Chord Progression Analyzer
Analyze real chord progressions from pop, rock, jazz and more. Hear how borrowed chords create emotion. Free interactive music theory tool by tooz & t.
Enable JavaScript to use the interactive tool. Below is the full progression library for reference.
Pop Chord Progressions
1. The Feel-Good Four — I - vi - IV - V in C Major
Chords: C - Am - F - G
Vibe: Classic feel-good progression
Why it works: Starts on I (home) — feels resolved and grounded. vi adds emotional turn while staying in the key family. IV lifts the energy, creates brightness and openness. V creates tension that desperately wants to resolve back to I. The loop feels like a complete emotional journey.
Songs using this: Don't Stop Believing, Let It Be, I'm Yours, With or Without You
Episode connection: Episode 4 — Your First Progression. The I-vi-IV-V pattern is the backbone of modern pop.
2. The Singer-Songwriter — I - V - vi - IV in G Major
Chords: G - D - Em - C
Vibe: Storytelling progression with emotional weight
Why it works: Starts on I — establishes home immediately. V creates forward motion and anticipation. vi provides the emotional core, the heart of the story. IV lifts back up, creating hope before returning to I. Popular for verses because it doesn't fully resolve.
Songs using this: Let It Be, Someone Like You, Make You Feel My Love
Episode connection: Episode 4 — Perfect for verses. Starts resolved, builds tension, gets emotional, then lifts.
3. The Nostalgia Trip — I - V - vi - iv in C Major
Chords: C - G - Am - Fm
Vibe: Bittersweet longing with borrowed colors
Why it works: I establishes a bright, resolved starting point. V creates momentum and anticipation. vi adds emotional depth. iv (borrowed from C minor) creates instant nostalgia — the borrowed iv is the secret, it sounds like a memory.
Borrowed chord: Fm (iv) is borrowed from C Minor. In C Major, the IV should be F (major), but Fm (minor) comes from the parallel minor.
Songs using this: Creep (Radiohead), Mr. Brightside, Let It Be (bridge)
Episode connection: Episode 6 — Borrowed Colors. The iv (Fm) is borrowed from C Minor. This single borrowed chord transforms bright pop into bittersweet nostalgia.
4. The Eternal Loop — I - V - vi - IV in D Major
Chords: D - A - Bm - G
Vibe: Never-ending, perfect for choruses
Why it works: Starts strong on I — confident and resolved. V creates drive without fully resolving. vi provides emotional contrast. IV lifts and opens, but leads right back to I. The IV → I connection is one of the strongest in pop.
Songs using this: With or Without You, Where the Streets Have No Name
Episode connection: Episode 4 — The same pattern as Pop Four-Chord, just in a different key. The I-V-vi-IV loop is endlessly repeatable.
5. The Descender — I - vi - IV - V in F Major
Chords: F - Dm - Bb - C
Vibe: Falling motion, emotional release
Why it works: I establishes F as home. vi (Dm) creates emotional depth. IV (Bb) lifts the energy. V (C) drives back to home. Common in power ballads and anthems.
Songs using this: Love Story, We Are Young
Episode connection: Episode 4 — Same pattern, different key. The pattern works in any key.
6. The Radio Staple — I - vi - IV - V in A Major
Chords: A - F#m - D - E
Vibe: Four chords that defined a generation
Why it works: The most radio-friendly progression in existence. I → vi creates instant emotional hook. IV provides lift and brightness. V drives back to I with satisfying resolution. Works for verses, choruses, and bridges.
Songs using this: Africa, Take On Me, Every Breath You Take
Episode connection: Episode 4 — Same pattern as Pop Four-Chord, just in A Major. The pattern transcends keys.
Rock Chord Progressions
1. The Power Foundation — I - V - IV - I in E Major
Chords: E - B - A - E
Vibe: Grounded, powerful rock progression
Why it works: Starts and ends on I — confident declaration. V creates tension without being overwhelming. IV provides the "rock lift" — essential rock move. Returning to I gives stability and power. The I → V → IV → I pattern is rock's backbone.
