[Composition] A roundup of famous songs that use classic chord progressions [by ear]

A Vocaloid producer who is also a music writerAraki Jakkan
I’ve worked in a variety of roles—regardless of pro or amateur settings—including live event PA, cameraman for video and photography, restaurant staff, and logistics center staff. I now spend my days as a part-time writer. I’ve contributed to music and manga websites with feature/review articles, and wrote the liner notes included as a bonus for 1st PLACE Inc.’s “IA SUPER BEST.” As for my music background, I started playing guitar in junior high and focused on band activities during my school years. For over 15 years since then, up to the present, I’ve continued releasing original tracks as a Vocaloid producer. My areas of expertise are Japanese rock, Vocaloid, and manga.

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!

[Composition] A roundup of famous songs that use classic chord progressions [by ear] (11–20)

JOYYU-KI

YUKI 『JOY』

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!

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Messenger from SundayTHE HIGH-LOW

Messenger from Sunday / THE HIGH-LOWS (Cover)

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.

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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!