Chord Progression Starter

By a ComposerDeck member · 20 cards (20 Roman Numeral) · updated 2026-10-07

Twenty progressions from I - IV - V to Coltrane changes: four-chord songs, minor and modal loops, turnarounds and cadences, and four advanced moves.

The 20 cards

• Roman NumeralI - IV - VBuild a progression using the classic major key chords. Forms the foundation of countless songs across genres.
• Roman NumeralI - V - vi - IVCompose with the "axis of awesome" four-chord pop progression. Widely used for its balanced emotional journey.
• Roman Numeralvi - IV - I - VCreate using this popular progression (sometimes called "sensitive female progression"). Begins with relative minor for emotional quality.
• Roman NumeralI - iii - IV - V (50s Progression variation)A variation of the 50s progression (I - vi - IV - V) with iii in place of vi. Keeps the doo-wop shape with a lighter color.
• Roman NumeralI - ii - iii - IV (Ascending Diatonic Bass)Use this ascending diatonic progression, often with stepwise bass motion. Creates a feeling of building or climbing.
• Roman Numerali - VII - VI - v (Natural Minor Descending)Create a minor key descending progression using natural minor scale chords. Creates a gradual release of tension.
• Roman Numerali - ♭VII - ♭VI - V (Andalusian Cadence - Minor)Use this classic descending progression common in Flamenco and rock/pop. Creates a dramatic, falling tension arc.
• Roman Numerali - ♭VI - ♭VII - i (Aeolian/Natural Minor Loop)Create a common loop in natural minor, often found in rock and pop. Creates a circular, hypnotic quality.
• Roman Numerali - ♭VI - ♭III - ♭VII (Epic Natural Minor Loop)Create using this common natural minor (Aeolian) loop. Every chord after the first is major, which gives it an epic sound.
• Roman NumeralI - ♭VII - IV - I (Mixolydian Rock)Use this progression common in rock music that implies a Mixolydian modal feel. The ♭VII adds bluesy character.
• Roman NumeralI - ♭III - ♭VII - IV (Modal Interchange Rock)Implement this modal interchange progression common in rock, borrowing from parallel minor. Creates contrast and color.
• Roman Numeralii - V - I (Major)Compose using the fundamental jazz progression in a major key. Can be elaborated with 7ths and extensions.
• Roman NumeralI - vi - ii - VUse this common progression found in jazz "rhythm changes" and doo-wop progressions. Often loops or leads back to I.
• Roman NumeralIV - iv - I (Minor Plagal Cadence)Implement this cadence featuring a major to minor subdominant resolution to tonic. Creates a bittersweet quality.
• Roman NumeralBackdoor Progression (♭VII7 - I)Use the "backdoor" dominant approach to tonic (e.g., B♭7 to C major). Creates jazz-influenced resolution without the traditional V7 tension.
• Roman NumeralModal Cadence (e.g., II7 - IMaj7 in Lydian)Create a cadence that establishes a modal feel rather than traditional major/minor tonality. Examples include ♭VIIMaj7 - I7 for Mixolydian; iimin7 - vmin7 - imin7 for Dorian.
• Roman NumeralTritone Substitution ProgressionReplace dominant chords with their tritone substitutes (e.g., use D♭7 instead of G7 to resolve to C). Creates chromatic bassline movement and altered color.
• Roman NumeralI - V/vi - vi - V/IV - IV - V/V - V - I (Chain of Secondary Dominants)Create an extended progression using secondary dominants to approach vi, IV, and V. Creates forward harmonic momentum.
• Roman NumeralJazz Blues ProgressionUse a standard Jazz Blues progression: | I7 | IV7 | I7 | I7 | IV7 | #iv°7 | I7 | VI7 | ii7 | V7 | I7 VI7 | ii7 V7 |. Create sophisticated harmonic movement.
• Roman NumeralColtrane Changes (Giant Steps)Implement chord progressions based on major thirds relationships (e.g., B major to G major to E♭ major). Creates rapid harmonic movement through distant key centers.

Keep reading

• 20 chord progressions to steal
• How producers turn constraints into finished tracks

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