Songs using this: Wild Thing, La Bamba, Twist and Shout
Episode connection: Episode 4 — The I-V-IV-I is rock's answer to pop's I-vi-IV-V. More grounded, less emotional.
2. The Borrowed Power — I - bVII - IV - I in G Major
Chords: G - F - C - G
Vibe: Bluesy rock with borrowed aggression
Why it works: I establishes home base. bVII (borrowed from G minor) creates bluesy edge. IV lifts and provides contrast. Returns to I with power. The bVII is what makes it sound "rock" instead of "pop".
Borrowed chord: F (bVII) is borrowed from G Minor. In G Major, the VII should be F#dim, but F comes from the parallel minor.
Songs using this: All Along the Watchtower, Hey Joe, Hey There Delilah (verse)
Episode connection: Episode 6 — The F (bVII) is borrowed from G Minor. This single borrowed chord transforms a simple progression into rock.
3. The Emotional Rock — i - VI - III - VII in A Minor
Chords: Am - F - C - G
Vibe: Minor emotional rock progression
Why it works: i (Am) establishes emotional home base. VI (F) provides hope and brightness in minor context. III (C) is the relative major — resolves strongly. VII (G) leaves it open, wants to return to i. Minor progressions hit differently — more vulnerable.
Songs using this: Radioactive, Demons, All I Want
Episode connection: Episode 5 — This is the Pop Four-Chord pattern in minor. Same chord relationships, but i becomes home instead of I.
4. The Descending Journey — I - bVII - bVI - V in D Major
Chords: D - C - Bb - A
Vibe: Epic descending rock progression
Why it works: I establishes the key. bVII (borrowed) creates instant rock edge. bVI (borrowed) adds drama and tension. V creates tension that leads back to I. Two borrowed chords = maximum rock energy.
Borrowed chords: C (bVII) and Bb (bVI) are both borrowed from D Minor. Two borrowed chords create the ultimate rock descent.
Songs using this: Stairway to Heaven (section), All Along the Watchtower
Episode connection: Episode 6 — Both bVII (C) and bVI (Bb) are borrowed from D Minor. Two borrowed chords create maximum rock energy.
5. The Classic Rock Loop — I - bVII - IV - I in A Major
Chords: A - G - D - A
Vibe: Endless driving rock progression
Why it works: I declares the key with confidence. bVII (borrowed) gives the essential rock attitude. IV provides lift and momentum. Returns to I for stability. Simple, powerful, and endlessly loopable.
Borrowed chord: G (bVII) is borrowed from A Minor. This one borrowed chord defines the entire rock genre.
Songs using this: Sweet Home Alabama, Werewolves of London, All Summer Long
Episode connection: Episode 6 — The G (bVII) is borrowed from A Minor. This one borrowed chord defines the entire rock genre.
Emotional Chord Progressions
1. The Heartbreak — I - V - vi - iv in C Major
Chords: C - G - Am - Fm
Vibe: Devastating emotional progression
Why it works: I establishes hope. V creates anticipation. vi deepens the emotion. iv (borrowed) breaks your heart — the borrowed minor IV is essential for the devastation.
Borrowed chord: Fm (iv) is borrowed from C Minor. This single borrowed chord transforms hope into devastation.
Songs using this: Creep (Radiohead), Someone Like You (bridge)
Episode connection: Episode 6 — The Fm (iv) is borrowed from C Minor. This single borrowed chord transforms hope into devastation.
2. The Dark Turn — i - VI - III - V in A Minor
Chords: Am - F - C - E
Vibe: Minor key emotional progression
Why it works: i establishes dark emotional home. VI provides a glimmer of hope. III is the relative major — temporary brightness. V (borrowed harmonic minor) creates intense tension — the borrowed V is crucial, natural minor would use VII.
Borrowed chord: E (V) is borrowed from A harmonic minor. In natural minor, the V would be Em — but borrowed V creates stronger pull.
Songs using this: Hurt (Johnny Cash version), Cry Me a River
Episode connection: Episode 6 — E (V) is borrowed from A harmonic minor. In natural minor, the V would be Em — but borrowed V creates stronger pull.
