Scribd
Upload
611 views2 pages

Writing A Song Using Chord Progressions by Shawn Leonhardt

The document provides examples of chord progressions in different keys that can be used to write songs. It explains that common chord progressions like I-IV-V can be used in almost any genre of music. The document encourages experimenting with different chords, rhythms, and occasional key changes to create variation in songs.

Uploaded by

Shawn Leonhardt
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
611 views2 pages

Writing A Song Using Chord Progressions by Shawn Leonhardt

The document provides examples of chord progressions in different keys that can be used to write songs. It explains that common chord progressions like I-IV-V can be used in almost any genre of music. The document encourages experimenting with different chords, rhythms, and occasional key changes to create variation in songs.

Uploaded by

Shawn Leonhardt
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 2

Writing a Song Using Chord Progressions

I-IV-V I-bVII-IV I-vi-IV-V I-iii-IV-V I-II-IV i-V7-i-bVII-bIII-i-V7-i

ii-V-I I-V-vi-IV vi-IV-I-V I-IV I-v I-VI-II-V I-vi-ii-I

IV-I-V-vi I-V-bVII-IV I-vi-iii-V I-I*-I6-I7 I-#Idim-ii-V

I-i i-iv-v I-III-vi-IV I-ii-iii-V i-III-iv-v I-v-ii I-II-ii I-ii-iii-IV

I-IV-bVII-III i-VII-III-IV I-iii I-IV-ii-V I-bIII-IV I-IV-iv


---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Examples;

I-IV-V in the key of C is C-F-G.

I-vi-IV-V in the key of G is G-Em-C-D

I-I*-I6-I7 in the key of C is C-Caug-C6-C7

La Folia in the key of Am is Am-E7-Am-G-C-Am-E7-Am

If you want to write a song, pick a key that suits you below and then input the chords, the
easiest keys to pick are C, G, D,and A. Mix and match chord progressions to change up your
verse, chorus, hook, riff, or bridge. Shuffling your chords and occasional key changes also help
with variation. Use a drum machine, beats, or other backing rhythms for help with creativity
while playing these progressions.

Try sus2, sus4, 7, maj7, m7, 6, aug, dim, 7b5, 9, m9, and any other chords in different places.
Any progression above can be used for almost any genre, what will matter is the right rhythms
and chord embellishment. Rock, blues, pop, and dance all like 7ths and changing majors to
minors, blue and chromatic notes make that genre (along with the backbeat!).

Don’t worry about sounding like someone else at first, thousands of songs use the I-IV-V and I-
V-vi-IV. Refine your melody, harmony, and focus on creating something good, not original.
Music is mimicry and we all copy each other just like language! Writing a song is like sports,
baking, gardening, or any other skill; there are some basic rules to learn and practice is very
important, otherwise just enjoy and create what you can!
Toni Sup Media Sub- Domina Sub- Leadi
c er nt Domina nt Media ng
Toni nt nt Tone
c Sub-
Tonic
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
I ii iii IV V vi vii(di
m)
C Dm Em F G Am B
G Am Bm C D Em F#
D Em F#m G A Bm C#
A Bm C#m D E F#m G#
E F#m G#m A B C#m D#
B C#m D#m E F# G#m A#
F# G#m A#m B C# D#m E#
C# D#m E#m F# G# A#m B#
F Gm Am Bb C Dm E
Bb Cm Dm Eb F Gm A
Eb Fm Gm Ab Bb Cm D
Ab Bbm Cm Db Eb Fm G
Db Ebm Fm Gb Ab Bbm C
Gb Abm Bbm Cb Db Ebm F
Cb Dbm Ebm Fb Gb Abm Bb

You might also like