![[Composition] A roundup of famous songs that use classic chord progressions [by ear]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Eze6-eHmtJg/hqdefault.jpg)
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)
cherrysupittsu
The Beatles’ classic “Let It Be” has influenced the chord progressions of many songs.
In Western music, it’s known as the “pop-punk progression” and is a standard go-to.
In Japan, it’s frequently used in pop and anime songs, and Spitz’s 1996 hit “Cherry” is one example.
It appears right from the opening intro.
The chorus of “Let It Go,” the theme song from Disney’s 2013 animated film Frozen that became a global hit, also uses it.
PretenderOfisharu Higedan Dism
One of the most famous chord progressions is the Canon progression.
It’s named after its use in the classical piece “Canon and Gigue in D major for three violins and basso continuo” by Johann Pachelbel.
A slightly modified Canon progression is also used in the intro and the A section of Official HIGE DANDism’s 2019 megahit “Pretender.” Beyond “Pretender,” countless hit songs use the Canon progression, and its flowing sound gives many listeners a sense of comfort and is widely loved.
Racing into the NightYOASOBI
The progression used in YOASOBI’s 2019 smash hit “Racing into the Night” (Yoru ni Kakeru) is the so-called “royal road progression” (classic pop progression).
It’s truly the go-to progression you hear not only in pop but also frequently in anime songs and Vocaloid tracks.
It’s used in songs like Spitz’s “Robinson,” Ken Hirai’s “Hitomi wo Tojite” (Close Your Eyes), and B’z’s “Ai no mama ni wagamama ni boku wa kimi dake wo kizutsukenai” (As I Am, Selfish as I Am, I Won’t Hurt Anyone but You), making it a versatile chord progression that works across a wide range of styles, from ballads to hard rock.
Clear skies for youYorushika
The chord progression used in Yorushika’s 2018 release Tadakimi ni Hare is one of the pop-punk progressions known as the “4-1-5-6 progression.” These numbers refer to the order of diatonic chords—chords built only from the scale used in the song—and in the key of C major, the sequence is F–C–G–Am.
Besides Tadakimi ni Hare, the 4-1-5-6 progression is also used in Kenshi Yonezu’s Lemon and in the chorus of Ringo Sheena’s Gibbs.
I want to tell you how I feel (my love)aimyon
The chord progression used in Aimyon’s funky number “Ai o Tsutaetai da toka” creates a stylish, mature vibe.
In Japan, it’s familiar from Ringo Sheena’s “Marunouchi Sadistic,” and for Western music fans, from Bill Withers’ “Just the Two of Us.” The movement from the second chord, III7, to the third, VIm7, employs jazz theory, so if you want to emphasize a sophisticated feel, this is definitely a progression you should use!
flameLiSA
The chord progression used in Homura—one of LiSA’s signature songs and the theme for the anime film Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba the Movie: Mugen Train—is what’s known as the “6541 progression.” The descending root movement of 6, 5, and 4, along with the motion from the subdominant to the tonic (4 to 1) in the latter half—which has a gentle, cadential quality—gives the track a very strong impression.
Masaki Suda’s Machigai Sagashi also uses this progression.
flying getAKB48
The “Komuro progression,” known for being favored by Tetsuya Komuro—a keyboardist and composer who defined an era—is a famous example, heard in hits like TM NETWORK’s Get Wild.
The four chords used are chosen from diatonic chords, which are built solely from the notes of the song’s scale.
The progression has appeared in many hit songs since the 2000s; AKB48’s Flying Get, released in 2011, is one of them.
It’s used in the chorus, and unlike Get Wild, the chords change every bar.