an ambiguous, intriguing sound.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.musora.com\/musora-cdn\/image\/quality=85\/https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/15090117\/c-major-sus-chords-1024x347.png\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"revoicing\" style=\"font-size:24px\">Revoicing<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Finally, we can simply switch out a major chord for a minor chord. It&#8217;s as easy as lowering the third of a major triad down a half-step. Even a tiny change can make a big difference!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.musora.com\/musora-cdn\/image\/quality=85\/https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/15091135\/C-major-and-C-minor-triad-1024x367.png\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>You can also borrow chords from the relative minor. So, if you&#8217;re in C major, try dropping in a diatonic chord from C minor and see what happens! <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"passing-chords\" style=\"font-size:28px\"><strong>Passing Chords<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Using passing chords is a more advanced technique to make your piano chord progressions sound even more sophisticated. A passing chord is simply a transition chord between two chords of a progression.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"secondary-dominants\" style=\"font-size:24px\">Secondary Dominants<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>This technique is what gives RnB and gospel music their distinct sound and involves temporarily moving out of the current key between two chords. To do this, look at the chord you&#8217;re moving towards (Am in our example) and find the V<sup>7<\/sup> of that key (A minor). You should get E7. You may see this concept notated as V<sup>7<\/sup>\/vi. This can be read as &#8220;V<sup>7<\/sup> of the vi.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"507\" src=\"https:\/\/www.musora.com\/musora-cdn\/image\/quality=85\/https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/16155709\/secondary-dominant-1-1024x507.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12680\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/16155709\/secondary-dominant-1-1024x507.png 1024w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/16155709\/secondary-dominant-1-300x148.png 300w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/16155709\/secondary-dominant-1-768x380.png 768w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/16155709\/secondary-dominant-1-1536x760.png 1536w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/16155709\/secondary-dominant-1-2048x1014.png 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"passing-2-5-1-s\" style=\"font-size:24px\">Passing 2-5-1s<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Similarly, we can insert whole chord progressions into existing chord progressions! A common way to do this is by tossing in a quick 2-5-1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Once again, think of the chord you&#8217;re approaching as the &#8220;target&#8221; key. Then, find the ii and V chords of that key and play them in the lead-up. Watch a demonstration of this on &#8220;Happy Birthday&#8221; <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/Hg68jt6iXL0?t=1387\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>Original &#8220;Happy Birthday&#8221; Progression<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"241\" src=\"https:\/\/www.musora.com\/musora-cdn\/image\/quality=85\/https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/14150343\/image-7-1024x241.png\" alt=\"First line of Happy Birthday in standard notation with C-G-G-C chord symbols and I-V-V-I Roman numerals.\" class=\"wp-image-12653\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/14150343\/image-7-1024x241.png 1024w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/14150343\/image-7-300x70.png 300w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/14150343\/image-7-768x180.png 768w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/14150343\/image-7-1536x361.png 1536w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/14150343\/image-7.png 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>&#8220;Happy Birthday&#8221; Progression With Added 2-5-1<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"241\" src=\"https:\/\/www.musora.com\/musora-cdn\/image\/quality=85\/https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/14150351\/image-8-1024x241.png\" alt=\"First line of Happy Birthday in standard notation with C-G-Dm-G-C chord symbols and I-V-ii-V-I Roman numerals.\" class=\"wp-image-12654\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/14150351\/image-8-1024x241.png 1024w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/14150351\/image-8-300x70.png 300w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/14150351\/image-8-768x180.png 768w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/14150351\/image-8-1536x361.png 1536w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/14150351\/image-8.png 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"text-align:right;\"><a class=\"join blue smaller anchor-slide\" href=\"#top\">Back To Top<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-x-large-font-size\" id=\"songwriting-with-piano-chord-progressions\" style=\"color:#f61a30\"><strong>SONGWRITING WITH PIANO CHORD PROGRESSIONS<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Now let\u2019s get to the fun stuff! Here are some quick tips on using chord progressions creatively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-notes-go-with-what-chords\" style=\"font-size:28px\"><strong>What notes go with what chords?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re chording a song in C major, any melody played with notes from the C major scale will sound good with C major chords. It really is that simple!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/how-to-improvise-on-piano\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">improvising<\/a> feels scary at first, start small. Play a five-finger scale on top of a chord and then slowly branch out to other notes. Then, experiment with different rhythmic patterns and play several notes together. Soon, you&#8217;ll be able to solo and improvise over any progression!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"mixing-chords-to-create-mood\" style=\"font-size:28px\"><strong>Mixing Chords to Create Mood<\/strong>.