Exploring Chord Progressions and Chords from the Major Scale

Music is a language that speaks to our emotions, and understanding chord progressions and chords derived from the major scale is essential for any musician to compose, learn, improvise, and understand songs. Today, we'll explore the basic harmonic landscape of the major scale and its chord progressions, uncovering the building blocks of countless melodies and harmonies.

To talk about chord progressions, we must first understand where the chords come from and their relationship with the scales. The major scale is at the heart of Western music theory, a sequence of whole and half steps that forms the foundation of melody and harmony (Figure 1). The major scale's versatility is unmatched, heard in childhood nursery rhymes and chart-topping hits alike, from the uplifting brightness of C major to the melancholy of A minor (its relative minor).

C Major Scale:

From the major scale's seven notes emerge chords, each with its unique flavor and character. By stacking thirds atop each scale degree, we create triads—three-note chords that form the backbone of harmony. For example, the C chord is built with the notes C (root), E (major third), and G (Perfect fifth) (Figure 2).

After building the chords for each one of the notes from the scale, you’ll have major, minor and diminished chords on the scale, which will have a role in the chord progression (Figure 3). These chords have functions - in C major, for instance, the tonic chord (C major) evokes stability and resolution, while the subdominant (F major) and dominant (G major) chords introduce tension and anticipation, respectively. These basic chords lay the groundwork for more complex harmonic exploration, but today let’s keep it to basic chords and chord progressions.

Chord progressions are like the building blocks of music. They're groups of chords that we put together in songs. It's kind of like playing with Lego blocks, where each chord is a different color or shape. When we put them together in a certain order, they create the sound and mood of a song. So, putting chords in the right order makes a song sound awesome! The I-IV-V is the most popular progression, found in countless pop, rock, and blues tunes (Figure 4).

In the key of G major, for example, the chords I-IV-V will be G, C, and D, creating a sense of tension and release (Figure 5).

Similarly, the IIm-V-I progression—a hallmark of jazz harmony—adds sophistication with its smooth voice leading and harmonic motion (Figure 6).

Some common chord progressions used in songs are:

·      IV–V–I              

·      IIm–V–I              

·      IV–V–VIm            

·      IIm–V–VIm                

·      I–VIm–IV–V                 

·      I–VIm–IIm–V               

·      I–V–VIm–IV              

·      I–V–VIm–IIIm–IV–I–IV–V (Pachelbel’s Canon chord progression).

Practicing chord progressions on the guitar is essential for mastering songs and developing your skills. Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Choose a Progression: Select a chord progression suitable for your level.

2. Learn and analyze songs: Listen to the song attentively, focusing on the chords being played. Pay attention to how the chords flow together and the overall mood they create.

3. Apply in Songs: Play the progression in songs to practice in context and try to compose songs using chord progressions you have learned.

4. Experiment with Strumming: Try different strumming patterns and riffs for variety.

5. Record Yourself: Record and review your playing to track progress and get used to the chord progressions.

6. Use a Metronome: Practice with a metronome to improve timing and rhythm.

7. Consistent Practice: Practice regularly to improve your hearing skills and fluency.

8. Be Patient and Persistent: Progress takes time, so stay dedicated and enjoy the journey.

As musicians delve deeper into the harmonic realm, they encounter extended chords, color tones, chord functions, borrowed chords, and much more—but this is a topic for another time.

In the wide world of musical expression, chord progressions and chords derived from the major scale serve as pillars of harmony and expression. Whether you're crafting a soul-stirring ballad or an infectious pop anthem, understanding these fundamental elements is essential for bringing your compositions to life. So, grab your guitar and unlock the boundless creativity within the major scale.

Check the lesson below on YT to review what you've learned: