Chord Progression

Kaii Lee had combined several piano/keyboard method books and her life long music learning books to create this sequential music theory study for this website. This page is about the understanding of the Chord Progression. The first music example is a simple Chord Progression that is probably the most frequently used Chord Progression, including an Authentic Cadence at the end. The following examples are more harmonically involved, especially the Chopin Nocturne. By clicking on the other colored links at the bottom of this page, the other music theory topics can be found easily.

For more information, please contact Kaii directly: info@kafm.net

Chord progressions are the foundation of harmony in Western musical tradition from the early 16th to the 21st century. Chord progressions are the foundation of all types of music, such as pop, rock, R & B, blues, jazz, spiritual, and traditional music. The following example is probably the most frequently used music Chord Progression.

Simple Chord Progression

Another Simple Chord Progression

The next example shows the involvement of the Roman Numerals in a more advanced Chord Progression.

A longer Chord Progression

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Here is a portion of the Chopin Nocturne, in the key of E flat major, Op. 9, No.2. The Chord Progression includes several Secondary Dominant chords.

Chopin's Nocturne Chord Progression

Blues is a style of music with its own specific Chord Progression. It is generally referred as the "12-Bar Blues." The Chord Progression is strictly following the "I–I–I–I, IV–IV–I–I, V–IV–I–I" format. For example, if the music is written in the key of G, the Chord Progression would be written as G–G–G–G, C–C–G–G, D–C–G–G. Here is an example of a 12-Bar Blues.

12-Bar Blues Chord Progression

A twelve-measure song maybe too short for many reasons; therefore, the twelfth measure can be replaced by a Dominant Seventh chord and follow by a repeat sign to repeat the melody that was based on the 12-Bar Chord Progression, as necessary.

12-Bar Blues Chord Progression Continues

For more information, please contact Kaii directly: info@kafm.net

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The next topic in this Music Theory site is all about "Figured Bass & Basso Continuo." Thank you for reading!

Music Theory that every musician could use and should know

The Basics

Math in Music

More Math and Signs

Music Forms

Time Signatures Intervals Modulations Homophonic Style

Polyphonic Style

Diatonic & Chromatic Steps Transposition Contrapuntal Techniques

Key Signatures Triads & Inversions Binary Form

Primary Triads Augmented Sixth Chords Ternary Form

Secondary Triads Traditional Compositional Tools Dance Suites

Scales Seventh Chords Contemporary Compositional Tools Prelude & Fugue

Secondary Dominant Musical Signs Sonata Form

Cadences Rondo Form

Modes Chord Progressions Musical Terms Theme & Variations

Figured Bass & Basso Continuo Serialism