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.
- [Composition] A roundup of famous songs that use classic chord progressions [by ear]
- [J-Pop] List of Popular and Famous Songs That Use the Canon Progression [2026]
- Playable with easy chords! A collection of practice songs for acoustic guitar beginners
- [Japan] A collection of J-pop with a traditional Japanese (wa) vibe and Japanese-style taste
- [Rock] Easy Band-Style Vocaloid Songs for Beginners [Simple]
- [For Beginners] Play on the Piano! A Collection of Songs Using the Canon Progression
- [Guitar] Easy Chord Progressions! A Compilation of Recommended Japanese Songs for Singing and Playing
- [Children’s Song] Easy Even for Piano Beginners! Introducing Nursery Rhymes with Simple Chords
- [Piano Beginners] J-POP That Looks Hard but Is Surprisingly Playable [2026]
- Songs that use the Canon progression that I want to try playing on the piano
- A must-see for anyone who wants to try piano-and-vocal performances through code! From nostalgic oldies to the latest hits, all introduced at once.
- From rock numbers to dance tunes! Cool songs of the Reiwa era
- [Easy Chords] A collection of popular Japanese songs that are easy to play on guitar
A must-see for beginner composers! A roundup of classic chord progressions (1–10)
fireworks (launched into the sky)DAOKO × Yonezu Kenshi
The collaborative song “Uchiage Hanabi” by DAOKO and Kenshi Yonezu uses the “4-5-6-1 progression.” Most of the song, except for the bridge, is built on this progression.
The part that ascends from the diatonic IV to VI evokes a sense of wistfulness, and then landing on the I chord conveys stability.
The 4-5-6-1 progression is also used in other songs, such as Yorushika’s “Ame to Cappuccino” and the chorus of Tama’s “Sayonara Jinrui.”
monsterYOASOBI
The classic progression (the 4-5-3-6 progression) that’s used very often in J-pop is a practical chord progression you can plug straight into songwriting.
The key point is that it starts from the fourth degree of the song’s key.
For example, in YOASOBI’s “Kaibutsu,” even though the key is E, the chorus starts on A, which is the fourth from E.
From there, it moves 4th → 5th → 3rd → 6th, which is the classic progression.
It’s also used in songs like Arashi’s “Love so sweet” and Mr.Children’s “HANABI,” giving tracks a direct, pop feel.
Marunouchi SadisticShiina Ringo
The Just The Two of Us progression, also fondly known in Japan as the “Maru-Sa progression,” is a stylish chord progression.
It was originally known from “Just The Two of Us” by Grover Washington Jr.
and Bill Withers, but in Japan it became famous for its use in Ringo Sheena’s “Marunouchi Sadistic.” The pattern FMaj7 → E7 → Am7 → Gm7 → C7, which moves between major and minor, is perfect for creating an ennui-like vibe.
It’s also used in songs like Ado’s “Usseewa” and MISIA’s “Tsutsumikomu Yō ni…,” so be sure to listen and feel the resonance for yourself!
Get WildTM NETWORK
The 6451 progression, known as the Komuro progression because Tetsuya Komuro used it frequently, starts on the sixth degree as its name suggests, and follows Am → F → G → C.
The F → G → C segment forms a cadence with a strong sense of resolution, making this progression perfect for songs with a powerful image.
It’s used in tracks like GReeeeN’s “Ai Uta” and TRF’s “survival dAnce,” and is often cited in examples that convey straightforward power.
Don’t give upZARD
The chord progression used in ZARD’s “Makenaide” is the Canon progression.
Originating from the classical piece “Canon” by Johann Pachelbel, this progression is characterized by its smooth and beautiful sound.
The flow of the chords is one set of C → G → Am → Em → F → C → F → G, and it’s common to add arrangements such as slash chords.
As examples of its use, in Japanese music there’s Aimyon’s “Marigold,” and in Western music Green Day’s “Basket Case” is well known!
cherrysupittsu
Within J-POP, the popular song “Cherry” by Spitz uses the Let It Be progression (the 1–5–6–4 progression), which goes C → G → Am → F.
This chord progression, also famous from The Beatles’ “Let It Be,” has a somewhat nostalgic sound.
It’s also used in songs like “Let It Go,” known as the theme song from the movie Frozen, and could be described as a progression that suits the tastes of many Japanese listeners.
Last ChristmasWham!
Wham!’s “Last Christmas,” a Christmas song that’s also a classic in Japan, is built on the jazz-standard 1-6-2-5 progression.
The final “2-5” part is called a “two-five” in jazz theory, and it creates a strong sense of movement toward the “1.” Because of that, the 1-6-2-5 progression can be repeated endlessly, so it’s also known as a cyclical progression.
It also appears in rhythm changes tunes, starting with George Gershwin’s famous “I Got Rhythm.”