3. The Bittersweet — I - vi - IV - I in G Major
Chords: G - Em - C - G
Vibe: Mixed emotions, hope and sadness
Why it works: I establishes a grounded home. vi provides emotional weight. IV lifts with hope. Returning to I resolves the emotion. Simple but deeply effective for bittersweet moments.
Songs using this: Let It Be (verse), Hallelujah (verse)
Episode connection: Episode 4 — The I-vi-IV-I. The return to I at the end creates emotional resolution.
4. The Resolved Sorrow — i - VI - III - VII in D Minor
Chords: Dm - Bb - F - C
Vibe: Sad but resolved, acceptance
Why it works: i establishes minor home. VI provides comfort and hope. III is the relative major — resolution within sorrow. VII leaves it open, not fully resolved. Works for verses about acceptance.
Songs using this: Losing My Religion, Mad World
Episode connection: Episode 5 — The VI (Bb) and III (F) provide hope within a minor context. VII leaves it open.
5. The Deep Dive — I - bVI - bVII - I in E Major
Chords: E - C - D - E
Vibe: Profound emotional journey
Why it works: I establishes home. bVI (borrowed) takes you deep — profound emotion. bVII (borrowed) rises with power. Returns to I with resolution. Two borrowed chords create maximum emotional weight.
Borrowed chords: C (bVI) and D (bVII) are both borrowed from E Minor. Two borrowed chords create maximum emotional weight.
Songs using this: All Along the Watchtower, Hey There Delilah
Episode connection: Episode 6 — Both bVI (C) and bVII (D) are borrowed from E Minor. This creates profound emotional depth.
6. The Vulnerable — i - v - VI - VII in A Minor
Chords: Am - Em - F - G
Vibe: Raw, exposed emotional progression
Why it works: i (Am) establishes vulnerability. v (Em) creates tension within the minor key. VI (F) provides hope and lift. VII (G) leaves it open, unresolved. Natural minor — no borrowed chords, raw emotion.
Songs using this: Losing Your Memory, Fade to Black (verse)
Episode connection: Episode 5 — This is pure natural minor — no borrowed V, just raw vulnerability. VII doesn't resolve like V would.
Classic Chord Progressions
1. The 50s Progression — I - vi - IV - V in C Major
Chords: C - Am - F - G
Vibe: Timeless doo-wop progression
Why it works: The most iconic progression in pop history. I establishes home. vi adds emotion. IV lifts. V creates tension back to I. Used in countless 50s and 60s hits.
Songs using this: Stand By Me, Unchained Melody, Every Breath You Take
Episode connection: Episode 4 — The I-vi-IV-V is the foundation of doo-wop and early rock. It's been used in thousands of songs.
2. The Jazz Starter — ii - V - I in C Major
Chords: Dm7 - G7 - Cmaj7
Vibe: Foundational jazz progression
Why it works: Classic ii-V-I foundation. ii prepares the tension. V creates the tension. I provides resolution. The foundation of jazz harmony.
Songs using this: Autumn Leaves, Blue Bossa, Fly Me to the Moon
Episode connection: Episode 4 — The ii-V-I is the most important progression in jazz. Every jazz musician knows this by heart.
3. The Pachelbel — I - V - vi - IV in D Major
Chords: D - A - Bm - G
Vibe: Canonical progression used everywhere
Why it works: Based on Pachelbel's Canon. Descending bass motion creates momentum. I → V → vi → IV is iconic. Used in countless pop songs. Simple but endlessly satisfying.
Songs using this: Canon in D, Vitamin C, Graduation (Friends Forever)
Episode connection: Episode 4 — The descending bass (D → C# → B → A) creates natural momentum. This pattern has been used in hundreds of songs.
4. The Andalusian — i - VII - VI - V in A Minor
Chords: Am - G - F - E
Vibe: Flamenco-inspired dramatic progression
Why it works: Classic flamenco progression. i establishes dark home. VII opens up the sound. VI creates drama. V (borrowed) drives back to i. Dramatic and passionate.
