Chord progressions
Original exercises with chord diagrams, strumming patterns and practice tips. From beginner to advanced.
105 progressions
Major Turnaround (I–VI–ii–V) in C
The major I–VI–ii–V is the bread and butter of jazz comping.
Bolero in C
The bolero is a slow, romantic Cuban-origin genre characterized by its gentle 4/4 feel …
Modal Rock (I–bVII–IV)
By replacing the V chord with the bVII (flat-seven), this progression avoids the …
Reggae One-Drop in A
The reggae "one-drop" rhythm is named for the absence of any emphasis on beat 1 — …
Doo-Wop / 50s (I–vi–IV–V)
The classic doo-wop progression from the 1950s.
Classic Rock bVII (I–V–bVII–IV)
A close relative of the I–V–vi–IV, but replacing the relative minor with the flat-seven…
Rock Minor Wall (i–bVII–bVI–bVII)
A dark, powerful minor progression that drives through the bVII and bVI chords.
Son Cubano / Guajira in C
Son cubano is the root of much modern Latin music, from salsa to mambo.
Descending Metal Riff in B minor
A descending chromatic bass line over minor harmony creates one of heavy metal's …
Metal Power Chord Riff in E minor
Power chords (root + fifth, no third) are the foundation of heavy metal and hard rock.
The Four-Chord Song (I–V–vi–IV)
The most ubiquitous chord progression in modern pop.
Thrash Metal Riff in E
Thrash metal combines the speed of punk with the heaviness of metal.
Minor Pop Loop (vi–IV–I–V)
Starting on the vi chord gives this progression a melancholic, introspective quality …
Soul / R&B Turnaround in G
The soul and R&B turnaround uses lush seventh and extended chords to create warmth …
Samba in E
Brazilian samba guitar (violão) plays a rhythmic "batida" that complements the pe…
Rhythm Changes A Section (I–VI–ii–V) in Bb
Based on Gershwin's "I Got Rhythm," this is the second most important progression in ja…
Jazz Blues in Bb
The jazz blues in Bb enriches the basic 12-bar form with ii–V substitutions and p…
Cha-Cha-Chá in A
The cha-cha-chá originated in Cuba in the 1950s and is characterized by its synco…
Reggae Minor Groove in D minor
Minor-key reggae has a deeper, more mournful quality than its major-key counterpart.
Grunge Minor (i–bIII–IV)
The grunge and alternative rock sound in three chords.