A must-see for beginner composers! A roundup of classic chord progressions
In music, the term “chord” (waon in Japanese) broadly refers to the sound produced when two or more musical tones of different pitches are played simultaneously.
The music you listen to every day is also composed based on various types of chord progressions, where multiple chords unfold over time.
Of course, there are songs that consist of just a single chord, and the more you learn, the deeper the world of chord progressions becomes.
In this article, we’ll introduce a roundup of classic chord progressions frequently used in J-pop and Western music alike!
If you’re thinking of starting to compose but aren’t confident about chord progressions yet, be sure to use this as a reference.
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A must-see for beginner composers! A roundup of classic chord progressions (1–10)
Lovin’ YouMinnie Riperton
Minnie Riperton’s “Lovin’ You,” a soul classic covered by many artists, is built on a “4-3-2-1 progression” throughout, except for one spot in the chorus.
It’s often played with four-note chords like major sevenths, and the mellow melody suits the progression perfectly.
In Japanese music, the opening of the A melody in Off Course’s “Kotoba ni Dekinai” and the A melody of Masayuki Suzuki’s debut single “Garasu Goshi ni Kieta Natsu” also use the “4-3-2-1 progression.”
Stand By MeBen E. King
Ben E.
King’s signature song, also known as the theme for the film “Stand by Me,” is “Stand by Me.” The track is built on the simple and appealing ‘1645 progression,’ using just four primary chords.
It’s a progression often heard in oldies, as in Paul Anka’s “Diana” and the Righteous Brothers’ “Unchained Melody.” In Japan, Yosui Inoue’s “Yume no Naka e” is also written with the 1645 progression.
We Are Never Ever Getting Back TogetherTaylor Swift
The 4156 progression, as in Taylor Swift’s “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together,” is getting a bit overused.
This sequence—F → C → G → Am—has a distinctive vibe that combines the straightforward and the stylish in just the right way! It’s also used in Yorushika’s “Just a Sunny Day for You” and Kenshi Yonezu’s “Lemon,” and its unique sound is seriously addictive.
Be sure to try it out in your own songwriting!
A Must-See for Beginner Composers! A Roundup of Classic Chord Progressions (11–20)
My Past Life, Many Lifetimes AgoRADWIMPS
RADWIMPS’ “Zenzenzense,” which skyrocketed in popularity thanks to the film Your Name, uses the “6415 progression” in its chorus.
Also known as the “pop-punk progression,” this sound is a classic chord progression used worldwide.
In this particular track, the added syncopation creates a sense of drive, too.
Other songs that use the 6415 progression include ONE OK ROCK’s “Re:make” and Justin Bieber’s “Ghost.”
CloserThe Chainsmokers
The “4565 progression” is a sound derived by adding one more chord to the “456 progression.” The Chainsmokers’ “Closer,” which many DJs likely played in 2016, is one such example.
Adding the “5” chord boosts the sense of a loop, making it a perfect fit for club-oriented sounds.
It’s also used in “Never Meant” by the American math rock band American Football.
JOYYU-KI
YUKI’s ninth single “JOY,” shining with the sensibilities of music producer Koichi Tsutaya, uses the “3-4-5-6 progression,” which ascends from the third degree of the diatonic scale.
For the first chord—the “3” chord—there are two possible patterns: it can be the diatonic Em7, or a slash chord like C/E.
This progression is used frequently in RADWIMPS’ songs; you can hear it in many tracks, including “Sparkle” and “Kaishin no Ichigeki.”
FAKE LOVEBTS
BTS’s “FAKE LOVE,” which also reached No.
1 on Japan’s Oricon chart, is composed entirely using the “4-5-6 progression.” It’s one of the standard progressions that move toward the vi minor, and it’s widely used in K-pop—including by BTS—as well as across genres from EDM to hard rock.
For example, Yumi Matsutoya’s “Haru yo, Koi” and X JAPAN’s “Rusty Nail” both use the 4-5-6 progression in their intros.