Common Chord Progressions in Pop Music

Introduction

• Focus on seven common chord progressions in pop music.
• Explanation of their sound, usage in songs, and examples.

Famous Four Chords (Axis Progression)

• Progression: I-V-vi-IV
• Popularized by Axis of Awesome.
• Common in songs from the 1980s to early 2010s.
• Often looped extensively in songs.
• Reason for Popularity:
  • Starts on the root chord (I), moves to the V (adds tension), then to vi (partial resolution), and finally to IV (introduces tension before returning to I).
• Examples of Songs:
  • "My Life is Brilliant"
  • "Forever Young"
  • "Can You Feel the Love Tonight?"

6-4-1-5 Progression

• Relation to Axis Progression:
  • Same chords but starts on vi.
  • Functions similarly due to the balance of tension and release.
• Example Songs:
  • "If You’re Going to San Francisco"
  • "I Will Always Love You"
• Characteristics:
  • Minor key version.
  • Provides rest with vi, tension with IV, resolution with I, and further tension with V.

Andalusian Cadence

• Progression: i-bVII-bVI-V
• Origin: Flamenco music from Andalusia, Spain.
• Sound: Descending progression, strong pull back to i.
• Example Songs:
  • "Good Vibrations"
  • "Happy Together"

Aeolian Vamp

• Progression: i-bVII-bVI-bVII
• Similarity to Andalusian Cadence:
  • Uses similar chords, avoids V chord.
  • Creates a floatier, less directional sound.
• Example Songs:
  • "Rolling in the Deep"
  • "In the Air Tonight"

Doo-Wop Changes (50s Progression)

• Progression: I-vi-IV-V
• Usage: Common in 1950s Doo-Wop music.
• Functionality:
  • Provides a complete journey from tonic to dominant and back.
  • Often confused with Blue Moon progression (uses ii instead of IV).
• Example Songs:
  • "Earth Angel"
  • "Stand By Me"

Three-Chord Progression

• Progression: I-V-IV-V
• Importance of tonic (I), subdominant (IV), and dominant (V) chords in establishing motion and tension.
• Used in a wide range of styles, maintains major scale sound.
• Example Songs:
  • "My Name is Nicole"

Mixolydian Vamp

• Progression: I-bVII-IV-I
• Characteristics:
  • Establishes the Mixolydian sound (major scale with flat seven).
  • Movement between bVII, IV, and I creates a satisfying epic sound.
• Example Songs:
  • "Royals"

Conclusion

• Acknowledgment and thanks to contributors and supporters.
• Encouragement to explore these chord progressions in various musical contexts.