[Composition] A roundup of famous songs that use classic chord progressions [by ear]
There are many approaches to composing, but I’d bet a lot of people start with chord progressions.
There are several “good to have in your toolbox” chord progression patterns.
Have you ever listened to J-pop and thought, “This vibe sounds like that other song…”?
It might be because they share the same chord progression pattern.
In this article, we’ll introduce famous songs that use classic chord progressions.
If you’re thinking, “I want to try making a song,” this might give you some helpful hints!
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[Composition] A collection of famous songs that use classic chord progressions [by ear] (1–10)
Cowardly Mont BlancDECO*27
DECO*27, the Vocaloid producer, first used GUMI on the track “Yowamushi Montblanc.” This song features the “6415 progression,” which is commonly used in pop-punk.
This progression resolves on the dominant.
Because the dominant naturally wants to move to the tonic or subdominant, it’s perfect for giving a song a sense of speed and exhilaration.
Other famous songs that use this progression include RADWIMPS’ “Zenzenzense” and ONE OK ROCK’s “The Beginning.”
TSUNAMISazan Ōrusutāzu
The progression used in songs like Southern All Stars’ “TSUNAMI” and Nogizaka46’s “Sayonara no Imi” is the ‘1-4-5-6 progression.’ It builds excitement in the first half and ends in a way that leaves a lingering aftertaste, a sense of continuation, and connection to what comes next.
In a way, it’s a “weak ending progression,” which makes it easy to branch melodies into the next development.
So it might be useful as a reference for composers who want to craft their melodies carefully or make the vocals stand out.
Come, spring.Matsutōya Yumi
In the key of C major, the most common progression leading to Am is the “4-5-6 progression,” F–G–Am.
It’s used in the memorable intro and chorus of Yumi Matsutoya’s 1994 classic “Haru yo, Koi,” isn’t it? The opening of LiSA’s “Gurenge,” the theme song of the smash-hit anime Demon Slayer, also uses the 4-5-6 progression.
You’ll often hear it in EDM and other dance music as well—the simple repeated chords make the sound easy to groove to, which is probably why it’s so beloved.
[Composition] A roundup of famous songs that use classic chord progressions [by ear] (11–20)
JOYYU-KI
The “3456 progression” is used in YUKI’s 2005 mega-hit song “JOY.” Since the first chord is Gb/Bb, it’s a variation of the III minor chord as I/III, but most of the song is built on this progression.
Yojiro Noda also favors it, and you can hear the 3456 progression in many RADWIMPS tracks.
It’s used in their big hits “Sparkle” and “Zenzenzense” as well, so try listening for it!
Messenger from SundayTHE HIGH-LOW
In a major key, the most important chords are the I, IV, and V—often called the three-chord set—and a progression that uses them is the “1-4-5-1 progression.” It’s very common and a classic sound you hear in many songs.
It’s used in THE HIGH-LOWS’ 2004 release ‘Messenger from Sunday’ (Nichiyōbi yori no Shisha) and in the swing jazz standard ‘Little Brown Jug.’ Because it’s made up solely of bright-sounding major chords, the progression has a warm, cheerful vibe.
In conclusion
If songwriting is your hobby, memorizing the chord progression patterns in this article might broaden your composing possibilities.
By adding your own subtle nuances to these progressions, you should be able to create originality.
After all, many popular songs you hear these days are made that way.
A first step into music theory!