Borrowed chord: E (V) is borrowed from A harmonic minor. In natural minor, it would be G (VII). The borrowed V creates dramatic tension.
Songs using this: Sultans of Swing, Hit the Road Jack
Episode connection: Episode 6 — E (V) is borrowed from A harmonic minor. The borrowed V creates dramatic tension.
5. The Folk Canon — I - V - vi - IV in G Major
Chords: G - D - Em - C
Vibe: Simple storytelling progression
Why it works: Perfect for storytelling. I establishes home. V creates motion. vi adds emotional depth. IV lifts and returns. Used in countless folk songs.
Songs using this: Blowin' in the Wind, The Times They Are A-Changin'
Episode connection: Episode 4 — This progression supports lyrics without overwhelming them. It's familiar and emotional, letting the story take center stage.
Jazz Chord Progressions
1. The ii-V-I — ii - V - I in C Major
Chords: Dm7 - G7 - Cmaj7
Vibe: The foundation of jazz harmony
Why it works: The most important progression in jazz. ii prepares the tension. V creates the tension. I provides resolution. Simple but infinitely variable.
Songs using this: Autumn Leaves, Blue Bossa, All The Things You Are
Episode connection: Episode 4 — The ii-V-I is THE jazz progression. Master this and you understand jazz harmony.
2. The Extended Turnaround — I - vi - ii - V in C Major
Chords: Cmaj7 - Am7 - Dm7 - G7
Vibe: Full jazz phrase turnaround
Why it works: Complete jazz phrase. I establishes home. vi adds color. ii prepares the V. V creates tension back to I. Can loop endlessly.
Songs using this: Fly Me to the Moon, Take the A Train
Episode connection: Episode 4 — This extends the ii-V-I with I-vi at the start. Each chord pulls to the next in a chain of tension.
3. The Minor ii-V-I — ii° - V - i in C Minor
Chords: Dm7b5 - G7alt - Cm7
Vibe: Dark jazz resolution
Why it works: Minor key version of ii-V-I. ii° (half-diminished) prepares the tension. V7alt (altered) creates maximum tension. i resolves the darkness. Essential for minor key jazz.
Borrowed chord: G7alt (V) is borrowed from C harmonic minor for stronger pull to i.
Songs using this: Autumn Leaves (minor section), Black Orpheus, Softly As In a Morning Sunrise
Episode connection: Episode 5 — In minor, ii becomes half-diminished (ii°). The V is often borrowed from harmonic minor for stronger pull.
4. The iii-vi-ii-V — Circle of Fifths Motion in C Major
Chords: Em7 - Am7 - Dm7 - G7
Vibe: Circle of fifths motion
Why it works: Continuous circle of fifths motion. iii leads to vi. vi leads to ii. ii leads to V. V leads back to I (or starts again). Each chord pulls to the next.
Songs using this: Girl From Ipanema, Blue in Green
Episode connection: Episode 4 — Each chord is a fifth above the next, creating natural pull: E → A → D → G. The circle of fifths in action.
Folk Chord Progressions
1. The Storyteller — I - IV - I - V in G Major
Chords: G - C - G - D
Vibe: Simple, grounded storytelling progression
Why it works: I establishes grounded home. IV lifts with hope. Return to I creates stability. V creates motion for next verse. Perfect for verses that tell stories.
Songs using this: Blowin' in the Wind, The Times They Are A-Changin', This Land Is Your Land
Episode connection: Episode 4 — This progression keeps you grounded so the lyrics can shine.
2. The Campfire — I - V - vi - IV in D Major
Chords: D - A - Bm - G
Vibe: Everyone-can-play progression
Why it works: First chords everyone learns. I establishes the key. V creates forward motion. vi adds singable emotion. IV lifts for the return home. Simple enough for any level.
Songs using this: Wonderwall, Good Riddance (Time of Your Life), Hey There Delilah
Episode connection: Episode 4 — This is often the first progression guitarists learn. Simple, singable, and anyone can join in.