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Progressions create narrative, and based on how you order them, the same chords can create different atmospheres. Try these:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>&#8220;Happy&#8221; progression: I-IV-V<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&#8220;Sad&#8221; progression: vi-iii-V-IV<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&#8220;Hopeful&#8221; progression: IV-V-vi-I<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/drama-and-intensity\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">&#8220;Dramatic&#8221; progression:<\/a> vi-IV-I-V<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>&gt; Full Lesson: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/chord-progressions-for-mood\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">How to Write Sad, Hopeful, and Happy Chord Progressions<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"key-takeaway-experiment\" style=\"font-size:28px\"><strong>Key Takeaway: Experiment!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>When it comes to piano chord progressions, there is no right or wrong. Pick a key, identify your diatonic chords, and mix and match them to create a chord progression of your own. Then, toss in some chord alterations and passing chords to spice things up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And if you&#8217;re out of ideas&#8230;try not to start on the I \ud83e\udd37<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"313\" src=\"https:\/\/www.musora.com\/musora-cdn\/image\/quality=85\/https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/14154520\/image-9.png\" alt=\"Woman with short platinum hair making face at camera with text: CHORD PROGRESSIONS, DON'T START ON THE ONE.\" class=\"wp-image-12656\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/14154520\/image-9.png 500w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/14154520\/image-9-300x188.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Have fun and happy practicing!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div 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scroll !important;--background-repeat: no-repeat !important;--tve-applied-background-image: linear-gradient(rgba(0,0,0,0.4),rgba(0,0,0,0.4)) !important;}:not(#tve) [data-css=\"tve-u-18c4b1bc150\"].tve-state-active .tcb-button-link{background-color: var(--tcb-local-color-394d4) !important;--background-color: var(--tcb-local-color-394d4) !important;--tve-applied-background-color: var$(--tcb-local-color-394d4) !important;}:not(#tve) [data-css=\"tve-u-18c4b1bc151\"]{font-size: 22px !important;}}@media (max-width: 1023px){[data-css=\"tve-u-18c4b1bc14d\"]{padding-left: 1px !important;padding-right: 1px !important;}}@media (max-width: 767px){[data-css=\"tve-u-18c4b1bc14a\"]{padding: 2px !important;margin-bottom: 10px !important;margin-top: 20px !important;}[data-css=\"tve-u-18c4b1bc14d\"]{padding: 2px 0px !important;}}<\/style><style type=\"text\/css\" class=\"tve_user_custom_style\">.tve-leads-conversion-object .thrv_heading h1,.tve-leads-conversion-object .thrv_heading h2,.tve-leads-conversion-object .thrv_heading h3{margin:0;padding:0}.tve-leads-conversion-object .thrv_text_element p,.tve-leads-conversion-object .thrv_text_element h1,.tve-leads-conversion-object .thrv_text_element h2,.tve-leads-conversion-object .thrv_text_element h3{margin:0}<\/style><div class=\"tve-leads-conversion-object\" data-tl-type=\"shortcode_16129\"><div class=\"tve_flt\"><div id=\"tve_editor\" class=\"tve_shortcode_editor\"><div class=\"thrv-leads-form-box tve_no_drag tve_no_icons thrv_wrapper tve_editor_main_content thrv-leads-in-content tve_empty_dropzone\" style=\"--tve-border-radius: 6px; overflow: hidden; border-radius: 6px !important;\" data-css=\"tve-u-18c4b1bc149\"><div class=\"thrv_wrapper thrv_contentbox_shortcode thrv-content-box tve-elem-default-pad\" data-css=\"tve-u-18c4b1bc14a\" style=\"\"><div class=\"tve-content-box-background\"><\/div><div class=\"tve-cb\"><div class=\"thrv_wrapper thrv_text_element\" data-css=\"tve-u-18c4b1bc14b\"><h3 class=\"\" data-css=\"tve-u-18c4b1bc14c\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><b>\ud83c\udfb9 Master the Piano YOUR Way<\/b><\/h3><\/div><div class=\"thrv_wrapper thrv_text_element\" data-css=\"tve-u-18c4b1bc14d\" style=\"\"><p data-css=\"tve-u-18c4b1bc14e\" style=\"text-align: left;\">Learn wherever you want, whenever you want, whatever you want. Join Pianote today and learn to play pop, classical, jazz, and more with real teachers.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"thrv_wrapper thrv-button thrv-button-v2 tcb-local-vars-root tve_ea_thrive_animation tve_anim_grow\" data-button-style=\"btn-tpl-58447\" data-tcb_hover_state_parent=\"\" data-button-size-d=\"s\" data-css=\"tve-u-18c4b1bc150\" style=\"\"><div class=\"thrive-colors-palette-config\" style=\"display: none !important\"><\/div><a href=\"\/trial\" class=\"tcb-button-link tcb-plain-text tve_evt_manager_listen tve_et_tve-viewport\" style=\"\" target=\"_blank\" data-tcb-events=\"__TCB_EVENT_[{&quot;t&quot;:&quot;tve-viewport&quot;,&quot;config&quot;:{&quot;anim&quot;:&quot;grow&quot;,&quot;loop&quot;:1},&quot;a&quot;:&quot;thrive_animation&quot;}]_TNEVE_BCT__\"><span class=\"tcb-button-texts\" style=\"\"><span class=\"tcb-button-text thrv-inline-text\" style=\"\" data-css=\"tve-u-18c4b1bc151\">Try Pianote for 7 Days<\/span><span class=\"tcb-secondary-text thrv-inline-text tve-froala fr-box fr-basic\" style=\"\"><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Everything you need to know about understanding, making, and playing chord progressions on the piano.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":49,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":true,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1104,507],"tags":[1134,1133,1137],"class_list":["post-4724","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-chord-progressions","category-chord-theory","tag-easy-chords","tag-survey","tag-webinar"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4724","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/49"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4724"}],"version-history":[{"count":106,"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4724\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":18347,"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4724\/revisions\/18347"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4724"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4724"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4724"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}