Major Chord Progressions

In this lesson, we’ll explore major chord progressions. In the previous lesson, you learned how to form inverted major triads. Now, we’ll use these major triads to create functional and expressive progressions.

What Are Major Chord Progressions?

A chord progression is a sequence of chords moving from one to another. The I, IV, and V chords in a major key contain the tonic, subdominant, and dominant notes of the scale, making them ideal for accompanying most simple melodies.

The I, IV, and V Chords

• The 1st (I), 4th (IV), and 5th (V) degrees of a major scale are associated with major triads.
• The 2nd (ii), 3rd (iii), and 6th (vi) degrees are linked to minor triads.
• The 7th (vii°) degree is tied to a diminished triad.

Example in C Major:

I->ii->iii->IV->V->vi->VII°->I

Focus on Major Triad Progressions

While we’ve covered all 12 major triads, this lesson will focus specifically on progressions built from major triads (I, IV, and V). These chords form the backbone of countless songs and provide a sense of stability and resolution.

Key Insight:

• The I, IV, and V chords (e.g., C, F, and G in C major) are foundational in many progressions, providing resolution and stability.

Common Progressions

I ➔ IV ➔ I ➔ V ➔ I (1-4-1-5-1)

This progression moves from the tonic (I) to the subdominant (IV), back to I, then to the dominant (V), and finally resolves to I.

• In C Major:
  C ➔ F ➔ C ➔ G ➔ C

default:
  Piano.Chart: CM, FM, GM, FM, CM

Smoothing the Sound with Inversions:

• To avoid disjointed transitions, use second inversion for the IV chord and first inversion for the V chord.
  • Example:
    • I (root) ➔ IV (2nd inversion) ➔ I ➔ V (1st inversion) ➔ I
    • This creates smoother voice leading and easier playability.

The V ➔ I (Dominant to Tonic) Relationship

The V ➔ I progression is a cadence known as the authentic cadence. It creates a strong sense of resolution and is the most powerful harmonic conclusion in music.

• Example:
  • G Major (V) ➔ C Major (I) in C major.
  • Used in endings of songs like Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.

Why It Matters:

• The V chord naturally "pulls" toward the I chord, reinforcing the key’s tonal center.
• Most songs end with a V ➔ I cadence (or a variation) to establish closure.

Applying Progressions in Any Key

Formula: Use the I, IV, and V chords of any major scale.

• F Major: F ➔ B♭ ➔ C ➔ F
• B♭ Major: B♭ ➔ E♭ ➔ F ➔ B♭

Baseline Tip: Keep the bass simple by playing the root note of each chord.

• Example in C Major:
  • C (I) → F (IV) → C (I) → G (V) → C (I)

Alternate V ➔ I Approach

Instead of resolving V ➔ I, try V ➔ IV for a deceptive cadence.

• Example in C Major:
  • G (V) → F (IV) → C (I)
  • Use inversions (e.g., F in 2nd inversion) for smoother transitions.

Expanding the V ➔ I Progression...
You’ve learned that the V and IV chords can be paired with the V bass note to resolve back to the I chord. Now we’ll explore another method to achieve a similar progression. Remember: depending on the sound you want, you can use one of these three approaches.

Using the iii Chord as a Major Triad

As you know, the iii degree of a major scale corresponds to a minor triad (e.g., E minor in C major). However, for this progression, we’ll treat the iii as a major triad while keeping the V bass note.

• Example in C Major:
  • V (G) in the bass → III (E major in 2nd inversion) → I (C major in root position).
  • Try this with different inversions of the III chord (E major) to compare the effect.

Sound Profiles of Bass/Chord Combinations

The I ➔ V Progression

The I ➔ V progression is another common sequence, often used in song verses or repeated sections.

• Example: Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star in C Major:
  • Lyrics: "Twinkle, twinkle, little star" → I (C)
  • "How I wonder what you are" → V (G)
  • "Up above the world so high" → I (C)

The I ➔ IV Relationship

Frequently used in gospel, jazz, and blues, the I ➔ IV progression thrives on smooth voice leading.

• Example in C Major:
  • I (C root position) → IV (F 2nd inversion).
  • Easiest transitions:
    • I root → IV 2nd inversion
    • I 1st inversion → IV root
    • I 2nd inversion → IV 1st inversion

Key Insight:

• The common tone (e.g., C in C major and F major) remains constant, simplifying finger movements.

Rock/Gospel/Jazz Progression: I ➔ IV ➔ V ➔ IV ➔ I

A staple in energetic genres, this progression adds dynamic tension and release.

• Example in C Major:
  • C ➔ F ➔ G ➔ F ➔ C

Circle of Fifths Exercise

Practice playing the I chord of each major key in Circle of Fifths order:

• Sequence: C ➔ F ➔ B♭ ➔ E♭ ➔ A♭... etc.
• Insight: This exercise is a chain of I ➔ IV progressions.
• Tip: Keep one note shared between consecutive chords to minimise finger movement.
  • Example: C major (C-E-G) → F major (C-F-A).