3. The Traveler — I - IV - I - V in C Major
Chords: C - F - C - G
Vibe: Wandering, journey progression
Why it works: Classic folk/country movement. I → IV lifts away from home. I returns, but doesn't settle. V creates tension for the return. Feels like a journey and return.
Songs using this: I Walk the Line, Leaving on a Jet Plane, Country Roads
Episode connection: Episode 4 — The I-IV-I pattern feels like leaving home and returning. V creates tension that says "the story continues."
4. The Ballad — i - VI - III - VII in A Minor
Chords: Am - F - C - G
Vibe: Slow, heartfelt progression
Why it works: Classic minor folk ballad. i establishes emotional home. VI provides hope in darkness. III is the relative major — brightest point. VII leaves it open for continuation. Perfect for slow, meaningful songs.
Songs using this: Hurt, Nothing Else Matters, The Sound of Silence
Episode connection: Episode 5 — The VI (F) and III (C) provide hope within a minor context. VII leaves it open, not fully resolved.
Wild Card Chord Progressions
1. The Unexpected Turn — I - bVI - bVII - I in E Major
Chords: E - C - D - E
Vibe: Surprise borrowed chord
Why it works: Starts normal with I. bVI (C) is the unexpected twist. bVII (D) rises with power. Returns to I with resolution. Two borrowed chords create surprise.
Borrowed chords: C (bVI) and D (bVII) are both borrowed from E Minor. Two borrowed chords create maximum surprise and rock power.
Songs using this: All Along the Watchtower, Hey Joe, Sunshine of Your Love
Episode connection: Episode 6 — Both bVI (C) and bVII (D) are borrowed from E Minor. Two borrowed chords create maximum surprise.
2. The Modal Shift — I - II - I - II in C Major
Chords: C - D - C - D
Vibe: Feels like a key change but isn't
Why it works: I establishes C Major. II (D) should be minor (Dm) but is major — borrowed! Creates a lifted, bright feel. Sounds like you shifted keys but you didn't. Used in rock and pop for elevation.
Borrowed chord: D major (II) is borrowed from C Lydian/Mixolydian. It should be Dm (ii), but the major II creates a lifted feel.
Songs using this: Sweet Child O' Mine (intro), What I Like About You
Episode connection: Episode 6 — D major (II) is borrowed from C Lydian/Mixolydian. The major II creates a lifted feel.
3. The Chromatic Walk — i - VII - VII° - VI in A Minor
Chords: Am - G - F#° - F
Vibe: Smooth chromatic motion
Why it works: i establishes minor home. VII (G) opens up. F#° (VII°) creates passing tension. VI (F) resolves the walk. Chromatic bass motion: A → G → F# → F.
Borrowed chord: F#° (VII°) is a chromatic passing chord. It smooths the chromatic descent from G to F.
Songs using this: Cherokee, Stella By Starlight, Watcher of the Skies
Episode connection: Episode 6 — The F#° (VII°) is a chromatic passing chord. It smooths the chromatic descent from G to F.
4. The Plot Twist — I - bIII - bVII - I in G Major
Chords: G - Bb - F - G
Vibe: Unexpected resolution
Why it works: I establishes G Major. bIII (Bb) is the plot twist — totally unexpected. bVII (F) provides power and drive. Returns to I with surprise resolution. Two borrowed chords from G Minor.
Borrowed chords: Bb (bIII) and F (bVII) are both borrowed from G Minor. The bIII is particularly unexpected — it's not even in the key signature.
Songs using this: Hey Jude (bridge), Iron Man (riff)
Episode connection: Episode 6 — Both bIII (Bb) and bVII (F) are borrowed from G Minor. The bIII is particularly unexpected.
Learn Music Theory Interactively
The Progression Deconstructor is part of the tooz & t learning path — seven stepping stones from a single note to your songwriting workflow. Each progression above connects to a free lesson:
Get the Circle of Fifths Wheel — a physical, interactive tool that shows all 12 keys, chord families, and key signatures. Learn more about the Wheel.